Just A Dash Of Liquid Courage: #10

Usually a brewery sticks to one particular group of drinks and that's that. However, recently there's been a trend where the local beer breweries decide to make ciders as well. So, here's one.



Monteith's Crushed Apple Cider
330mL bottle at 4.5% ABV
Appearance: 6.5/10 (C)
A pale and light cider, with an exceptional clarity to it, common to most commercial beers.
Aroma/Nose: 4/10 (E+)
Although it has a nice scent of apples to it, it is particularly vinegary for a cider and not the least bit yeasty. Not so appealing.
Mouthfeel: 7/10 (C+)
A surprisingly bubbly finish, though despite this it isn't a painful experience, and follows down smoothly.
Flavor: 5.5/10 (D+)
Though mildly sweet, this cider comes off as dry compared to most, with a tartness to it, that while pleasing, is not terribly refreshing, and seems rather weak at that.
Overview: 6/10 (C-)
Though not bad for something that's mass-produced, it's not as good as I would have expected from Monteith's. Their rival's cider is better.

Just A Dash Of Liquid Courage: #6

I always like a good mulled wine, especially if it's made with something other than grapes. This particular brew, made with boysenberry and apple, is no exception. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, mulled wine is a method of serving wine by heating it with spices and sometimes sweetening it. It was traditionally done as a way to extend the usable life of wine, and tended to be done with wine that was on it's way to becoming vinegar.



Redwood Cellars Mountain Thunder Apple-Berry Glühwein
1250mL bottle at 12.0% ABV
Appearance: 6.5/10 (C)
Dark and opaque, but not cloudy, this wine is definitely a strong one, and is unusually clear for a mulled wine. Of course, it's also bottled, so that's to be expected.
Aroma/Nose: 8/10 (B)
With hefty tones of crisp apple and sweet boysenberries, contrasted by soft tones of cinnamon and cloves, this wine also packs a punch. It's not something you want to sniff too much though, since it's hot.
Mouthfeel: 7/10 (C+)
With a certain spice and a definite warmth to it, this wine flows down smoothly and heats you from the inside out. It can go up your nose a little, though.
Flavor: 5.5/10 (D+)
Definitively sharp apple flavors and tones of boysenberry dominate this wine, complemented by a spiciness throughout, and a tail of what is perhaps nutmeg. Though medium to sweet, it's also rather tart, and may not be to everyone's tastes.
Overview: 7/10 (C+)
Definitely worth the bang for the buck, since it comes in a big bottle, and it's definitely a winter warmer to enjoy 'round the fireplace or out on the field watching winter sports.