J. K. makes a number of organic ciders and represents the efforts of Almar Orchard in Michigan. Depending on who you ask, the J. K. can either stand for Jim Koan or Jim and Karen, and in either case, it connects the cider maker to the cider. These folks take great pride in what they do and claim a continual cider-pressing tradition dating back to the 1850s, something truly unusual in the United States. Their website is well done and full of interesting information. I must admit though that I do have my doubts about how they use some cider terminology like scrumpy. (Maybe I'm just being an English major.)
This particular J. K. cider is their Saskatoon Cuvee; it is made using a mixture of Michigan Apples and a Canadian prairie apple: the Saskatoon. I wish I could find out more specific information on this particular cider of theirs, but I can say that these apples hail from the region of Saskatchewan. The term Cuvee is not precisely regulated, but usually implies a special blend that is set apart from a maker's usual stock. That certainly seems how it is used in this case.
Color and appearance: red and cloudy
To see this much red in a cider is totally unusual. I cannot believe I forgot to photograph the cider. It is beautiful in the glass and would be perfect for creating some romantic atmosphere for that simultaneously beloved and dreaded upcoming holiday, Valentine's Day.
Aroma: sweetly tangy, red fruits, carrot
Lovely and gentle, slightly tangy. The scent of this cider
could be described as slightly vinegary. It makes me very curious to see how it
will taste.
Sweet-dry scale: Very Sweet
The sweetness is immediate and palpabale. If you’ve tried
any ciders by J. K. Cider you’ll recognize it, because it is characteristic of
the brand. All of their ciders are quite sweet. Let that be a litmus test before you decide to try it because sweetness as a quality does so often divide cider drinkers. I think the cider would be better less sweet, but I also know folks who would prefer this.
Drinking experience and flavors: thick fruity start, sweet,
fast
Cherry, and lots of fresh red fruits. The level of
carbonation is mild. This paired with the sweetness could make this a quick,
easy-to-drink cider. I like it, but I can easily see how it would be too sweet and
uncomplicated for some cider fans.
Finish: vanilla
Beautifully lingering finish, it is perhaps the best thing
about the cider.
Drinking Notes: pair with desserts, could be great for a
cider float
The whole picture, a beautiful red cider with loads of sweetness and easy approachable flavors, medium sparkle, and a vanilla finish suggests romance to me. I'd pair it therefore with some sweet baked goods like red velvet cupcakes or milk chocolate. Drink it with a sweetie.
Photo Credit: Original photo by Bruce at J. K. Cider. He helped me out since I forgot to photograph this one at all. Editing by me via Flickr.
As a bonus/apology. I do feel very sorry for failing to take my usual product photos. What is the best way to apologize in photos? Cat pictures. So, without further ado, here is a picture of all of the cats at Along Came a Cider HQ being lazy.
