Smith & Forge Hard Cider

I tried this for research purposes... Sugary fake apple smell. Syrupy sweet apple taste. Disagree on "not too sweet" lol. I actually like sweeter ciders, but I think because of the lack of carbonation, it made it seem even sweeter. Hints of a caramel flavor. I wouldn't even describe this one as smooth & crisp, as it is too syrupy & fake tasting for my liking. Very simple. I think with a lot more carbonation and less sugar it wouldn't be as horrible. I'm curious about the deep amber color, which doesn't seem to match the label which doesn't list artificial coloring. I think people who want a "cider" which tastes like apple juice but has alcohol will like this. Besides that, it doesn't have much going for it. Sadly, this is another cider by "Big Beer", and further, one that tries to hide that fact.

Why do they say this is "not too sweet" when, to me, it's sweeter than Woodchuck, Crispin, Strongbow, Angry Orchard and other big cider brands. It's not terrible, I like cider that's basically apple juice with alcohol in it. I buy this when it's on sale.

Sweet, smells like fake apples and syrup. I rate this with the run of the mill high production ciders. Not good, but I’ll drink it if it’s all I have.

Smith & Forge promotes itself as “a sturdy apple drink for men of strength.” Odd, since that knocks out a solid half of the market, but also interesting, because the folks at MillerCoors, which owns Smith & Forge, must figure that “strong” men like thick, apple-y, rather sweet drinks. The best part was the abundant foam on initial pour and lively bubbles — which, come to think of it, were beer-like. Tried it once but that was enough.

Clear dark gold/copper pour with medium carbonation. Light apple aroma. Taste is semi-sweet with a with an apple concentrate type flavor. Light-to-medium bodied. Palatable but weak.