The First Annual WhiskyCritic CiderFest Results

The results of the first annual WhiskyCritic CiderFest are in and although there was a clear winner, the competition was still feisty for which cider would be crowned as the WC cider champion for 2014.

These seven ciders were selected at random from our local WC cider-selling establishment and, therefore, were limited to the stock selection they had on hand at said cider-selling establishment. So, by way of a disclaimer, we are fully aware that there may be better ciders lurking about out there in cider land, but these were some of the limited ciders made available to us by the buyers from the aforementioned cider-selling purveyor.

After an extensive tasting session that spanned several hours [and included an unrelated motor skill test afterward] – we have a champion. But first, the contestants in alphabetical order…

Dragon’s Head Manchurian [alcohol content: 6.8%] – This cider had a universal appeal among both men and women who found that it ranged from either tasting swell to not sucking as badly as some of the others – and it was the women’s favorite by a wide margin.

Finn River Dry Hopped [6.5%] – One of the lower-scoring ciders of the bunch, Finn River had the misfortune of pissing off the ladies – being the lowest-scoring cider among the females.

Henney’s Herefordshire Dry Cider [6%] – The lone UK-based entrant was decidedly middle of the pack as nothing really stood out about it – which may or may not be a statement on Herefordshire.

Reverend Nat’s Hallelujah Hopricot [6.7%] – The Rev from Portland struck a chord with the males as it was their favorite cider of the lot.

Sea Cider Wild English [7.5%] – Conversely, the Victoria [Canada] entrant was the most reviled by the men and yet, ironically, was carrying the most alcoholic weight.

Tieton Cider Works Apple-Cherry [6.9%] – Most tasters were pleased with the cherry essence of the Tieton, but not enough to elevate it into the upper echelons.

Tradition Ciderworks 2012 Vintage Afton Field [6%] – There was some uneven response to the TC with some feeling it was among the best of the ciders while others felt it was nothing special and too dry.

The Results

Ciders were assessed and given a score based on a scale of 1-10 and that score was then averaged.

Dragon’s Head Manchurian – 7.75

Reverend Nat Hallelujah Hopricot – 7

Tradition Ciderworks Vintage 2012 – 6.25

Tieton Cider Works – 6.125

Henney’s Herefordshire – 5.625

Finn River Dry Hopped – 5.425

Sea Cider Wild English – 5

Overheard at the 2014 WhiskyCritic CiderFest: “When I drink, I like to drink a lot.”