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Angry Orchard Crisp Apple
Cincinnati, Ohio
BJCP Category: 27A
Angry Orchard Hard Cider <visit site>
40
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[expand]Total Score: 41/50
Very drinkable common cider that would please most who like apples. Alcohol is there, but not very perceivable; this drinks like a sweetened non-alcoholic cider. more >
[close]Total Score: 41/50
Aroma: Very high ripe-apple aroma, almost like that of a jug of sweet cider. Very fruity. Very low alcohol evident. Crisp, clean, balanced aroma. No off aromas. (8/10)
Appearance: Golden color. Brilliant clarity. Slightly petillant with fine bubbles. (6/6)
Flavor: Sweet with very fruity, ripe-apple flavor. Hints of cinnamon-like spiciness. Very nice supporting tannins provide a medium-high body. Good balance of sweetness and acidity that prevents this from being cloying or flabby. Finishes with a balance of sweet aftertaste and dry mouthfeel. Carbonation not specified; this was just barely petillant. A more carbonated version would add to the already bright character. Perceived alcohol flavor is quite low, but warming after drinking the entire 12 ounces. (19/24)
Overall Impression: Very drinkable common cider that would please most who like apples. Alcohol is there, but not very perceivable; this drinks like a sweetened non-alcoholic cider. Low OG and alcohol and higher FG (sweetness) may be due to back-sweetening after fermentation. This cider should appeal to many, including this judge, but a bit drier, higher carbonation and increased alcohol presence may broaden the appeal to those who don’t have a sweet-tooth for their drinks. Still, very refreshing on a hot June day. Not wine-like, so I like this dominant apple character with a sharp, aged cheddar cheese or a platter of pork schnitzel, sauerkraut, and spaetzle. (8/10)
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[expand]Total Score: 40/50
This was quite an enjoyable beverage. The light cidery notes and ripe, sun-warmed apple aromas are reminiscent of the cider press on an Indian Summer afternoon, or a late October orchard. more >
[close]Total Score: 40/50
Aroma: Pronounced ripe tart apple fruitiness up front melds to a more concentrated, bright wine-like aroma. Clean fermentation, with a hint of lactic acidity. (6/10)
Appearance: Brilliant clarity, golden with a few small bubbles continually rising from the bottom of the glass. (6/6)
Flavor: Moderately strong ripe apple sits in the tongue up front, then gives way to a clean tartness like Granny Smith and Braeburn apples, along with the light tannin astringency of that and other antique cider varieties. Body is medium full with a light carbonation, tickling the tongue, just a bit more fizzy than petillant. Alcohol is evident as a low warming sensation, less as a flavor component. Dry, crisp finish with a hint of lingering sweetness. Well balanced among the tannic, tart, and sweet components. Hint of lactic bite provides structure. (20/24)
Overall Impression: This was quite an enjoyable beverage. The light cidery notes and ripe, sun-warmed apple aromas are reminiscent of the cider press on an Indian Summer afternoon, or a late October orchard. I may be waxing philosophical, mourning and honoring the passing of a great inspiration, Ray Bradbury, shortly before sampling this cider. He would have written the most wonderfully terrifying story of the Angry Orchards from which it came. I imagine the Tree’s hoarse voice would exclaim: “Hey, you kids! Get off my roots!” as he waves his grizzled, lichen covered branches, still laden with wrinkled, withered apples in that late October afternoon. The crisp fruity finish is dessert-like in itself, a wonderful accompaniment to earthy Camembert, or a firm, salty feta. Refreshing and nostalgic. (8/10)
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[expand]Total Score: 42/50
Thanks for sharing a complex, flavorful example of a Common Cider. This does not taste that common, and this particular example is encouragingly becoming more accessible in the Northeast. more >
[close]Total Score: 42/50
Aroma: Sweet and tart apples with underlying woody and spice notes It has the fresh apple notes I get from some French ciders—an explosion of fruit like biting into an apple, a nice surprise in a domestic cider. It has a little more pear character than apple. Clean fermentation profile. (8/10)
Appearance: Golden to light copper in color, with excellent clarity. Some carbonation, in between petillant and sparkling. (6/6)
Flavor: The initial sensation is sweetness, followed by a pleasant level of sourness and ending with soft tannins. The apple flavor is complex, with honey notes that reflect dessert apples or a really good reproduction. I also pick up low levels of spicy notes, notably clove and allspice, which could come from the yeast. The finish is dry with a moderate tartness. An enticing Champagne character, but only at the very end. Excellent balance. The mouthfeel has a low to moderate prickly character from carbonic acid, followed by some astringency that coats the mouth with a slight chalky character. Low alcohol warmth is apparent, but within style. (20/24)
Overall Impression: Thanks for sharing a complex, flavorful example of a Common Cider. This does not taste that common, and this particular example is encouragingly becoming more accessible in the Northeast. It compares well to many French and English ciders I have tasted and can more than hold its own. (8/10)
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[expand]Total Score: 40/50
Apple flavor is straightforward, clean, and fairly simple, reminding me of apple juice or concentrate. Sweetness in finish makes it a pleasant, accessible drink but the acidity and tannin give it a balanced more >
[close]Total Score: 40/50
Aroma: Moderately strong fruity apple aroma—like fruit juice. Some alcohol, sulfur, and suggestion of tannin (like apple peel). Fairly clean and moderately intense nose. Smells a bit like an apple press after use. Restrained suggestion of acidity. (8/10)
Appearance: Sparkling upon pour, head raised but settled quickly like soda. Not effervescent. Perfectly clear. Deep golden color, approaching amber. (6/6)
Flavor: Fairly strong fruity apple flavor—again, like juice, with some sweetness coming out toward the finish. Medium-light carbonation. Malic acid acidity and tannins provide balance to the sweetness and improve drinkability and structure. Clean fermentation character. No noticeable alcohol except a mild warming. Medium body. Clean finish with apple flavor, malic acidity, and light tannins lasting into the aftertaste. Well-balanced. (18/24)
Overall Impression: Apple flavor is straightforward, clean, and fairly simple, reminding me of apple juice or concentrate. Sweetness in finish makes it a pleasant, accessible drink but the acidity and tannin give it a balanced taste. Refreshing, not insipid. Has more character than many commercial mass-market ciders. My biggest complaint is that the aroma and flavor remind me too much of raw juice. (8/10)
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