Clafeld – McIntosh

Cider Profile:

Name: Clafeld – McIntosh Single Varietal Cider
Sampled October 2022

Brand:  Clafeld Cider House Type: Apple – Single Vareital Location of Brewing: Picton, ON ABV: 6% Website Link: waupooswinery.com/cider-house Ingredients: 100% McIntosh apples. Sulphites. Gluten Free: Yes Sugar Content: 20g/L Size(s) available: 750ml (bottle) Availability: Clafeld retail + online store Flavour: Apple Colour:  Transparent straw yellow Carbonation: Medium streaming bubbles. A decent amount of foam when poured.

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Cider Crate Tasting Notes:

Smell: Strong aroma. Sweet, pulpy McIntosh apples. Honey-like essences.
Initial Taste: Medium bite and tingly mouthfeel. Semi-sweet, heavy McIntosh apples. Honey and melon-like notes. Hint of fermentation.
After Taste: Apples become drier but retain the same characteristics. Slightly tangy, crisp finish.
On ice: Slightly watered down, but minimal changes.

Additional Notes:  As part of their single varietal series, Clafeld’s McIntosh gives an education on the characteristics of this commonly-used apple in cider as a base. It has strong peel and flesh notes throughout and it becomes a bit drier in the finish, but it is semi-sweet naturally. You get some honey and melon-like notes in the beginning but they are minor. Made with 100% McIntosh apples. A bit tangy, decently crisp and balanced overall. 

Rated on a scale of 1-5
Sweet – 3.5
Sour – 3
Crisp – 4.5
Dry – 2
Fruity – 4

Next recommendations:
More Sweet – Crimson Cider – Hey Sugar
More Sour – Stock & Row – Slow & Low
More Dry – Kings Mill – Premium Cider
More Crisp – Duntroon – Empire Extra Dry

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