Brew:  The Crowbar – Habanero Lime

Brewery:  Sonoma Cider

Style:  Cider ABV 6%

Sonoma’s Crowbar pours a hazy golden copper color with visible fruit sediment.  There is lime on the nose as well as mouth watering habanero and apples.  The taste is surprisingly unsweet but refreshing nonetheless, filled with pleasing apple (Fuji and Granny Smith blend), lime, coriander flavors and a spicy habanero backbone.  There is a bite from the habaneros and a tartness that seems to emanate from notes of lime and sea salt  There is a warmth and smokiness from the peppers that balances the refreshing nature of the tasting experience.  All the ingredients are organic and the freshness of each contributing flavor is powerfully evident.

There is a cider revolution happening.  Instead of a sugary alternative for people who don’t enjoy beer, cider is beginning to receive its due recognition.  Cider brewers that truly embrace the depth and flavor of an expertly crafted cider are popping up left and right.  Incredible ciders that have existed for years but been unobtainable to the average consumer are coming within reach.  We are also in an era of creativity and experimentation that is breeding unexpected palate pleasing flavor combinations.  These factors are exactly what has prompted me to recommend Sonoma’s Crowbar.  The Crowbar contains a mind-blowing 2g of sugar and teaches us that the best ciders don’t hide their ingredients behind artificial sweetness. Open up your mind to good cider, and if you please, start with a Crowbar.

update: 12-19-16 – The new 2016 release of Crowbar is interesting, a great dry cider with notes of habenero and lime similar to this predecessor but not quite as good. We will see what next year has in store.

Seller Description: The Crowbar combines dry cider with the heat of organic habanero peppers and the tartness of fresh lime, creating a refreshing trio of flavors that pairs perfectly with summer staples like Mexican food and BBQ