Overview
Original Sin is an alcoholic apple cider brewed by Original Sin Cidery in New York, New York. It has an ABV of 6%.
About the Brand
Founded in 1996, Original Sin brews seven different ciders; apple, elderberry, apricot, pear, Newtown Pippin, Northern Spy, and Cherry Tree. The company was launched by Gidon Coll in an effort to revive the traditional American cider industry, one that was not reflected by the “syrupy, sweet” 20th century ciders.
Over the past 20+ years, Original Sin has won many awards in different cider categories.
About the Cider
Typically, I do not enjoy ciders. In my experience they are generally sickly sweet and almost unpalatable after a few mouthfuls. That said, this blog started as a means to make me broaden my beer horizons. While cider isn’t technically beer, Original Sin was an option for “build-your-own six pack” at my local Central Market, so I figured I would try it out.
Original Sin’s coloration is so pale it’s almost white. I noticed that it has very little carbonation and smelled like a mix of a granny smith apple and a glass of champagne. As someone who generally is not a wine drinker, I was somewhat hesitant to taste it. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
The taste of Original Sin Cider is very well balanced. It has a strong, tart apple flavor backed up by a pleasantly dry champagne flavor. Whereas the sweetness of most ciders I have previously tried quickly became overwhelming, I thoroughly enjoyed the bottle of Original Sin from start to finish. Every mouthful was a great combination of both sweet and sour, without either flavor becoming overpowering.
I was incredibly pleasantly surprised by Original Sin. So much so that I may even become an occasional cider drinker.
TL;DR
Original Sin is a refreshing, tasty, dry apple cider. For someone who has consistently been disappointed by the sickly sweet nature of many ciders, Original Sin was a great break from the status quo. This is probably the best cider I have ever tried (though admittedly, the number is low).
Rating: 8/10
Question of the Day
What is your favorite cider? Let me know and I may even try it.
Sgt. Suds 