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Apple Cyser
Sunnyvale, California
BJCP Category: 25A Cyser, Still/Hydromel/Semi-Sweet
Rabbit’s Foot Meadery <visit site>
38
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[expand]Total Score: 40/50
The apple character is much more assertive than the expression of honey. A bit more balanced presentation would better fit the style. more >
[close]Total Score: 40/50
Aroma: Light honey aroma with a more pronounced expression of fruity apples. Some sulfur notes. No diacetyl. No phenolics. Alcohol is there but very subtle and unassuming. No oxidation. Crisp aroma that’s very inviting. (7/10)
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Appearance: Bright, if not brilliant, clarity. Thin legs fall smoothly back into the rich golden liquid. Still, as expected. No defined meniscus, indicating a smaller mead, a hydromel. This is a very pretty mead. (6/6)
Flavor: Light, refreshing, fruity and slightly tart. Semi-sweet as advertised. Low alcohol with no hot alcohol notes. Honey is not particularly assertive but the apple flavor is reminiscent of a green Granny Smith with a hint of sulfur. No phenols. No diacetyl. No oxidation. Body is thin, as appropriate for a hydromel but finishes with a bit of mouth-filling tannin astringency. Balance is toward acidity—accentuating the sense of apple crispness. (20/24)
Overall Impression: The apple character is much more assertive than the expression of honey. A bit more balanced presentation would better fit the style. However, this is still a very drinkable cyser that is comparable to a moderately sweet, fruity Gewurztraminer. This goes very well with a baked, ripe Brie en Croute. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys white wine as a great alternative. (7/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 37/50
More reminiscent of a Chenin Blanc than a mead; definitely more pronounced cider character. more >
[close]Total Score: 37/50
Aroma: Prominent apple, sweet and sharp varieties like Gravenstein and Braeburn. Low cinnamon spicy note. Honey aroma quite subdued; no fusel or alcoholic notes. As it warms, honey comes forward, but is still subdued. (6/10)
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Appearance: Light straw with fine mist of bubbles, likely from agitating the bottle; quickly falls still. Some “legs.” Brilliant clarity. (6/6)
Flavor: Sweet at first, then has pronounced fruit acidity. Honey note comes in mid-palate, but overall flavor is more of cider than of honey. Neither honey nor apple variety is discernable in the flavor, but neither is declared on the label. Subtle flower “pollen” quality, like apple blossom, but flavor. Long lasting clean tartness in the finish. Body is light and still. No alcoholic warmth. Tart, back-of-the-cheek, corner-of-the-mouth lingering finish diminishes after a couple of minutes. (17/24)
Overall Impression: More reminiscent of a Chenin Blanc than a mead; definitely more pronounced cider character. Pleasant “no frills, no spills” Tuesday evening beverage, or a summer picnic treat. The balance of fruit and acidity is refreshing, with a moderate alcohol content that delivers a session drinkability. Pairs well with gorgonzola and freshly baked bread—still warm from the oven, or toasted, of course. (8/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 38/50
This is an enjoyable cyser that would go well with many cheeses and meat dishes. More residual honey character would provide complexity. more >
[close]Total Score: 38/50
Aroma: Dessert apples with a hint of sulfur and some alcohol in the background. The honey is well concealed. It has an interesting oak/wood character that adds complexity. Some acidity becomes apparent as it warms. (7/10)
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Appearance: Crystal clear with just a wisp of carbonation. The color is a very pale gold and looks quite enticing. (6/6)
Flavor: The focus is on the apples, with a good blend of tartness, apple flavor and tannins. Alcohol is apparent in a long, fairly dry finish. The honey flavor is very understated and apparently primarily serves to boost the alcohol a notch. Background flavors include a slight oak character and hints of vanilla and pear. Some tannins linger in the finish, along with a slight alcoholic warmth. The acidity is a little mouth-puckering, like green apple-flavored candy. (17/24)
Overall Impression: This is an enjoyable cyser that would go well with many cheeses and meat dishes. More residual honey character would provide complexity, and a less tart apple blend would soften the finish. The toasted oak and vanilla flavors add an exotic complexity that helps distinguish this mead. (7/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 37/50
Could have more apple complexity. Seems simple, like McIntosh or Honey Crisp apples. Good apple-honey balance (both in flavor and in sweet-tart balance). more >
[close]Total Score: 37/50
Aroma: Tart apple cider-like aroma with a light honey sweetness. Aged apple character hints of Calvados. Light spice—cinnamon? Generally clean. Honey character is subtle; most of the nose is apple-derived. (7/10)
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Appearance: Medium yellow color. Crystal clear. Still. Very attractive. (6/6)
Flavor: Off-dry, wine-like, with a definite honey and apple flavor; very evenly balanced. The tartness of apples balances the sweetness of honey. Like a strong cider but with a rounded mouthfeel from the honey. Still. Medium-full body. Finishes rather full, not crisp. Subtle apple flavors, light tannin, no flaws. Just enough alcohol to know it’s there, but very light. (17/24)
Overall Impression: Could have more apple complexity. Seems simple, like McIntosh or Honey Crisp apples. Good apple-honey balance (both in flavor and in sweet-tart balance). Light, as a hydromel should be. More refreshing when well-chilled, but the cold temperature kills the flavors making it seem more like a wine cooler or a Chenin Blanc. Simple, light, no flaws, well balanced, but subtle since it’s a hydromel. (7/10)
