Review from Hoptopia, Fox Barrel Black Currant and The Saint

Hoptopia - Fox Barrel Blackcurrant
posted May 24, 2010 1:09 PM by Crispin Cider

Fox_barrel_blackcurrant_cider
Brew Review #148
Fox Barrel Black Currant Cider www.hoptopia.com
Cider
Fox Barrel, Colfax, California, USA
I RATE THIS BEER: 88
RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. ? | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Strawberry Jam, Candy Apple, Rosé Wine, Sour Cherry, Watermelon // THE TASTE: Cranberry Juice, Lavender, Rosehip, Chamomile, Redcurrant // THE BOTTOMLINE: Definitely reminiscent of the Cider & Black still whipped upon request in any British Pub worth its salt; this cider manages to cram an impressive array of sweet and tart aromatics and flavors into its seemingly simple make up. On the palate a floral tea nuance makes itself known adding neatly to the overall English garden in bloom vibe the drink has. This cider is pretty and probably more interesting than you might at first assume. // THE BACKBONE: Apples, Blackcurrant Liquor // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles //
Food Pairings:

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Hoptopia - The Saint
posted May 24, 2010 1:07 PM by Crispin Cider

Crispin_the_saint
Brew Review #149 www.hoptopia.com
Crispin The Saint
Cider
Crispin , Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
I RATE THIS BEER: 93
RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 6.9% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Peach, Honey, Damp Straw, Fresh Cut Grass, Wet Dog // THE TASTE: Honeycrisp Apple, Banana, Fudge, Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Apple Pie Filling, Allspice // THE BOTTOMLINE: One of the more complex, perplexing and all around delicious ciders I‘ve tasted, this wears its Belgian yeasts and maple syrup addition on its sleeve with glowing pride. There is something wholly fulfilling and comforting about this cider - think mouthwatering handcrafted artisanal candy and freshly baked fruit pies. On the nose notes of green and breezy countryside and a little farm funk are the spice to all that desserty goodness. Folks with a dull sweet tooth may want to give this a pass, me, I love this. // THE BACKBONE: Apples, Belgian Trappist Yeasts, Organic Maple // PRICE POINT: $6 | 1x 22oz bottle //
Food Pairings:

www.hoptopia.com