Shale Ridge – Cranberry Spice

Cider Profile:

Name: Shale Ridge – Cranberry Spice
Sampled November 2020

Brand:  Shale Ridge Estate Winery Type: Flavoured – Mulled Cranberry Location of Brewing: Thedford, ON ABV: 7% Website Link: shaleridgeestatewinery.com Ingredients: N/A Gluten Free: Yes Sugar Content: N/A Size(s) available: 750ml (bottle) Availability: Shale Ridge Retail + Online Store Flavour: Mulled Cranberry Colour:  Transparent ruby red with a sheen Carbonation: Large streaming bubbles

Cider Crate Tasting Notes:

Smell: Strong aroma. Sweet cranberry forward. Warming baking spices.
Initial Taste: Medium bite from carbonation and acidity. Quick cranberry flavour that is very forward. Sweet, with a mild tartness. Sweet and juicy apple base. Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove notes.
After Taste: Cranberry remains the same and lingers. Becomes smoother. Ends on warming spices that stay awhile. Vanilla hints.
On ice: Slightly less acidic. Flavour remains the same.

Additional Notes:  The Cranberry Spice by Shale Ridge is a delightful and very festive fall/winter inspired cider that will satisfy both cranberry and mulled cider fans. The cranberry is dominant throughout, being sweet and only mildly tart. Warming spices are very uplifting with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes in particular teasing the senses. A very smooth drinking experience with a balanced acidity that adds depth. 

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

Next recommendations:
More Sweet – Pommies – Cranberry
More Sour – Great Cider – Cranberry Cider
More Dry – Heartwood – Wassail
More Crisp – Thornbury – Spiced Apple

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