Crispin Cider “Brut”
August 29, 2011
I’m not really a cider guy, but then again I haven’t had much cider so maybe I am a cider guy and don’t really know it? The cider I have tried so far has been Woodpecker Cider from Vermont (really lame website, so don’t bother) but I recently had the opportunity to sample a bunch of Crispin Ciders courtesy of their promotional people.
Again, ciders aren’t my first choice, (this is the first cider review on The Brew Club) but this one turned out to be a nice treat on a hot August evening here in New Jersey.
This review is of one of the Crispin ‘Blue Line’ ciders which include ‘Crispin Original’, ‘Crispin Lite’, and this one, ‘Crispin Brut’.
What’s the difference? Well, here’s what they say about it on their website – which isn’t much but it gives you an idea…
Elegant Original is crisp over ice
Invigorating Light with only 110 calories it’s bright over ice
Brisk & refined Brut is a European-Style Extra-Dry over ice
Wow. Hey, don’t kill yourself with the descriptions over there! LOL!
So, today I’m checking out the Crispin ‘Brut’ but I will say I’m really looking forward to checking out their cider brewed with a stout yeast and a maple cider made with a trappist ale yeast!
(I thought that Trappist yeast was locked up in a crypt, but I guess the cider people have secret agents getting those secret yeast strains!)
So anyway, (again from the website) they seem to like to call this Brut version of their cider the… ”champagne” of ciders; combining subtlety and sophistication; the epitome of unforced elegance. A crisp fresh apple bouquet with a brisk, refined finish that lingers on the palate.
As much as I hate that overflowery copy, I’d have to agree with its general points. While I can’t say it is or is not the ‘champagne of ciders’, I did find that this 5.5% ABV beverage to be crisp on the tongue and very fresh tasting. The champagne thing BTW, I think, refers to the ‘dryness’ of the drink. It has something to do with the amount of sugar that its brewed with – or something like that.
Anyway…
Disobeying the suggestion that this cider be served over ice, I gave it a pour and it certainly looked good. Nicely golden in color, clear with a decent amount of carbonation added to its refreshing visual appeal.
The aroma was also enjoyable and a welcome change to the Imperial Stouts I’ve oddly been downing this summer. Fresh apples and flowery with just a little sweetness. Oh, the bubbles tickled my nose! hee hee hee hee hee!
The apple flavors were there for sure, but I didn’t necessarily feel like I was drinking an alcohol-laden and carbonated glass of standard-fare apple juice. It was lighter than that, and the Brutness, or dryness I think lent nicely to the overall experience. It wasn’t sweet or sticky is the point I think I’m trying to make.
Overall, I liked the Crispin Cider in ‘Brut’ format. I don’t think I liked it enough to say I’d buy a six-pack of this or any hard cider in place of my favored beer or the moment, but as a free sample I found it did the trick.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the samples!
What about you? Is hard cider part of your rotation?
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August 29th, 2011 at 7:42 am
I just can’t get into the cider thing. I haven’t found one yet that made me thing, “I want more of this.”
August 29th, 2011 at 10:41 am
Nate – Have you tried any of the Crispins? They have a few that use various yeasts; Stout, Belgian, and a new Sake one. These are really unique. More beer like than cider. I’m more of a beer guy myself, but every once and awhile I’ll tap into one of the ciders. They’ve taken the place of light beers for me. Something I want after a heavy meal or earlier in the day.
August 29th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@Chris has a point there. I still have the Stout cider and the maple something or other one to try, but I don’t think they will replace beer for me either.
August 30th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Nope never had any of the Crispins. I’ll make sure to look for them next time I’m at the beer store.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Worth a try if you’re looking for something light. I had another one today (with ice) and I’ll say it way rather enjoyable!
August 31st, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Woodpecker normally leaves me lacking, and I drank a ton of pub cider when I lived in London in 1984. Will have to look for Crispin. Leinenkugel Summer Shandy has been my non-beer drink of choice for years.
August 31st, 2011 at 9:29 pm
@Lee – Its not bad if Cider is your thing. Granted, I don’t have much to compare it to! I just couldn’t get into the Summer Shandy!