This review is missing an apple.
My other tastings of ciders in the Rare Apple Series from cider maker Stormalong feature photos of beverage and nameplate fruit.
Alas, I lack a Yarlington Mill apple to include in the family group. Indeed, I have never tasted that variety.
The cider pours a lovely orange-tinted gold that is pleasantly effervescent. There are fruit and tannins in the nose and mouth.
This is smooth, and with some caramel sweetness (though plenty dry), but with a small but bracing kick of bitter that may not please everyone!
The astringent finish is very nice.
This cider, like the others in the series, really showcases Stormalong's skill as a cider maker.
Yarlington is crafted to present all of these different qualities in a harmonious and balanced way. No small trick!
Despite the name, this is not a varietal, but a blend.
The can lists eight apple varieties, possibly in order of volume: Yarlington Mill, Kingston Black, Wickson, Dabinett, Ashton Bitter, Winesap, Baldwin, and Black Oxford.
At 6.9% alcohol of by volume, Yarlington ties with the Ashmead's Kernel blend in Stormalong's four-pack.
Yarlington the fruit is a cider apple and may not even be especially good to eat. Nonetheless, I would welcome the chance to taste one should any come my way.
The rest of the series:
Hey Adam, Yarlington tastes terrible fresh just like most bittersweet cider apples. This fall I'll try to remember to bring a few back for you from my friend's orchard in Maine. There are probably a couple others you have not tasted fresh, so could be a good opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Holly—something to look forward to! (Or, based on your review, not)
ReplyDeleteYarlington Mill tastes pretty good, sweet and fruity; had them last year from the orchard. Unlike other bittersweets, the chemical responsible for the body only develops its taste contribution during fermentation.
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