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Farmstead’s Rafter J is lightly carbonated with a hazy straw color. Its nose is warming and acidic with just a tiny hint of funk. This is very similar to their Mountain Dry flagship cider though more subtle, delicate and less carbonated. Even though there is a lot of acidity in the beginning phase, it still starts out fairly still and smooth when it first hits the tongue, but once it gets to the back of the palate you really start to feel the acidic bite that’s a bit sour and funky. However, like a good sidra, it then evens out with subtle delicacies in the finish and the sourness mellows to a pleasant tartness. Still, slow sipping required. This is really good if you like a hearty farmhouse cider. It doesn’t quite earn the same marks as a Cidrerie du Vulcain or an Aaron Burr as they need to pull back on the acidity just a little bit to let the nuance of the apples take center stage. Maintaining the marvelous complexity of acidic apples while creating a drink with softness and subtlety is the mark of a truly exceptional farmhouse. This is nearly there. Cheers to the residents of the Rafter J, your neighborhood and your neighbors produce great cider.

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