From Our Boston Outpost:
Some time ago our intrepid Bean Town Cider Correspondent led a cider tasting somewhere in wilds of greater Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Tasters were a diverse batch – ranging in age from just-legal whippersnappers, to seasoned imbibers. Of the assembled tasters a select few were cider-philes, most had only a glancing familiarity with our favorite pome fruit beverage, and some were completely cider-unaware, having no idea what to expect from a fermented apple elixir.
Ciders were selected based on local availability.
The Cider Contenders:
Bantam WUNDERKIND of Massachusetts
Fatty Bampkins DRY hailing from Maine
Vermont Cider Co. FARMHOUSE No. 91
The 3 ciders were presented, glasses filled and the tasters let loose.
Our correspondent placed paper and pen by each cider bottle, and the testers jotted anonymous notes as they tasted.
Real people drinking actual ciders. Here is what they had to say:
Bantam WUNDERKIND Tasting Comments:
“The champagne of ciders!”
“Light, a wee sharp upfront, (illegible), like sparkling wine.”
“Likey!”
“Very sweet”
“Good body, nice aftertaste. A little too sweet.”
“Good with Food/Meal.”
“Sweet & tasty, makes me want a donut.”
“NICE!”
“More like apple juice. Sweet & crisp but blends well.”
“Good sparkle & flavor. Has mellow apple flavor.”
Fatty Bampkins DRY Tasting Comments:
“faint apple taste”
“Light/Fresh, Refreshing – Not Much Flavor”
“Very Adult. – DRY.”
“Too TARTE”
“slight pickle scent??”
“No me gusta tambien. Very vinegary, not much apple flavor”
Vermont Cider Co. FARMHOUSE No. 91 Tasting Comments:
“sweet apple taste (heart).”
“Like soda-pop. Tastes like apples. (On purpose?)”
“delicious. very sweet. would prefer it to be a little more bubbly!”
“Flat but could be tasty otherwise.”
“Perfect for tweens.”
“Lacks effervescence, a bit sweet, but could be good in a cocktail!”
“Not enough effervescence for me, but the flavor is smooth.”
“Did I just drink alcohol? Pretty sure it was juice.”
The Consensus: Local craft cider Bantam WUNDERKIN is hands down favorite at this informal Boston cider tasting.
The Take Away:
1. We believe there is a cider for everyone.
2. How to find YOUR ciders? Taste Testing. Extensive Taste Testing.
3. Cider Tasting is More Fun in Groups. Cider knowledge shared while tasting is enjoyable, and informal, casual tastings brings out the best in most ciders, and certainly results in some interesting comments.
4. If you like cider and want to share the cider joy, an informal tasting like this is a good way to introduce your cider-curious friends to the wonderful world of cider.
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