Tonight I’m happy to be reviewing a cider I’ve enjoyed the
few chances I’ve had to taste it. The Liberty Spy is created by
Bellwether Hard Cider. It is a cidery that has been in
business since 1999: located in Trumansburg, a small hamlet outside of Ithaca,
New York. The company produces ten distinct ciders. Bellwether is part of a
larger cider scene in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. Since I will
be moving to Ithaca in a few months, this is a cider scene I’m definitely
planning on joining. If you're from there, please say hi!
Within the cadre of Bellwether ciders, the Liberty Spy is
described as semi-dry/semi-sweet. Its apple components are listed as Liberty
and Northern Spy, hence the name. They sell it as a cider to bring to people
not yet familiar with ciders. That’s partly why I chose it to be my first
Bellwether review, an introduction of sorts. It comes in a 750ml bottle, a good sharing size.
ABV: 6.8%
Color and appearance: Quite pale
If feeling romantic, I’d almost call this color moonglow. It
hints at springtime with its paleness just on the verge of yellow and green.
Aroma: floral, honey, yet tart
The scent plays between a few different notes not uncommon
in a semi-sweet cider, including a sort of floral honey mélange and a lightly
sharper element reminiscent of green fruits.
Sweet to dry: semi-sweet
Though Bellwether calls this a semi-dry/semi-sweet, I think
it falls a bit more into the semi-sweet category. It opens with sweetness that
dissipates quickly. It is anything but cloying; the refreshing zest of this
cider is wedded to its light amount of sweetness.
Flavors and drinking experience: green apples
I immediately understand why this is described as an
introductory cider. It shows off the pleasant and lively side of cider with
ease and power. Perhaps that sounds a bit odd, but the carbonation level is
just right. It sets the drinking pace and showcases the cider’s flavors well.
The mouthfeel is what gives the impression of power because it is not a thin
cider, instead it feels rich on the palate.
Finish: Surprisingly quick
For such a mouthfeel, I was surprised by short the finish is
on this cider.
Pairs with: asparagus, nuts, mushrooms
Because of this cider’s balance and effervescence, I’d
choose foods with bitter elements and play up the contrast. It could easily be
served with appetizers including nuts and cheeses or a meal including asparagus
or mushrooms (especially if cooked with butter). The substance of this cider
can stand up to buttery highly flavored dishes, but the range is far wider than
these descriptions. Socially speaking, I’d choose this cider for a
vintage-style listening party. Give everyone a plate of nibbles, a glass of the
Liberty Spy, and get lost in whatever music calls to you.
I’m very excited about trying this cider again once the
weather is more genuinely spring-like. Even more exciting to me is the notion
of expanding my knowledge of Bellwether’s offerings. The upcoming move to
Ithaca should make that easy. In the meantime, I heartily recommend tasting the
Liberty Spy and sharing your impressions with me in the comments. I’m all ears!