Crispin Honey Crisp Cider

We've been enjoying more cider recently here at the Musings, my fondness for big beers and tongue-biting IPAs notwithstanding. We're not tied to one drink preference; a fine beverage is a fine beverage. One cider I've been bringing home frequently is Crispin Honey Crisp Artisanal Reserve. This week we had a late evening after a swim meet and decided a cider would be the perfect drink with which to wind down.

Honey Crisp Cider pours a cloudy straw yellow color with a very thin head. The cloudiness is due to the copious fine apple wine sediment at the bottom of the bottle. A good swirl of the bottle is required at the end of the pour to make sure everyone gets their share. The cidery recommends serving the cider over ice. I've never done that and find it's plenty chilled straight from the fridge. The aroma is earthy and apple-like. Sticking my nose in the glass I could imagine a fall barn full of old wooden crates filled with fresh picked apples. The flavor is very crisp with tart apples, a bit of pear, and a hint of bready yeast. The mouthfeel is creamy, and the finish brings out some honey sweetness that lingers to balance the apple tartness.

This cider from Crispen Cidery is refreshing and moderately full-bodied. It's not light or watery — this is cider, not apple juice. And it's becoming a staple in my beer fridge.