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Farnum Hill Extra Dry Cider
Lebanon, New Hampshire
BJCP Category: 27B English Cider
Farnum Hill Ciders <visit site>
42
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[expand]Total Score: 45/50
Very drinkable and enjoyable. More fruity and complex than a similar dry, white wine. Excellent with foods similar to those that go with white wine such as seafood and spicy foods. more >
[close]Total Score: 45/50
Aroma: Fruity esters without being overtly apple-like. Earthy, farmyard aroma adds to complexity. Light acidity—lactic, not acetic. Low alcohol aroma. Very pleasant overall presentation. (8/10)
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Appearance: Brilliant clarity. Rich, gold color. Sparkling carbonation rapidly dissipates. (6/6)
Flavor: Fruity with apple notes. Complex farmyard flavor is more prominent as the cider warms. Dry. Slight lingering astringency but not puckering. Full bodied. Initial carbonation subsided to a light tingle in mouthfeel. Well balanced combination of sweetness, acidity and astringency. Alcohol warming but it’s not harsh or assertive. (22/24)
Overall Impression: Very drinkable and enjoyable. More fruity and complex than a similar dry, white wine. Excellent with foods similar to those that go with white wine such as seafood and spicy foods. I can imagine this going with a rich shrimp Alfredo fettuccini. Certainly a great alternative to white wines. (9/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 39/50
This was quite an enjoyable sip, though missing some of the nuances described in the guidelines, particularly the tropical fruit aromas and flavor that might provide a bit more balance and complexity. more >
[close]Total Score: 39/50
Aroma: Some subdued sweet apple fruit with a distinct farmyard aroma that dissipates as the cider sits. Slight smoky bacon note, along with a hint of sherry. Tropical fruit aromas suggested in the guidelines are barely detectable. (8/10)
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Appearance: Golden, very clear. Mousse forms, then dissipates to a string of bubbles that consistently rises from the bottom of the glass. Lovely. (6/6)
Flavor: Sweet apple fruit up front, of a green-skinned, tarter perfumey type with a farmyard flavor and balance toward acidity; reminiscent of a lovely gueuze. Dry crisp finish with a hint of lingering sweetness, but with the tropical fruit barely detectable. (22/24)
Overall Impression: I had to consider the fact that most of the ciders available in this area are more of a common variety, or not fermented. The single example I encountered during a trip to the UK was sweet, therefore not really comparable in this case (though quite delicious and memorable). This was quite an enjoyable sip, though missing some of the nuances described in the guidelines, particularly the tropical fruit aromas and flavor that might provide a bit more balance and complexity. The farmyard character is a bit stronger than I expect, not as gentle as the malolactic ferment in many of the white varietal wines available in the Gold County of California. The crisp dry finish begs for a spicy dish (tikka masala!) as an accompaniment. Refreshing! (9/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 41/50
Thanks for sharing a very nice example of an English cider. The aroma and flavors are complex, although my preference is for a slightly softer finish with a little less acidity. more >
[close]Total Score: 41/50
Aroma: Complex aroma but no components are dominant. There are some earthy and barnyard notes, and the tropical fruit character is more reminiscent of fresh pears rather than apples. I have noted this dichotomy in my tasting notes for other French and English ciders. There is some acidity in the background. (8/10)
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Appearance: Some carbonation, and the thin stream of bubbles suggests that it is petillant. The color is very light straw to gold, and the clarity is brilliant. (6/6)
Flavor: Starts with rounded apple notes, but is attenuated fairly quickly into a dry, moderately acidic finish. There is a nice transition in flavors as the cider travels from the front of the tongue to the back, with a complex array of tropical fruit esters and subtle barnyard notes. The lactic acid is a little sharp in the finish—reminds me of a young Italian white wine, but the finish may mellow with some aging. The finish also has a slight astringency from fruit tannins that enhances the balance, and a slight warmth on the palate belies the alcohol strength. (19/24)
Overall Impression: Thanks for sharing a very nice example of an English cider. The aroma and flavors are complex, although my preference is for a slightly softer finish with a little less acidity. The dryness in the finish is very well done and suggests that this cider would be an excellent aperitif, especially if paired with a flavorful cheese. (8/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 45/50
Unusual acidity for an English cider, but I can see how it stands in for the normally higher tannin levels. Amazingly well-constructed cider. more >
[close]Total Score: 45/50
Aroma: Woody, clean apple complexity, suggestive of tannin and oak. Cleanly fermented apple character. Nothing off. Light acid and alcohol sharpness. (9/10)
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Appearance: Poured with an effervescence of pure white bubbles, settling quickly. Tiny bubbles continue to float up from the bottom of the glass throughout the tasting. Perfectly clear. Pale golden color. Quite attractive. (6/6)
Flavor: Sparkling, bracing dryness, crisp finish. Moderate tannins and acidity—the acidity is higher than most traditional English ciders. Very clean and complex fresh apple character. Medium-full body, suggestive of alcohol but not hot. Fairly long, lingering finish with apple flavor and malic acidity. Faint bitterness. (21/24)
Overall Impression: Unusual acidity for an English cider, but I can see how it stands in for the normally higher tannin levels. Amazingly well-constructed cider. The apple varieties are complex, tasty and interesting. With the acidity and tannin about equal, this has a hybrid US-UK feel to it but without a doubt this is a world-class artisanal cider. More bubbles than advertised but I actually think it works better in a cider of this dryness and acidity. A wonderful apertif on a hot summer day. (9/10)
