The Old Third – Golden Russet (2021)

Cider Profile:

Name: The Old Third – Golden Russet 2021
Sampled December 2023

Brand:  The Old Third Type: Apple – Single Varietal Location of Brewing: Hillier, ON ABV: 9.5% Website Link: theoldthird.com Ingredients: N/A, sulphites Gluten Free: Yes Sugar Content: N/A Size(s) available: 750ml (bottle) Availability: The Old Third retail store and online Flavour: Apple Colour: Transparent, light golden yellow Carbonation: Medium, streaming bubbles, some foam and pop when opened.

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Cider Crate Tasting Notes:

Smell: Strong aroma. Bitter sharp apples with cellared notes, slightly smokey
Initial Taste: Light bite with an extended carbonation bubble taste. Starts apple upfront, with strong smokey and buttery elements. Cellared and bold, with some bitter/sour notes.
After Taste: Golden yellow characteristics are very obvious here. The apple disappears semi-quickly. Boozy/fermentation elements linger a bit. Whisps of smokiness as it finishes.
On ice: Less carbonation, less apple forward.

Additional Notes:  The Old Third in Hillier, ON (Prince Edward County) is known for wine, homemade pasta and the once a year cider offering. The 2021 Golden Russet single varietal is a strong smelling, high ABV offering with a boozy body and cellared aspects.  Like many Golden Russet’s ciders, it has a smokey finish, which remains even when the apple notes are gone.  Some buttery vibes that help with a hint of natural sweetness. Grittier when warmed up due to the tannins.

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

Next recommendations:
More Sweet – Clafeld – Russet Cider
More Sour – Loch Mor – Russet (Danforth Series)
More Dry – Farm Gate – Russet 
More Crisp – Daughters Cider – Golden Russet

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