On May 2, 2013 I was invited to the Hawaii Launch of Crispin American Hard Cider & Fox Barrel. These two booming brands are taking the "Hard Cider" category by storm. Cider-Maker Bruce Nissen had a down to earth way of explaining the process and art form of getting the different products to market. Getting to taste and get the explanation on how and what makes each one unique was treat.
Meeting and Bruce Nissen and his wife was pleasure as he came and sat down at our table for a while and was talking story and fielding questions about bees, honey, 40 types of apples, higher levels of alcohol and the fun he has had growing his brands.
Photo of the welcome drink - Crispin Orignal at the event
Pan Roasted Monchong - Fennel & Green Apple Salad, Chili Aioli, Soy Vinaigrette. Paired with Crispen Prepare to Die.
- Crispin "Prepare To Die" a dangerous, rapier of an apple cider aged in red wine barrels and finished with Killer Bee honey and organic blood orange.
- ABV: 6.5%
- Poured Appearance:Very slightly cloudy.
- Color: Blood orange pink with hints of orange.Aroma:Oaky with citrus freshness and authentic crushed apple.Flavor:Slightly oaky tannins up front lead in to a balanced presentation of fresh citrus and cidery apples with lingering tartness and a balanced, strong, slightly sweet finish.
The Crispin Cider Company produces natural hard apple craft ciders using fermented American unpasteurized fresh-pressed apple-juice in Original, Light and Brut varietals, and additional unfiltered Artisanal Reserves – Honey Crisp, Lansdowne, The Saint and Cho-tokkyu.
The Fox Barrel Cider Company is dedicated to the production of superior pure pear ciders, using American fermented fresh-pressed pear-juice. Available in Pacific Pear, Blackberry Pear and Apricot Pear varietals and additional unfiltered Cidery Reserves – Ginger & Blackcurrant and Rhubarb & Elderberry.