First sip is actually pretty good. The distinct taste of apples and cinnamon flow freely over a warmth that is immediate and all-inclusive. It warms the tip of the tongue, and I can feel the heat hitting all the way down the gullet. The warmth is smooth and calming, and a sweetness stays on the lips like a glaze on top of the crust. I think I might be able to sip this all night, but a larger drink is in order (I'm not even sure this works with moonshine like it does with beer).
Tip-in is alcohol. The burn is not as immediate as it was with a sip, and it hits stronger when it does kick in - as a burn instead of a warmth. The middle is compressed like a shovel of apples, a jar of cinnamon, and straight alcohol fighting to hit the tastebuds - none of them being very good on their own, and they are hitting all alone - one at a time. It's unpleasant. The trailing taste is of the apple pie I had in the sip, but the drink hits the stomach like a rock on fire. It's still not good.
I totally recommend drinking this the right way - as a sip. I may try it on the rocks, but I'm pretty sure sipping is the way to go, and that's what I'm scoring this on - not the terrible gulp.
3.5/5