26 Acre – Barrel Aged Cider [Brothers Brewing Company – Guelph]

Sampled December 2017

Growing up in Guelph, it was nice to see it has its own downtown brew pub when returning home for the holidays.  What used to be the Apollo Cafe, is now an edgy new brew-pub – Brothers Brewing Company. If you stop by, check for your name on the wall… someone may have already bought you a pint!

Maybe it was a pint of 26 Acre – Barrel Aged Cider – a light golden-yellow drink with some foam and head that appears still.  It has a medium to light musty smell that is almost juicy.  There are lots of elements of whiskey in the aroma.  It is pretty complex cider overall, with strong elements of barreled whiskey that comes through right away; followed by a simple sour apple taste.  It is earthy, woody, and has a long lingering whiskey element.  At 7%, it can sneak up on you quickly.  If you want a similar barrel-aged cider experience, Victoria’s Sea Cider – Rum Runner is similar but with rum instead of whiskey.

Not a starter cider and maybe not for everybody, but very much worth a try.  A fine, complex and unique offering from 26 Acre Cidery.