Original Sin

This is a cider that I remember having sampled in Minneapolis a good while ago but couldn't remember a thing about it. When I saw it on the shelf of my local shop, I jumped on it and haven't really been disappointed.

Bottled in Florida but founded and operated out of New York City, Original Sin is a very American cider in terms of management. The website for the company is pretty and flashy without giving too much information about the history of the cider. It is a very good resource for finding vendors and bars where you can buy and enjoy the stuff, though. Interestingly, the site also recommends some mixed drinks using Original Sin as well as how to use it as a cooking base. A level of sophistication not often seen in the cider realm.

The cider its self is very much an American answer to BlackThorn (Reviewed earlier in this blog). While it lacks the nearly overpowering yeasty smell that accompanies a warm BlackThorn, Original Sin does still share some of the flavor traits. I believe this is due to both of them claiming 'Champagne Yeast' as a primary ingredient. In the past, I've noticed that Champagne usually gives me a hangover out of proportion to what I've imbibed. These ciders share that trait so be well warned if you're going to binge on it.

A very dry cider, there is practically no sweetness to it at all, and only the tinge of tartness on first hitting the tongue. It is fairly carbonated as ciders go, lending it an edge, leading easily into the full flavor and body of the drink. There is a fairly present aftertaste reminiscent of apple skin. Original Sin is also a somewhat stronger cider at 6% Alcohol by Volume. This is most noticeable in the sigh after a good long pull on the bottle.

Original Sin has a firm label in my mind as a 'Meat and Potatoes' kind of cider. I have enjoyed it greatly over a fairly simple meal of traditional 'Manly' fare (read hamburger and fries) and I imagine it going very well with steak. Likewise, it was great accompaniment to a pile of chips and a bowl of chili-cheese dip while sitting on the couch. As a sipping drink all on its own, it perhaps has something still to be desired. But in the right culinary company, this is a trustworthy cider for the burly among us.


http://origsin.com/