The Mitten

The barrel aging overpowers the cider. This is a case where I didn't get what I paid for - expensive yet far less palatable than their simple brut.

Surprising find in Kansas City, Kansas. I love the finish; the bourbon really shines. The smooth opening makes the bitter finish stand out even more. I was going four but now I think a five. This is truly a case where a half rating would be helpful.

Bought at Capitol Cider (750ml bottle, $24 after take-home discount). A special find from MI even in the cider heaven of Seattle WA (although I can more easily find some of their other ciders). Bourbon barrel aged cider made from MI apples. Semi-dry. High carbonation and an almost frothy mousse-like texture. Very ripe apple, bourbon, oak, vanilla, caramel, & brown sugar notes. Rich but light bodied. Very warming. Lots of bourbon influence. Some barrel influence. Moderate-high acidity, moderate bitterness, low-moderate tannins, mild astringency, & mild tartness. Long finish. Bold flavors. I think I would have loved instead of liked it if not for the bitter finish, but I'm the first to admit I'm sensitive to that. I probably over-hyped this cider a bit in my head too after seeing it on so many top cider lists and being on the lookout for it since I really got into cider. Virtue has a great info page on this cider: http://virtuecider.com/cider/michigan-cider/the-mitten/

Clear dark yellow pour. Taste is nice dry apple with Bourbon coming though really nice without being overpowering. Can also taste wood, spice and a touch of vanilla.

1 pint 9 fl oz bottle from Mikkeller webshop. Pours a sparkling yellow golden colour with a short-lived white foam head. Nose of tart apple, charred woody oak, vanilla, bourbon, some rubber notes. Flavour is sweet apple, fruity & juicy, along with oak, woody, vanilla, some caramel, melon, white grape, light tannin and dry sourness. Oily mouthfeel, medium bodied, spritzy carbonation, dry tangy tannic finish. Very drinkable.