&more Cider Semi Dry comes from Cider Barn &more in Iida, Nagano Prefecture. The apples used are picked from their own orchard and then made into cider by local cidermaker Kikusui Sake Brewery. Production is small, only about 400 bottles made per batch.
As good friends of Ken and Yukiko Tonokura, the owners of Cider Barn &more, this wasn’t my first time to drink this cider. But when it took Best in Class in the Modern Dry Category at this year’s Japan Cider Cup, I thought it was the perfect choice to inaugurate our cider review section (I also review its other sweeter version here). Having said that, here goes!
Ciders evaluated at Japan Cider Guide follow the American Cider Association‘s Certified Cider Professional Programme‘s Structured Sensory Analysis (below). Leave a comment if you have any questions about the Structured Sensory Analysis, or if you’re interested in learning how to become a Certified Cider Professional, contact me.
APPEARANCE
Clarity
Cloudy
Intensity
Medium
Colour
Yellow
Carbonation
Petillant (pours sparkling)
AROMA
Intensity
Medium
Aroma Characteristics
Lemon Zest, Dried Apple, White Flower, Honeysuckle, Mango Juice
PALATE
Sweetness
Semi Dry
Acidity
Low-Medium
Tannin
Low
Intensity
Medium
Flavour Characteristics
Green Apple, Pineapple, Lemon, Grapefruit, Apple Skin, Honeysuckle
Complexity
Medium
Body
Medium
Finish
Long
FINAL ASSESSMENT
Summary of above considering balance, integration, and character
This semi dry cider pours a slightly cloudy yellow with mild petillant carbonation. It has medium intense aromas and flavours including lemon, apple, and honeysuckle with some acidity and very little tannin. Shaped by moderate complexity and body with a lasting finish, it is a well-balanced and satisfying cider.
honest thoughts before moving on…
A lovely cider, indeed. Quite enjoyed the slight bite, which I assume the Granny Smiths are responsible for. Also surprised by the richness without going overboard, replete with juicy goodness but never cloying and pleasantly finishing on the drier side. Because of the in bottle fermentation, there’s quite a lot of lees present, but if you’re like me, that’s a good thing and fantastic way to finish the last drop.
Want to try &more Cider Semi Dry for yourself? I picked up my bottles from Cider Barn &more’s orchard’s online store, Sunnyside Farm. The site’s in Japanese but is easily translatable, and you can purchase apples, apple juice, and farm grown vegetables, too.
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