In my quest to Certified Pommelier™, I spent much of 2023 practicing sensory analysis (drinking many ciders). Below is a list in no particular order of my absolute favorites.
Reine des Pommes • Bauman’s Cider
I’m a big Bauman’s fan, but I kept coming back to this one again and again. French for “Queen of the Apples,” the sweetness of this blend was balanced with smooth tannins in true French-style fashion. It had notes of burnt sugar, apple skin, baked apple and leather (one of my favorite notes).
Cormé • Bordelet
One of the many reasons that my favorite local bottle shop is The Place is because David, the owner, always gives solid recommendations. His eyes lit up as he described this product he’d just received, and I was sold.
Made with the fruit from the service tree (cormus domestica), this is an updated version of an old style of drink. This delivered pastry dough and raspberry notes, like munching on a danish. It was so spectacular that I couldn’t stop smelling it. Although a little pricier, this bottle was worth every penny.
Glow • Alpenfire Cider
I am a sucker for cider made with red fleshed apples, and this is the best of the best. It was no surprise when this received Best in Show at the Pacific Northwest Cider Cup. Besides the vibrant color and acidity, it has all the notes I expect from a red cider: strawberries, rhubarb, watermelon and raspberry.
At the Cider Summit, I sampled this one over and over at Press Then Press Cider Shop’s booth. (They always have the best stuff). Despite drinking it all day, friends and I still ordered a bottle of this at dinner afterward. It’s that good!
2016 Cinderella Slipper • Eden’s Cider
On the eve of Seattle’s Cider Summit, I sat in the backyard of some very wonderful friends, kept warm by their roaring fire pit. In the wee hours of the night, they generously pulled out a forgotten bottle of Cinderella Slipper.
What an incredibly complex cider! The aroma was a mix of baked apple and orchard floor. The flavor was intensely peaty, reminiscent of a good scotch. With an abundance of minerality and petrichor, it was almost like sucking on a mossy, wet rock (in a good way). Although I realize that doesn’t make it sound appealing, it was one of the best ciders I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. I’m still dreaming about it.
Principle Perry • Empyrical Cider
The only things more beautiful than Empyrical’s artwork is their flavors, so I was not surprised when they tied with Heartland Ciderworks for Best New Cidery of 2023. Their attention to detail is all parts of their craft is evident, and everything I’ve had from them is exceptional.
It’s floral. It’s got melon notes. It’s got pear (obviously). I am very sad to report that I’ve only got one bottle of this left in my stash at the time of this writing. I’m definitely looking forward to next year’s batch!
Christine’s Smile • Oliver’s Fine Cider
This cider is a fitting ode for its namesake, Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider. It’s beautifully rich with notes of petrichor, orchard floor, apple skin, dark chocolate and leather.
I was surprised I enjoyed this so much because I don’t usually tend toward something this bitter sharp and dry, but Tom Oliver shows his mastery here. This paired well with a great conversation between another Pommelier and I.
Cidre St. Bernard • Maley
The American Cider Association coordinated a book signing at The Place in March with Claude Jolicoeur, following the release of his book Cider Planet. After his reading, he noticed me selecting bottles to take home to my stash (hoard?), and recommended this one as one of the best I would ever had. When someone like that says that to you, you follow their advice so I added it to my purchase.
Boy was he right. This bittersweet cider was fantastic, and I couldn’t stop smelling it. Honeycomb notes were present with a hint of pastry dough and a little bit of funk.
2022 Coferment • Raw Cider
I first sampled this at the Hood River Cider Fest in April. Every time I saw them after, I pestered them about when it was going to be released in bottles. Trying it again at their Tasting Room Preview Party, solidified that it was going on my Best of the Year list.
Made with pears and pinot gris grapes, this refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days. It’s light and bright with elderflower and melon notes.
Cheers! See you all in 2024!
Esters 