COMPARATIVE LIT ESSAY:
Tonight I’ve got two bold ciders that claim to have nutmeg in their flavor profile. Admittedly, you can only get trace amounts of the spice in either, at best. But here is what I found: The Haykin looks like a pinot grigio and smells of sweet apples with the only real spice notes being a little warmth in the nostrils. This drink is very light in the palate with honey notes and some gentle clove in the finish and aftertaste. The Downeast Winter Blend has a lot of spice in the nose and is fuller bodied and unfiltered. Cinnamon dominates with some oakiness. It is more of a traditional winter warmer with a spiced cider vibe—wassail!
On this cold spring night, I have to go for the Downeast which is more clearly a spiced cider. If the weather were hotter or you generally prefer sweeter, lighter, or airier cider, then go for the Zestar! It is a great option. Otherwise, if you like sweet and spiced and want to get warm by the faire or are celebrating the fall and winter holidays with friends and family, the Winter Blend will not disappoint!