Some of you know that I love a crisp, not to sweet, not too dry white wine, or anything in the bubbly family… especially Prosecco. However, I do NOT like beer, ale, lager, etc. I have found a couple of hard ciders that aren’t bad, but after a stressful, long day at work followed by a League meeting, I listened to a good friend whose hubby is a home-brewer, and ordered the happy hour Bold Rock cider on draft.
Now, I’ve known for a while that central Virginia’s cider industry is on the grow, and I’ve been meaning to make a point to try some. Wow. What I had (no, I don’t know the specific variety because I was told I’d like the special so… I ordered the cider special) was very light-colored, crisp, a little sweet, and just as smooth and not-alcoholic-tasting at all. I could have had an insane quantity, but fortunately, we were seated just prior to the pre-UVA basketball game rush, and we never saw our server again, not even when we wanted to pay and leave. (I’m not exaggerating; I all but tripped another server to get told to go to the bar to pay… no, I won’t say where it was because I’ve NEVER had a bad experience there before, and when my friend finally saw our waiter, it seemed pretty obvious there was some sort of wait-staff drama at play…)
Anyway. You’re getting a photo of Crimson Ridge, just because I like the photo and again, haven’t a clue what I drank, but it was lighter in color than other hard ciders I’ve had.
Now, I want to get to know the VA cider industry, especially those that are local. Do you like hard cider?
I’ve never tried hard cider. I guess I’ve lead a sheltered life. ;oD
Nope! No hard cider for me! I guess I have to confess to being one of those nasty red wine drinkers. My friends always have a bottle of red wine for me which they lovingly call “Kat’s junk wine” no matter what the cost. I’m a lost cause in the sensitive palate category. I recently fell in love with the Cooper’s Hawk Romance Red wine–very sweet!
Laughing. Uh, that would be a no, I like my apple cider fresh from the tree.
(To your other readers who won’t get that one, it’s because I’m a Mormon.)
I rarely drink hard cider but I should try it. If you do a cider ‘tour’ feel free to send me the shirts for the back of quilt. Just kidding.
My Financial Planner said he read in a wine mag to mix prosecco and stout – I have bottles of both, but haven’t tried yet. But then again, I’m not really a fan of wine, so……
g
No, I like my cider young. I love red wine but it gives me headaches so I usually stick to white. I seldom drink at all anymore because of the migraines but I do love either a good chardonnay or a bit of champagne.
I like my cider fresh, like Alison (but I’m not a Mormon). I’m just not a big fan of “adult beverages” in general; I’d rather get my empty calories from excellent quality chocolate.
Mmm…I’ll have to keep an eye out for that one. I like a good, not-to-sweet, cider.
I’ve only tried hard cider once, and I didn’t care for it….when we visit next, perhaps I might try again…for now, count me in for a good Merlot or Meritage…
My sister loves it! Can you order online?
Well AL does and she’s in Virginia NOW ..IM sending her a link
Sounds yummy! And YAY for a great local (to you) place!