Draft Cider

90 Organic Cider, Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery (England). 5% ABV (8/08)
Golden amber color. Round dried apple and pear, caramel and nougat aromas. A round, rich entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body of rich three-dimensional apple, pear skin and star fruit-like flavors. Finishes with a long, tangy, mouth-watering fade. A superb quenching style with lots of rich fruit character and excellent balance.

90 Woodchuck Granny Smith Draft Cider, Green Mountain Cidery (VT). 5% ABV (8/08)
Platinum straw color with a persistent fine mousse. Yeasty apple bread and green apple skin aromas. A soft entry leads to a tart, dry-yet-fruity light body of delicate, crushed Granny Smith apple flavors. Finishes with a crisp, mineral accented fade. An elegant, refreshing cider.

89 Strongbow Cider, H.P. Bulmer Ltd. (England). 5% ABV (8/08)
Old golden color. Waxy baked apple, lipstick and nut oil aromas. A crisp entry leads to frothy, dry-yet-fruity medium body of baked green apple and light lemon zest flavors. Finishes with a crisp, lightly powdery, fruit tannin fade.

88 Woodchuck Draft Amber Cider, Green Mountain Cidery (VT). 5% ABV (8/08)
Pale golden amber color. Apple blossom and spicy apple pie aromas follow through on a round entry to a fruity sweet medium body with wild flower honey and peach accents. Finishes with a long, crisp tangy fade with a touch of slate minerality.

88 Woodchuck Draft Pear Cider, Green Mountain Cidery (VT). 4% ABV (8/08)
Golden straw color. Vibrantly floral pear blossom, lavender and honeyed apricot aromas follow through on a round, creamy entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with spiced pear cider and floral talc notes. Finishes with a perfumey florid fade. A very soft and feminine cider with a stronger floral character than fruit character.

87 Cider Jack Draft Cider, Green Mountain Cidery (VT). 5% ABV (8/07)
Straw green color. Mildly yeasty, apple bread dough aromas. A crisp, bubbly entry leads to a fruity and tangy, light-to-medium body of green apple skins, honeyed lemon and chamomile tea flavors. Finishes with a pleasant, caramel-drizzled Macintosh apple fade.

87 Woodpecker Cider, Bulmers America (England). 5% ABV (8/08)
Bright yellow golden color. Honey baked apple aromas follow through on a crisp frothy entry to a fruity light-to-medium body with light spice and mineral accents. Finishes with a clean, lightly tangy and astringent fade.

85 Woodchuck Dark & Dry Draft Cider 802, Green Mountain Cidery (VT). 5% ABV (8/08)
Amber color. Apple-watermelon candy, spice gum and dried flower aromas follow through on a round, brisk entry to a fruity-yet-dry light-to-medium body with a quick, breezy apple candy fade.

83 Crisp Cider, HardCore Cider Co. (MA). 5.5% ABV (8/07)
Brilliant amber golden-orange topaz color is remarkable. Sulfury aromas of fireworks, dishrags and hard cheeses. A round, frothy entry lead to a tangy medium body of red apples and matchstick flavors. Finishes with a quick mineral water, gunflint and apple skin fade. Somewhat out-of-whack.
Hard Cider

90 Organic English Draft Cider, Aspall (England). 6.8% ABV (9/06)
Brilliant old gold color. Dried apple blossom, light apple cider vinegar, light caramel and white spices aromas. A delicately frothy entry leads to a vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium- to full-bodied palate with crushed apple skins, cider vinegar and delicate spices. Finishes with a very tart and tannic mineral and apple skin fade. An earthy, country-style cider with great charm and wine-like appeal.

88 Golden Hard Cider, HardCore Cider Co. (OH). 4% ABV (9/06)
Brilliant golden amber color. Sweet clover honey and applesauce aromas follow through to a fruity, tart and tangy medium- to full-bodied palate with floral honey, fresh red delicious apple purée, fresh cut grass and delicate brown spices. Finishes with a vibrant tart and light tannin red apple skin.

86 Clos Normand Brut Cider, CSR (France). 4% ABV (8/07)
Brilliant amber color. Rich baked apple and raw honey aromas. A bold, frothy entry leads to a tangy, dryish full body of baked and crushed apples, raw wildflower honey and delicate brown spices. Finishes with a medium length tart, apple skin and molasses fade. A interesting, artisanal, country cider in the Normandy style.
Perry

86 Perry, Baby Cham (England). 5.9% ABV (8/07)
Pale golden color. Yeasty, proofed fruit bread dough and baked lemon aromas have an oaky butterscotch accent. A crisp, vibrant entry leads to a tangy medium-to-full body of dried pear, apple and citrus peel flavors with a touch of spice. Finishes with a mineral, pear skin and powdery fruit tannin fade. Nicely dry and refreshing with a crisp acidity that will work well at the table. Pear flavors are part of a total fruit and citrus character and not dominant.