Getting to Know Supreme Core
Getting to Know Snow Capped Cider
June 17, 2021
Cidercraft and CiderScene Announce Media Partnership
June 23, 2021
When you hear of Washington apples we are sure the first thing that comes to your mind isn’t Washington, D.C. Supreme Core cider is here to twist your mindset with unique hard cider from the nation’s capital since 2018. Their ciders are made from local orchards from the area with traditional and untraditional ciders. We were able to sample their Pounda Gold, Micawber, and Strawberry Bloom. Below is a review of these all natural ciders that is bound to Maryland/Virginia boundaries.
Pounda Gold
Flavor: Goldrush Apple Blend
Their Description: Our flagship cider is made with a blend of regional apples, taken dry for a crisp, bubbly experience!
ABV: 6.5 %
What you see: The best part of this cider might be right off the pour. The medium carbonation flows into a small head before dissipating and comes out a with a golden haze. It is very reminiscent of a hazy beer but slightly less hazy and it has a lighter golden color than most on the market. There was not much body to the cider as we assume there is little sugar left but we do not have any information on the residual sugars.
What you smell: As with many of these kind of ciders that have a blend with a dominate apple you smell mostly fresh pressed apple juice on the nose. The haziness tends to leave some of the apple skin scent that sometimes leaves due to fermentation. There was also a small amount of farmhouse funk smell and a bit of yeast on the back end reminiscent of bread. The scent was actually quite distinct and potent which would make the drinker eager to take a sip.
What you taste: This cider is fresh with acidity and dry apple flesh on the tongue. Overall it is a light and crisp offering that is not sweet but has some perceived sweetness from the acidity. For a dry cider it is very approachable and drinks like a white wine or a crisp pilsner. There are layers of yeasty funk on the back end which adds a layer of complexity to the drink. You also get a slight tannic finish that works with the light to medium body of the cider. If we had to describe this cider in one word it would be drinkable. We give this one 4.25 out of 5 apples.
Micawber
Flavor: Dry Anniversary Cider
Their Description: Limited run of our first ever cider to celebrate our 2-year anniversary! Light, bright and made with champagne yeast, this dry sipper rivals the best bubbly out there.
ABV: 6.5%
What you see: Much like the Pounda Gold cider the hazy heavy straw color is predominant on your first pour. The carbonation was lighter on this one with small bubbles rolling up as it sat in the glass. This cider would be hard to decipher from the other due to their similarities in body and presentation.
What you smell: This product is another apple forward cider that brings out the traditional smells of a dry fermented cider. The nose begins with fresh apple skin and leads into a bit of yeast and barnyard funk. These yeast notes are light and are not off putting to the drinker. The scent is clean, fresh and distinctly hard cider. On the finish there is a bit of acidity and tartness that bubble up into your nostrils.
What you taste: Right off the bat this cider gives you champagne vibes due to the champagne yeast they use for fermentation. The overall apple flavor is light and effervescent with low tartness and mild complexity. The dry flavor and small tannic effect take places at the end of the sip while the light body passes through your palate. This would pair quite well with cheese or as a starter to a party. I actually enjoyed this with lemon butter chicken and the added acidity was a great accompaniment to the cider. We give this one 3 out of 5 apples. Tasty, but not overly complex.
Strawberry Bloom
Flavor: Strawberry Cider with Hibiscus and Monkfruit
Their Description: The latest release in our Bloom Series, this dry rose cider is made with strawberry juice and hibiscus blooms for a blush color and delicate fruit flavor.
ABV: 6.5%
What you see: With the strawberry additive you would expect this cider to be the most unique of the bunch. The haziness of their products is vibrant here with a reddish hue that comes off more pink and rosy than I would expect. The carbonation is not quite as potent in this offering telling from the bubbles that rose to the top.
What you smell: Right when you pour the cider you get a tart berry scent in the air with some light sweetness. The back end displays some apple qualities and a bit of yeast but this is mostly dominated by the berry. It reminds me of a Juicy Juice I had as a child and that food memory was actually pleasant. Strawberry tends to take the drivers seat in most ciders with this added but this one reminded us less of the berry and a bit more of a candy quality.
What you taste: The initial flavor response that a consumer would expect is here, a very tart strawberry heavy cider. The carbonation on the tongue dissipates the flavor slightly and leads to a sweeter finish. The monkfruit gives you a bit more sweetness as it is usually a sugar substitute balancing the tartness. We have had other strawberry ciders and this one was more balanced than most although you lose many of the apple characteristics. All in all, this is a nice one to drink on a hot day or you could freeze it into a slushie! We give this one 4 out of 5 apples.
