Aaron Burr Cidery
Grade: 94 A
Perfectly pale gold in color, Taconic has a slow but steady stream of bubbles billowing up the side of the glass. A bold, but rounded nose of sweet apples with tropical fruit tones. The taste is not nearly so bold or sweet as the nose suggests. There are some bubbles that rush in at first followed by a dry middle passage that is incredibly soft. The tannins on this are beautiful and complex and linger forever. The finish is like a good conversation—it builds slowly, is engaging on multiple levels and leaves you walking away with a warm sense of satisfaction when it is finally over. At moments it is tart, at other moments it produces fresh apples with subtle sweetness, and at still other moments it is interestingly bitter (in the right way) and with reminders of the alcohol at the end, which is perfectly warming. Andy Brennan is doing something right. If you like the finer things in life and appreciate the subtle sophistication of a dry cider, with fresh apples picked from untampered trees, then this is worth the price of admission. Great for almost any mood. This is a cider I will not forget.
Unsprayed apples and crabapples along the Taconic and Bronx River Parkways. 2016 Vintage.
Locational Cider and Terroir Bragging Rights