Thursday, April 26, 2012

DOC'S DRAFT HARD PEAR CIDER


A relative of mine went to NYC for a few days and they brought me back this cider to try.  Doc's Draft Hard  Pear Cider is one of many products produced by Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery in the foothills of the Hudson Valley New York. 

The size of bottle received was 22 Fl. Oz.  The alcohol content is 5.5%.  According to the company's website all cider's are crafted with 100% fruit and are gluten free. (Yes!!)

The Hard Pear cider is made from apples and pears.  It poured clear with little carbonation.  My picture may not do it justice but it is a very light looking cider.  The taste was light...not overpowering in flavour but intense...if that makes sense. It a a nice crisp cider with a dry finish.  Even the aroma was not overpowering nor weak...it was just right.  It was a great treat to have and really enjoyable.  Of course I like to try ciders without ice...but my friend Jo who is also a cider drinker decided to sample this cider over ice.  Her conclusion was that having this cider over ice diluted the drink and it lost it's flavour.  

 For those who may visit this winery or happen upon the product in a store while in the USA other ciders available include Hard Apple and Raspberry Cider.

I have included the website below so if your travels take you to New York State, this maybe a place of interest for you.

http://wvwinery.com/cider/

I give this cider an 8.9 out of 10. 

Cheers,

Monday, April 23, 2012

Alexander Keith's Original Cider

Alexander Keith's Original Cider

Bottles: 6x 335ml
Price: $14.00
5.5% Alcohol/Vol
Sugar Content: 5
Available at the LCBO

Can: 473 ml
Price: $2.95
5.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content: 6
Available at the LCBO
 
I recently came across Alexander Keith's Original Cider at the LCBO.  I thought I would give it a try as I see people and friends enjoying various Alexander Keith's beer.  I had my choice of purchasing individual cans or a six pack of bottles.  I chose to go with the can option as I wasn't too sure how I would like the taste.  

When I opened the can, my first thought was wow what an overpowering smell of pear.  As I began to pour the cider into the glass, the pear smell turned into a combination of pear and  apple.  Now I was intrigued.  I decided to drink this cider without ice as I wanted to see what it tasted like without the influence of frozen water ( it does say on the can to serve over ice).  The head disappeared quickly, not sure if the picture does it justice, but the colouring is a pale yellow.

With my first sip, I thought it had a salty taste to it.  Drinking slowly, I was trying to figure out what flavour was the most predominate.  I have to admit, the longer you drink this cider, the different flavours appear.  There is a citrus bite to this cider as I was convinced I could taste grape fruit.  I will be honest at the beginning I didn't think I would like this cider as I couldn't get a grip with the taste.  As I continued drinking, the more I began to enjoy it as more of the apple and citrus flavours came through. 

I decided to read the ingredients list to see which "fruits" were used to make this cider.  Let's just say I was shocked.  Cider, water, sucrose, malic acid, natural flavour and sulphites.  Cider....??? Natural flavour....could you be more specific....did you use apples?  I tried looking up the ingredients list on their official web page but nothing.  I always try to confirm if the cider is gluten free. 

Also, I discovered that the cider was made in the USA, by the parent company and imported to Ontario.

Synopsis:  I will be honest and admit this is not one of my favourite ciders.  I have had better...locally and abroad.  Would I drink it again.....yes.  Would it be my first choice....no.   Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what they prefer and this reviewer prefers others.  I will try this cider again but over ice and when I do, I will tell you what I thought.

I give this cider 5.2 out of 10.

****Side Note**** - A family member decided to try this cider as I had an extra can in the fridge.  Being the typical guy he drank it straight from the can.  I asked him his opinion and he indicated that it tasted like green apples.  After 5 mins you could still smell the fruit aroma coming from the can. 

Cheers!

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