Poundcake

West Avenue Cider House takes a bold swing with this Poundcake Dry Cider, blending heritage apples with Madagascar vanilla—and it’s a cider that rewards patience. On the first sip, the “poundcake” note isn’t immediately obvious. The entry drinks crisp and dry, led by bright acidity and the nuanced character you’d expect from heritage apple varieties—structured, slightly tannic, and complex rather than sweet or dessert-like. If you’re expecting bakery-level richness up front, it can feel subtle at first. But give it a moment. As it opens up in the glass and lingers on the palate, the Madagascar vanilla begins to bloom. The aroma grows warmer and rounder, weaving through the apple’s natural acidity. There’s a gentle, almost rustic hint of funk—something slightly wild or farmhouse-adjacent—that adds depth and keeps the vanilla from veering into confectionery territory. Instead of literal pound cake sweetness, the impression is more textural and aromatic: vanilla bean scraped into a dry, apple-forward base. The finish is clean, structured, and dry, with the vanilla lingering softly rather than cloying. It’s a cider that evolves as you savour it, shifting from crisp orchard fruit to something more layered and aromatic. Overall: Not an immediate dessert-cider hit, but a thoughtful, dry, and complex pour. The poundcake character emerges gradually through vanilla aromatics and subtle funk, making it more intriguing than indulgent. A cider that rewards slowing down.