Howell Road – Russet Spy

Cider Profile:

Name: Howell Road – Russet Spy
Sampled September 2022

Brand:  Howell Road Cider Co. Type: Apple – Crisp Location of Brewing: St. George, ON ABV: 6.9% Website Link: brantviewapples.ca Ingredients: Ontario Russet and Spy Apples, Sulphites Gluten Free: Yes Sugar Content: N/A Size(s) available: 750ml (bottle) Availability: Howell Road online + retail stores Flavour: Apple Colour:  Transparent sunshine yellow Carbonation: Medium frequently streaming bubbles

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Cider Crate Tasting Notes:

Smell: Medium aroma. Sweet, bright and juicy peel from apples,
Initial Taste: Medium bite from carbonation. Strong, sharp, crisp bite upfront. Spy sharpness is the first flavour which dissipates within a second, becoming more russet-focused.  Semi-sour as well.
After Taste: Long lasting, with lots of both peel and flesh notes. Strong tannic elements that are also sharp, and very apple forward. A slight natural fruit film.
On ice: Sharpness and acidity reduced, slightly less dry.

Additional Notes:  Howell Road’s Spy Russet is a bottle bursting with apple flavour.  Both of these tannic apple varieties combined gives it an exceptionally apple flavour that is crisp, semi-sweet but still semi-sour (and acidity).   A lot in this, it is somewhat easy to pick out both apple flavours as they compliment each other well. Flesh and peel elements with a touch of earthiness.  

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

Next recommendations:
More Sweet – Chudleighs – Golden Russet Cider
More Sour – Kawartha County Winery + Cider – Golden Russet Cider
More Dry – Banjo – Northern Spy 007 Cider
More Crisp – 

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