Samuel Smith's Organic Cider

I was introduced to this gem by my friend, the lovely Trish (pictured below) on a recent visit to Kentucky. I have gone looking for it in the DC area to little success, but I'm going to keep trying. This is one that I wouldn't recommend letting get away.


Samuel Smith is a Vegan, Organic, Traditional, and about-every-other-term-you-can-use-to-identify-a-craft-beer kind of brewery located in the north of England. They make a wide variety of highly acclaimed craft beers. Mixed into their lineup, almost as an afterthought, is their Organic Cider and Cider Reserve. I remember seeing the Cider Reserve on tap in a pub or two when I was in England last year and now regret not having it then, as the Reserve is only available as a draught in England. The Organic Cider, luckily, is served in 18.7oz 'Victorian Pint' bottles. These lovely (if oddly sized) bottles of awesome are imported to US shores by Merchant du Vin, a specialist in importing foreign beers based out of Washington state.

The cider its self is a mild, dry cider with a medium body and little aftertaste. One thing that becomes immediately apparent about this brew is the amount of fizz and head it offers. Pouring a glass of this stuff puts a head on the mug to rival a Guinness under the tap. The fizz also serves the purpose of adding a sharp, clenching element to the cider. I found that a swig of Samuel Smiths between courses in a late meal did a great job of clearing the palate, the lack of aftertaste making it a clean sweep.

The medium body and mild base flavor mean that this is a cider that is probably best served just below room temperature. The great, if subtle, taste would be in danger of being numbed out of existence if it were served ice cold. The fizzy sharpness this cider opens with as it hits the mouth is similar in character to Magner's, but without the accompanying sour undertone. There is a thin bitterness that appears as it rolls over the tongue, delivering on the promise of every dry cider. At the risk of belaboring a point, the lack of aftertaste leaves the mouth with only a memory of what has taken place, and a desire for more.

I found this to be, in some ways, a dangerous cider as it went down as easily and smoothly as a glass of cool water, and with an equally quenching effect on my thirst. Instead of sipping as is proper with any quality cider or beer, I found myself knocking this back without a thought or effect on me beyond the great enjoyment it elicited. I can honestly say that I cannot think of a circumstance under which this would not be a good choice of drink to have on hand. The flavor, while not extravagant is elegant in its simplicity, making Samuel Smiths a great recommendation as a table cider for every occasion. Now I just need to find someone to sell me a case or two...


Samuel Smith Brewery Website
http://www.merchantduvin.com/pages/5_breweries/samsmith_organic_cider.html


Merchant du Vin
http://www.merchantduvin.com/