Adam's Apples

Spoiler: the cherry is there. Boy howdy, is it ever. Since I first tasted Sweet 16 in 2011 , I have been searching in vain for its signature flavors, mainly an "in your face" cherry candy. Also, sometimes, almond and anise. There was a little cherry in the one I tried in 2018 , but nothing approaching the intensity and saturation, the unmistakable presence, of the twizzler candy that so many of my readers report. (Check out the comments on those older posts!) I'm therefore especially pleased to say that my 2020 sample has all that and more.

Yes, there was a flaw in this apple. I bought it anyway because so what, and also because it was the only one left. I've been wanting to retaste Sweet 16 ever since some of my readers told me that my 2011 tasting sample did not express this apple's true flavors. So:

This medium-sized apple is mostly round with just a hint of ribbing. Its pretty red blush, streaky for the most part, is faintly marked with light lenticels that vary in size; the unblushed peel is a pale yellow tinted with green. Its calyx is clenched shut. Sweet Sixteen's flesh, coarse-grained and dripping with juice, is a light apricot yellow. Its flavors are mild, generally sweet with a little tempering tartness.  Lush fruity cider flavors and cane sugar predominate, with the merest hint of spice and wine around the edges.