La Face Cachée de la Pomme Neige Ice Cider

Brewed by La Face Cachée de la Pomme
Style: Ice Cider
Hemmingford, Canada

This cider was a nice surprise gift in by my Secret Santa...interestingly on my beer hiatus this got lost in the mix and I re-discovered it tonight. This pours an orangey slight yellow mix with a thin soapy head that is whisked quickly away. Aroma is apples, tartness, alcohol, grapey-goodnesses thereof, some hints of honey and mahogany. WOW, no wonder this runs so much a bottle...that was perhaps the smoothest 12% ABV I have EVER experienced. Tart and extremely crisp, flavors are long developing with a bittering dew drop ending. Thick and syrupy with just the slightest warming of alcohol, no carbonation necessary. Oh god this is nice. Apples suddenly dont suck anymore. Finish is extremely crisp, and chewy....mmmmmmmm. Bottle is dated 2002.

Tasting from bottle in Orlando, courtesy the ever so hospitable boboski. A cider? A style I sort of mock for being on these beer sites. However, giving Jason the benefit of doubt, I figured it would be a fine experience anyway. That was an underestimation, as this thing turned my eye open to the cider world moving forward. Complexity clearly wasn’t there like a fantastic beer, but boy, this thing was ever so smooth and fine. A beautiful golden color, a very enticing candied-apple aroma with a flavor that just beautifully engaged nose and tongue. I’m not sure how other ciders will stack up against this one, but I’m gonna have to shoot for some stuff in between this and Woodchuck (haha), see how the other upper end products do (hopefully better than the mead world has been for me between Jadiwaga and Mead X). Wow, a cider! A big huge thanks to Jason again for sharing this one, a rarity, a very excellent product, and a mind altering experience.

375mL, no date. Pours a crystal clear honey golden with a couple bubbles. Nice legs. Aroma of apples, brandy/alcohol, honey, and some vinousness. Very sweet. Flavor is terribly thick and sweet with some delicious tart apple qualities, a bit of brandy, and some spice I can’t figure out. Wow, from the aroma I wasn’t expecting a ton, but the flavor is frickin’ amazing. The alcohol is noticeable, but there’s so much sweetness and tartness that it never burns or detracts, but complements. Sweet finish. Apples linger in the mouth for a looooong time. Full syrupy body with no carbonation. Would be an excellent digestif or with some good stinky strong cheese, as peter already suggested. The best cider I’ve ever had--totally awesome. I purchased this @ John’s Grocery around 6mos. ago, and of course they sold out within a couple days. I wish I’d grabbed another one.

bottle from JimMack at Dickinsonbeers’ 1/20/07. clear glossy golden yellow color, honey and apple aroma, a little musty. flavor is very sweet, apples , and a faint touch of calvados. nice warming finish. thanks, Jim!

Thanks to Summer Santa 06. Waiting till we hit Texas winter (about 70F) before trying this. One of the most enjoyable and intense apple experiences I have had. I grew up around a cider mill, and this lovely beverage brought back many fond memories. Quite sweet, it does well to pair very sharp cheeses.

KSBF 06. Pours a thick syrupy clear gold with no carb. Aroma is very powerful and hits you from a few feet away from the glass. Sticky sweet, sugary, apples, apple juice, honey, flowery, and vinous. Super sweet flavor and I remember making some wierd faces- this is the epitome of cloying- as it really makes your mouth pucker it is so damn sweet. As long as it is sipped in small amounts it is enjoyable. Very sweet apple juice/cider, sticky syrup, ripe green apple, and a wierd tartness that comes through in the end after all the syrupy sweetness. This was a nice cider- perfect desert drink in moderation.

KSBF:06 Post Fest RB gathering:: Clear gold pour, still. Fresh,flowery apple nose, notes of cinnamon, fresh peeled apple skins. Body is light with a coating mouthfeel. Sweet apple flavors, light alcohol notes, citrus notes, lightly vinous with an OTOP sweetness and a little touch of tartness lying back there. Finish is sweet and fruity. Not what i was expecting but enjoyable none the less. Props to willblake! I think?

KSBF 2006 RB after party. Pours a translucent golden with no head. Aroma of apples, honey, white wine, fresh apple juice. Flavor was very sweet, apple juice, sticky and sweet.