Woodchuck – Campfire Pancakes – A First Sampling

In the last several years I’ve really become a fan of hard cider, and through my website and my radio show, I’ve been lucky enough to taste quite a few different Woodchuck ciders. Whether it’s their standard and seasonal ciders, or their new Gumption, I’ve really had a lot of fun giving them a test drive.  But what I’ve really enjoyed are the specialty ciders that come out of their Out On A Limb Series like Hot Cha Cha Cha and Lazy Hazy Lemon Crazy.

Today we get an early sample of another cider as once again Woodchuck goes Out On a Limb.  Today we sampled Out On a Limb Campfire Pancakes Cider.  That’s right, Campfire Pancakes Cider!

This is the 7th release in the Out On a Limb series and according to Woodchuck it “embodies the Vermont spring season with an infusion of smoked apple pomace and maple syrup.”  If you’re wondering, “pomace” is the solid remains of apples after they are pressed and this pomac comes from Vermont Smoke & Cure.  Add in local sugarhouse maple syrup and I think you get the picture.

Once again the cider pours beautifully clear with aromas of apples, sweetness and a little smoke.  While the apples dominate the flavors, you can’y help notice the maple syrup and the somewhat dry smokiness of this cider.  It may sound silly, but this cider does taste like maple syrup on pancakes (in a good way) and I swear it actually made me crave pancakes.  The finish is slightly sweet with a little smoke and lots of tart apple….all in all a really nice cider.

Woodchuck Campfire Pancakes is availble now through April nationwide in limited quantities, so get out there and try it for yourself…and when you do, as always, be sure to let us know what YOU think.