By Leesy Latronica
Following Crispin Cider Company‘s 2010 merger with perry-producing Fox Barrel Cider, the brand acquired a Colfax, California-based cidery (in addition to its original Minnesotan headquarters), was picked up by MillerCoors’ craft beer division and simultaneously expanded 200 percent from its early days in 2008.
Today, Crispin cider makers continue to fresh press orchard apples into an exceptionally varied cider lineup, including the Original and Brut classics, flavored perry, Classic English Dry imported directly from the UK, boxed still cider, barrel-aged limited releases and the unfiltered Artisanal Reserve series. Among the four current Artisanal offerings, The Bohemian stands out not only for its gold label, but also for its distinct nose and essence of Pilsner lager yeast.
Part of the Artisanal Reserve experience is in the swirling prior to each pour, as each bottle’s residual apple wine sediment requires a gentle shake for even distribution and pure, unfiltered apple flavor. In the glass, The Bohemian is a distinctly cloudy, pale gold with barely-there carbonation. Honey and citrus notes give the cider a slight lift, but the end result is straightforward, slightly tart and unfettered by added sugar or concentrate.
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