9.24.2013

Commonwealth Ciders Traditional Dry

Next up on the to-drink list is a little more local, broadening our apple horizon to extend coast-to-coast from last week's west coasted Crispin Original. This next beverage originates from the Philadelphia area and does not span very much distance from the Philadelphia Brewing Company itself. The Commonwealth Ciders Traditional Dry is the object of our taste analysis and investigation today. Autumn has now officially begun and what better way to ring it in with some of the Philadelphia (cider) freedom?

COMMONWEALTH CIDERS TRADITIONAL DRY


  • ABV ~ 5%
  • Calories ~ 160
  • Carbohydrates ~ 8g   
  • Sugars ~ 1g
  • Gluten Free
  • So for a short precursor to the review, it seems only right to begin with a little name dissection as I feel it does a perfect job on leading towards the flavor intent of the brewery. For initial note, Commonwealth is a term predominately associated with the British Empire for a political community for the common good of the people and synonymous with republic. While I find myself detached from politics in a painfully ignorant way, the immediate bonding to a more traditional and authentic English taste for the brew is an exciting prospect. The point is obviously accentuated and driven home from the subtitle 'Traditional Dry' for the hard cider. It seems only right from the get go to expect distancing from the newer aged sweet ciders introduced in the United States or possibly a hybrid pulling elements between the two. 

    The design is an object of interest, the case displaying a hearty blue and gold palette. The nonabrasive blue displays an intricate floral design with the color scheme on the softer side, not flaunting a crisp and modern feel for the cider. The label of the bottle, as beautifully seen below from our photographer, retains the same color and abandons the blue. The floral patterns persists, bringing what could be described as a 'homey' feel to the drink and without doubt akin to wallpaper I would expect to find in a small wooded cottage. 


    Photography by Danielle

    The drink itself is very lively and animated and of course, naturally served on ice as seen above. Upon pouring, the carbonation is one of the most notable characteristics to distinguish this from the rest of cider-kind. The color undoubtedly of an amber hue made for, if anything, a beautiful display. So far, visually stimulating without question.

    To date, this is the most dry cider I've had grace my taste buds. As advertised and speculated above, this is to be a tribute to the traditional English cider, renowned for their flavor and dryness. For a brief background reference for taste, dryness is the absence of sweetness. The description of tart is paramount for taste, almost reminiscent of champagne in a strange sort of way. As an advocate of carbonation, Commonwealth Ciders Traditional Dry definitely tickles that fancy. The beverage is not only visually animated, but also on the taste buds, deeming it lively in its own right.

    Overall, a refreshing change of pace in comparison to other ciders I've enjoyed and while it suites a few of my likes, I can't say that I would recommend it for all. The dryness could be overwhelming to those who have a sharp sweet tooth. Don't let that deter anyone, sweet or not it is a well crafted cider that boasts its individuality above the rest of apple-kind.

    A homey well carbonated drink is never a sore presence in my glass.

    Next on Review: California Ace