Mybeerbuzz .com Highlights Portland Cider Crangerine & Blueberry Bourbon Basil (Review)

It’s been a while since a cider box arrived at mybeerbuzz headquarters from Clackamas, OR, but I’m excited to say that has changed and the holiday timing is perfect.

Of course you know I’m talking about Portland Cider, and if you’re not familiar, they opened their doors in 2013 with the idea to create ciders hand-crafted in the English tradition. But don’t let that fool you, the combinations and flavors that Portland Cider creates are anything but traditional, and of course they are tasty and unique.

Today we’ll be test driving the new Crangerine and as the name implies, it is a cider created with cranberries and tangerines. This is perfect timing for Thanksgiving leftovers and a perfect combination of flavors to make for a great cider/food combination. I should also mention that the new 19.2oz can designs look great and Crangerine is in fact the first can to feature the new packaging refresh.

Crangerine was originally created in 2019 as part of the Portland Cider Small Batch Series and it will now see life as a seasonal release. Naturally I can’t wait to try it so off we go…

Portland Cider Crangerine

ABV:  5.1%
Style:  Cider
Packaging:  19.2oz cans
Appearance:  Bright crimson red
Aroma:  Citrus and cranberry
Mouthfeel:  Medium & soft
Taste:   Tart cranberries and apples with sweet tangerine and citrus
Overall:  Crangerine has a really interesting combination of fruit flavors. The classic tart apple base works nicely with the tart cranberries and sweet tangerine and citrus flavors. The cider leans toward the sweet side and overall I found the combination of flavors to be really enjoyable and drinkable.

As a bonus, Portland Cider also included their returning Blueberry Bourbon Basil, coming 12/15 in canned 6-packs for the first time. This cider is made with Blueberries, sweet basil, Fuji apples, Pink Lady apples, Honeycrisp apples and Golden Delicious apples.

Portland Cider Blueberry Bourbon Basil

ABV:  6%
Style:  Cider
Packaging:  19.2oz cans
Appearance:  Deep blue purple   
Aroma:  Fresh berries and tart apple
Mouthfeel:  Light
Taste:   Tart & sweet apple flavors with blueberry and subtle herbal basil
Overall:  Blueberry Bourbon Basil has a really unique blend of tart & sweet apples, followed by the punch of fresh berries and blueberries and it ends with a slightly herbals basil note. The notes of oak and vanilla make for a slightly complex mix of sweet and tart that really works…and of course the new 19.2oz can looks great.

Portland Cider Crangerine is available now in 19.2oz cans and Blueberry Bourbon Basil will be coming 12/15; so get out there and try them both for yourself…and when you do try them, be sure to let us know what YOU think.