My preliminary review of Ontario craft ciders....

Ontario Craft Ciders are far and away better than the "big boys" of Canada or of other countries (e.g., UK, SA, USA). They are at least equal to Quebec, but less definitive than Normandy/Brittany (e.g., Le Pere Jules). Above all, though, avoid flavoured ciders. Read the label to make sure that they are indeed 100% made from pears (perry), raspberry, et al.

 

-Spirit Tree Estate Cidery, Spirit Tree Draught Cider, Caledon: +413153, $3.20: 6.0% ABV. Natural draught style, not pasteurized (they use a UV glass panel to destroy pathogens, no heat). Some animal (e.g., saddles) tones usually found in wine from hotter climates, may be a factor of yeast. Gives the cider texture and character. My yum-yum Ontario fave. Quality/Price rating is 92+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

-Brickworks Ciderhouse, Small Batch: 1904 [white can], Toronto, +394015, $3.15 LCBO: 4.7% ABV. Light carbonation, aromas of fresh heritage orchard cider apples from Georgian Bay and Niagara, all GMO free. Citric finish plus spices suggest apple pies. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

-Brickworks Ciderhouse: Queen Street 501 [red can, seasonal], +413807, $3 LCBO: 5% ABV, similar to the 1904 but more off-dry in character. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

-Southern Cliff Brands, Pommies Cider Co., Pommies Farmhouse Cider, Caledon, +418582, $3.10 LCBO: 6.0% ABV. Baked apples dominate and the effervescence is high. Some wood tones: did they use a wooden hand press? They also make Pommies Cider, +453118, same price at LCBO. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

-Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery, Forbidden Wicked Artisanal Cider, Annan: +374496, $3 LCBO: 6.5% ABV. Cold pressed and filtered, pale colour, fresh apple flavours, lemon finish. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

-Thornbury Village Cidery Inc., Thornbury Premium Apple Cider, Thornbury, +333583, $3 LCBO: 5.3% ABV. A bit green and lean with some grass orchard fruit notes among the fresh apple tones. Finishes balanced and useful for patios and parties. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

-Small Talk Vineyards, Shiny Apple Cider, Niagara-on-the-Lake, +407668, $3.25: 7.0% ABV. Hot tones from the higher alcohol, but definitely apples, could double as a medium-value sparkling grape wine with its apple-lemon complexity. Producer says made from "shiny" Ontario apples. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com