Style: Craft Cider

Pairs well with a spin-off game; a genre you’re not used to playing.

Welcome to another craft beer review for Games And A Glass! This week I am reviewing something a little different, a cider from Downeast Cider House, located in Boston, Massachusetts. Their cider for this week will be their original blend, an unfiltered craft cider. But of course, before going into the review, let’s talk about Downeast.

Their site details the story of two studious college friends. “downeast cider house was founded by ross brockman and tyler mosher during their senior year of college. after a considerable amount of time spent on the family orchard, an affinity for farm-fresh apple products was born. meanwhile, at school, the guys could always be found studying. whether it was deep into a weekend night, weds/thur specials at the local library, or perhaps a casual “sunday fun-day study-day,” the fellas were relentlessly toiling away, focused primarily on the classic works of professor busch and his famous theories on the smooth-cold continuum, copper-top revision.

though neither was a math major, through some additional “studying” they put two and two together and the result was hard cider. sometime later, ross’s older brother matt approached the two and the following conversation took place:

matt: i want to join you guys.
ross/tyler: why would we do that?
matt: i’m going to succeed with or without you, it’d be your loss.
ross/tyler: you’re in.

and so it was set.”

Some of Downeast’s year round selections includes their original blend and double blend ciders. Their specialty releases include the Wild Berry cider, Aloha Friday cider, and the Pumpkin Blend cider.

The description for for the original blend reads, “the one that started it all. the original unfiltered craft cider. we leave the good stuff in there. it’s the reason our cider actually tastes like…well, cider.”

And now onto my thoughts!

Nose: This cider is tart on the nose, with a nice aroma of apple juice to complement it. It’s very pleasing on the nose and smells friendly. The aroma is straightforward, but I’m okay with this because it’s a cider that is doing exactly as advertised. I think the combination of aromas will translate well to its palate and leave a tasty and refreshing cider.

Palate: Upon the first sip I immediately feel the slight dryness the cider leaves on the mouth. Admittedly I don’t have much experience with ciders so this is always something that surprises me after my first sip. Its tartness is quite mild compared to its apple flavor. It’s slightly juicy and quite crisp. Everything blends together to create a nice balance of flavors that ultimately ends with a tasty and crisp drink.

Overall: This is a delicious cider! At 5.1 percent ABV, it’s easy to drink and would be especially good in the warmer weather. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a change of pace from beer or looking to ease their way into ciders. The tasty and crisp apple is consistent throughout, and it’s a beverage I’d happily bring to a social gathering for people to try.

I’d like to thank you for reading my craft beer review. If there’s ever a craft beer you’d recommend I try and/or review, please let me know and I will try, to the best of my ability, to acquire it! And remember, like a fine alcoholic beverage or a memorable video game, please enjoy in moderation.

While you’re here, feel free to check out The Spirit Shop NJ on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and where I currently work, we have dozens of craft beers with new ones coming in weekly! Check us out!