Comments on: An Hour of Tasting Apples

By: Will Frith

Will Frith — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:58:00 +0000

This was a great experience for me, as I’m just beginning to realize how much variety there is in the apple world (and probably every fruit and vegetable). The cider apples were really tough to palate at first, but tasting some of the freshly pressed Yarlington Mill cider helped me to understand the differences, and why a dry, tannic apple is necessary for a good cider.

As far as eating apples go, the Star King was super sweet, juicy with a smooth molasses finish. The Jonagold apples were also juicy sweet, with a nectar-ish mouthfeel and clean finish. My favorite was the Criterion, with its floral aroma and sugary, lingering finish.

Thanks, Heather, for broadening my palate’s horizons in my path towards building my tasting and cupping vocabulary!

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:33:21 +0000

Oops, posted a comment on the wrong post! So, early next week you guys will be getting a surprise box from one of our local farmers in PA. Happy tasting and we want pictures.

By: Lois

Lois — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:00:35 +0000

In his great song “In Defense of Empty Orchards”, Al Larsen sings about exploring the varieties of apples on this earth and swiping an apple from a tree. “I’ve stolen the best part of the day!” he sings. And that’s what it felt like at Heather’s apple tasting. We all got to steal away for a few minutes and taste several varieties of eating and cider apples. My biggest discovery was the Kingston Black cider variety. The fruit seemed dry instead of juicy, but you could still detect huge amounts of flavor. I’d describe the flavors as the other kind of dry: champagne dry. I hope Heather brings in some cider when it’s done!