I’m on to the second cider from my recent Canadian cider buying spree (The Great Haul of ’13), Duke’s Cider. Duke’s Cider (Gluten Free!) is produced by Tree Brewing out in Kelowna, B.C.
First off, I’m not crazy about the packaging. Maybe I wouldn’t judge it so harshly if this post wasn’t in the wake of the super-adorable Lonetree cans. But it’s one of life’s sad truths that things are most often judged in comparison, and not solely on their own merits. It is in this way that Duke’s can design is like a disappointing second child. ‘Who are the parents in this analogy?’ you may ask. ‘Perhaps your taste buds?’ To which I would respond by reminding you that taste buds don’t have eyes. They wouldn’t be disappointed by the can’s design. Don’t be stupid.
The cider is a rather golden-y yellow. It looks like carbonated SunRype apple juice.
It’s not overly sweet. It’s not what I would call dry, either. Maybe semi-dry (is that a thing?) Let’s call it damp.
It isn’t as apple-y as other ciders (which could be good or bad, depending on your tastes, I guess) either in smell or taste. The smell is like a mixture of apple, floral and (ever so slightly) like dishwashing detergent. And maybe a touch of sulfur. You know, for good measure.
Flavour-wise, it somehow tastes watered-down. When you take a sip, you notice the carbonation first (Duke’s is very carbonated.) Then, there are hints of dull, apple sweetness. The finish is a little tart, which I like.
It’s… fine. Not at all memorable. It’s actually been difficult to review because I can’t remember what it’s like between sips, and I can’t really type while I’m sipping. This entire process has been a flurry of slamming cans and hastily wiping cider off of my keyboard. I don’t dislike it, but I wouldn’t choose to drink it again.
All in all, I’d give it an apple core and a slice (which, for those of you who are unfamiliar with apple-based scales, equates to a five and a half out of 10.)
Have you tried it? What’d you think? Let me know in the comments below.
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