Mybeerbuzz.com Highlights Angry Orchard “Orchard’s Edge” Knotty Pear & The Old Fashioned

Just a few days ago I brought you the news of these ciders and this new Orchard’s Edge cider project coming from Angry Orchard….so a big thank you to Angry Orchard for giving me an early taste…and naturally I was really excited to give them a try.

Angry Orchard launched the Orchard’s Edge cider project to explore the creation of ciders inspired by “unexpected” ingredients and aging processes.  The first two ciders in the series are Knotty Pear and The Old Fashioned and both are aged on American oak.  As if that’s not enough fun, both of these ciders feature non-apple fruits and exotic spices like cardamom.

Knotty Pear pours a rich golden color with aromas that start with apple and end with spices and subtle pear.  This cider uses US apple varieties like Gala and Fuji along with pear juice for a really unique and enticing flavor.  This pear juice comes from Bartlett, Doyenne de Comice, Bosc and D’Anjoi pears and while it is only slightly more prominent than the apple flavors, it really contributes to the balance as well as the dry finish.  The oak flavors do come into play late in the tasting and the cider finishes dry, oak-y and slightly spicy.

The Old Fashioned also pours a deep golden color with aromas of apple, citrus and vanilla.  This cider uses American apple varieties as well as dried tart cherries, California navel orange peel and charred Bourbon barrel staves.  The flavors begin with apple but there’s quite a bit of complexity going on in this cider.  Apple is quickly followed by Bourbon and dark fruit flavors that finish with some citrus and an oaked-spice character.  This cider also finishes dry and clean.

These are just the first two releases in the Orchard’s Edge series and I’m already excited to see what direction the cider makers at Angry Orchard will go in next. 

Both of these ciders are not only unique, but also very well balanced.   The flavors work well together and the combination of ingredients are unique to say the least.  Both ciders hit 6.5%-AbV and they are both available in 6-packs and on draft so get out there and try them both for yourself.  And when you do, be sure to let us know what YOU think..