I just had a cider at the end of November. Before then, it was January of 2021. I really got out of the cider habit, and I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. The one I had in November wasn't spectacular, but the fact is that I'd usually rather have a beer than a cider on any given night. Well, tonight I'm having a cider, I guess.
I don't know why I didn't expect carbonation, but I guess it has been a while since I tried one of these. Yes, it has bubbles, but they are soda pop bubbles, and they aren't going to stay around for very long. The color is more striking than anything. It looks more like a flavored seltzer than a cider. It's very thin and watery looking. The aroma is in stark contrast to the look, as it is strong with apples and.. nuts? Are there nuts in this thing? I just looked at the label, and yes, there are nuts in it.
First sip is a slap in the tastebuds, but it starts out pretty nice and takes a solid left turn into WTF. I mean, it's not good. They say the nuts are pecans, and I don't hate the taste of pecans (although the texture is not to my liking). I don't know what they did, but the sip was not something I want again. I will, however, see what a swig brings me.
Tip-in is mild carbonation with a very wine-like alcohol and fruit - this is like a sparkling sweet wine. The middle rolls with a sudden increase in carbonation that almost drowns out the too-subtle vanilla and apple in the center of the mouth. The finish goes off the rails with nuts and funk that is just.. unwelcomed.
Bottom Line: Some good, but not nearly enough.
1.25/5