Ultimate Beverage Challenge: Ciders of North America
September 22, 2016
Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) was founded in 2010 by award-winning author/critic/journalist/educator F. Paul Pacult, publishing executive and editor Sue Woodley, and consultant David Talbot. In 2013, editor/journalist Sean Ludford became a partner. For the past five years, UBC has operated Ultimate Wine Challenge (UWC) and Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), which are acknowledged as being two of the world’s foremost annual international wine evaluation and competition events.
This issue, we are featuring the Ultimate Wine Challenge’s 2016 top picks in the Ciders of North America category.
Score: 97
Angry Orchard
The Muse Apple Cider
7.7% abv
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
Caramelized baked apple, Ceylon cinnamon and hints of allspice, thyme and rhubarb are evident on this dense, sweet sparkling cider. The bubbles provide an excellent counterpoint to the full, rich texture, while baking spice notes come to the fore on the dry finish.
Score: 95
Angry Orchard Green Apple Cider
5% abv
Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
Honey and beeswax are strong on the nose. Soft bubbles are frizzante, complementing the sharper tang of ripe Granny Smith apples. A woodsy earthiness gives structure to the ripe fruit and finishes dry and clean.
Score: 93
Angry Orchard Knotty Pear Cider
6.5% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
A piquant aroma with herbal elements reminiscent of cilantro and floral lavender. A touch of sweetness in the mouth is followed quickly by ripe Bosc pear and more herbal dryness. A crisp finish is refreshing.
Score: 93
Angry Orchard Ice Man Apple Cider
10% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
A deep golden amber in the glass with aromas that smack of fresh, crisp Pink Lady apples. A frothy and almost creamy texture is lively on the tongue. Flavors of preserved lemons, lemon rind and sweet, freshly picked apples are mouthwatering.
Score: 93
Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider
5% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
A sweet nose includes savory aspects of beeswax to create an alluring aroma. Tight bubbles are crisp and playful on the tongue, as flavors of honey, golden apple and honeysuckle cascade over the palate. Delicately sweet and tart.
Score: 93
McKeown Hard Pear Cider Montérégie
5.7% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Sweet and playful on the nose, it is full of fresh flowers and Anjou pear aromas. Bursting with pear flavor and yellow flowers, the frizzante texture is fresh. A touch of lemon rind creates a well-balanced dry finish.
HONORABLE MENTION
Score: 91
McKeown Hard Cranberry Cider Montérégie
5.7% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Score: 91
William Tell Apple Mango Muscat Cider California
6% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Score: 90
Angry Orchard Summer Honey Apple Cider
5% abv
Excellent, Highly Recommended
Score: 89
Angry Orchard Elderflower Apple Cider
5% abv
Very Good, Strong Recommendation
