Woodchuck Cider Tasting - 2014

So we here at Goatsden are sort of known for enjoying a good beer now and again (and again, some would dare say). But, in the interest of NOT being snobbish or in any way clique-ish, we thought it high time to review some other spirits. And what better way to celebrate the snowfall in Fall as to review some new ciders?

Woodchuck (based in Vermont, USA) is probably the best-known cidery on this side of the Atlantic. And for good reason. Their distribution is amazing, and their ciders are all solid and well-balanced, at least by Goatsden standards (say no more). This review is of three specialty Woodchuck ciders, either seasonals or new varietals. On with the tasting, shall we?

Hopsation - Hop Forward Cider

Hmm, this is a nice collision of tastes, and it works better than you’d expect. It pours a very pale complexion, with a pleasant floral aroma. The grassy, citrusy, piney Cascade hops blend well among the sweet apple. It’s a subtle mix here, not overwhelmingly hoppy, but with a distinctive flavor I've not had before. Mrs. Goatsden says this one tastes more “beer-like”, and she’s spot-on. It’s balanced, tasty, and one I’ll be seeking out again. 

Winter Chill - Oak Aged Apple

This one is a mellow blend, with the cider being aged in French and American oak. Winter Chill brings a subtle vanilla accent to the apple — but it’s subtle, and there isn’t a lot of the oak character otherwise to detect. Nonetheless, this one is among my favorites from Woodchuck’s fine line.

Fall Harvest - Just Like Apple Pie

Filled with plenty of Fall spices (cinnamon and nutmeg), this tasty and sweet cider has a hint of heat from the spices to accent the sweet apple character. I really liked this one, but can see why it will be a favorite among fans of apple pie or generally sweet drinks.

Woodchuck

Woodchuck Hard Ciders

With the cider world expanding rapidly and competing, to some extent, with the beer market, it's high time I look closer at this historic and delicious beverage.

In America, Woodchuck Cidery, based in Middlebury, Vermont, dominates the marketplace, with a variety of different cider varietals, limited editions, and seasonals. So, with that  in mind, I searched out a wide array of Woodchuck's ciders and present my tastings to you. 

WOODCHUCK - AMBER

This is the original, flagship cider from pioneering Woodchuck cidery, and a favorite with good reason. It's slightly spiced, perfecty balanced, and quite delicious.

WOODCHUCK - GRANNY SMITH

Needless to say, this nearly-clear-complected cider is a more tart, sour apple variety, harnessing the attributes of the green apple. Still, this one's nicely balanced and quite enjoyable.

WOODCHUCK - PEAR

This one strikes a different taste, as could be expected. Light (at only 4% ABV), this tasty "cider" variation uses sweet pear juice, as opposed to apple. I love a good pear, and this one's perfectly enjoyable.

WOODCHUCK - RASPBERRY

This light and pale "cider" is another subtle variation on the cider theme. Happily, I can report that the raspberry taste here has no weird or artificial aftertastes (as do many fruit beers I've had). Solid.

WOODCHUCK - WINTER

This seasonal blend is a marvelous mix of French and American oak (I assume it's aged in oak barrels?) and Woodchuck's trademark well-balanced cider. Delicious, crisp, and complex.

WOODCHUCK - PUMPKIN

The strongest (at 6.9%) of the regular Woodchuck line, this seasonal is really limited (produced for only 2.5 hours on the bottling line), and really delicious. This one adds, naturally, a sweet and mellow pumpkin infusion to the cider blend. What results is a warm, Fall-type flavor that's not too sweet or spicy. There's no hint of the nutmeg/cinnamon/allspice that pumpkin beers often exhibit, either, so if those bother you, don't hesitate to try this lovely and unique cider. 

For more information on Woodchuck, their history, and cider types, visit:

Woodchuck.com