The new Angry Orchard line of ciders is bringing this category of beverages to the next level. In my summer beer preview ” 9.5 Beers You MUST Drink This Summer” we gave a nod to Angry Orchard Apple Ginger Hard Cider. This Fall Angry Orchard is bringing it on strong. Iceman and Strawman are the first releases from their Cider House Collection.
Strawman is an oak aged cider that combines traditional culinary and bittersweet apples. The aroma is of fresh apples, sweet citrus, oak and vanilla. On the palette, the 10% is present in a vinous like way with touches of fruit and flowers. Angry Orchard Strawman has an earthy natural dry finish.
The second offering from the Cider House Collection, Iceman is another 10% cider offering from Angry Orchard. Iceman has wonderful caramel and toffee flavors, think of an old school caramel apple. The caramel and toffee note come from a process were the apple juice is frozen. The oak aging on the cider gives expected vanilla characteristics making this cider a complex and enjoyable sipper. The finish leaves a lingering taste of natural apple flavors.
Cider House Collection are the most complex ciders I have ever had, here is hoping that there are more to follow.
