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Rocky Ground’s Stark Pét-Nat is a hazy golden straw color with a strong amount of acidity in the nose, but still fruity and inviting with an undertone of apple tree blossoms. The drink itself is acidic, but not overly strong and like a mellow farmhouse cider with a naturally raw apple flavor. It has a lovely light body and is pretty dry, maybe a hair tannic, which just a little bitterness at the end. It is fairly still without a big arrival on the tongue and a nice mellow character. In the middle of the drink there is a pleasant little sweet lift. In some ways it is a bit too lackadaisical. Maybe a bit like laconic Mainers, not too loud or flashy, but pleasant, maybe a bit shy, but down to earth. So Stark is a nice shy cider with some natural earthiness and an easy and slightly sweet disposition—and mildly bitter in the finish.

Product Description:

A single varietal, sparkling cider made with naturally grown Stark apples from the ancient trees at White's Orchard Farm in Frankfort, ME. Juice pressed from the fruit of a 100+ year old trees. Stark is an heirloom from the 1860s. We had so much of it, we thought we'd try it as a single varietal cider. We're glad we took the risk. Low acidity, pétillant naturel, soft bubbles, and a touch of residual sweetness but not enough to call it semi-dry.

Comparitive Lit Reviews:

Pét-Nat Cider Selection