Northpole *

This medium-sized apple has a subdued red blush over spring green, washed out in spots. It is ribbed and from the top describes an imperfect square. ¶ 

A stubby stem sits in a shallow well, and in the blush one must peer closely, and in bright light, to see the many tiny light lenticels. Its calyx is closed tight.

Northpole feels firm in hand. Let's check out what lies within.

The chomp report

Indeed, the snow-white, fine-grained flesh is firm and breaking crisp. It has a great balance of sweet and tart, delivering some Mac-type flavors: spice and a vinous note.

There is also a floral hint and fuller quality, the thing I sometimes call "cider," probably from the way the sweetness interacts with these flavors. 

The skin is a bit chewy, but the flesh also holds up well; they are well matched. The finish reminds me of McIntosh.

Northpole is a very good eating apple and I wish I had more than one to enjoy. If someone said they preferred this to McIntosh, I might not agree, but I would understand.

The grower is Josh, from Snohomish, Washington. He describes Northpole as "McIntosh-like" (and "columnar," referring to the tree. That might be the "pole" in Northpole).

Mysteries of the trademark

The name is a trademark, variously reported as Northpole, NorthPole, North Pole, and North Pole Columnar Apple Tree. 

™.

I could not find any of those names in the trademark database, so unless a reader knows more I am afraid we must remain in the dark about this apple's ancestry. 

Probably, there is a Mac in that orchard. (This one, perhaps.)