Today, I’m reviewing Albemarle Ciderworks’ Jupiter’s Legacy. This cider was shared with me by the fine folks at Albemarle Ciderworks. We’re cruising into Summer quickly, and this cider was my reward after a huge day of garden work and exercise. I wanted nothing more than peaceful relaxation on my porch and this is what I enjoyed with it.
I’ve reviewed a few Albemarle Ciderworks beverages before. You can find more information about this Virginia based cidery in the earlier reviews. Here’s the full list.
Brut D'Albemarle Hewes Crab: https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/09/cider-review-albemarle-ciderworks-brut.html
Wickson: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/07/dryciderjuly-cider-review-albemarle.html
Brut D’Albemarle Harrison: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/03/cider-review-albemarle-ciderworks-brut.html
Goldrush: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2019/02/cider-review-albemarle-ciderworks.html
Ragged Mountain: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2013/10/cider-review-albemarle-ragged-mountain.html
Royal Pippin: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2013/08/cider-review-albemarle-ciderworks-royal.html
Pomme Mary (a Top Ten cider from 2013): http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2013/09/cider-review-albemarle-iderworks-pomme.html
This is where you can find the most up to date info on Albemarle releases and tasting room events: http://www.albemarleciderworks.com.
Here’s what Albemarle’s website has to say about Jupiter’s Legacy.
Jupiter's Legacy
Jupiter’s Legacy has a bright acidity with notes of citrus. Made from a blend of classic cider apples that changes yearly with the variation of the apple harvest, this cider has a nicely astringent tannin and a tart apple finish. Elegant with chicken and cream finished dishes. 8.2% ABV
Tasting Notes
As our most complex blend, Jupiter's Legacy displays a nuanced depth of body and flavor that reveals itself slowly, over the course of a glass. Some warm tannins give this cider a rounder mouthfeel and longer finish, while the balancing acidity keeps it lively. Jupiter's Legacy really shines when paired with complementary foods: chicken and cream-finished dishes, game meats, steak au poivre, and of course pork. Sweet, apple-based desserts can also offset Jupiter's tartness nicely, such as an apple tatin with caramel sauce, or simply a cider donut.
Why we like it
This is our flagship cider incorporating our best traditional cider apples. We believe that this blend which will vary from year to year as we are able to grow more traditional American cider apples. We believe it represents the best of what American cider was and will be.
The cider’s label makes clear that Albemarle Ciderworks named this cider to honor an enslaved man and cider maker: Jupiter. His last name is thought to be Evans, but sources aren’t entirely confident. I’ll link to two sources of information about the cider’s namesake.
From the Monticello research center: https://www.monticello.org/research-education/thomas-jefferson-encyclopedia/jupiter-evans/
Civil Eats Article: https://civileats.com/2019/05/10/american-cider-in-black-and-white/
Appearance: brilliant, bubbly, intense saffron color
This cider’s color reminds me of saffron yellow, which is warm and leans toward apricot. It’s brilliant and bubbly as well.
Aromas: overripe apple, baking spices, grilled peach
Initially, Jupiter's Legacy’s aromas bring to mind applesauce and baking spices. A gentle ghost of cinnamon is decidedly present. Repeated sniffs unlock overripe apple and grilled peach notes too. Very inviting.
Sweetness/dryness: off dry
This one is a bit debatable. When I first had a glass, it tasted off dry. A second glass the next day, and after a meal, tasted drier. I’d be curious to learn the cider’s residual sugar.
Flavors and drinking experience: high acid, high tannins, soft leather, sweet orange
Albemarle Ciderworks has crafted something special in Jupiter’s Legacy. This cider has high acidity and medium tannins, but those words do not capture what’s special about it. I love that it reminds me of old supple leather softened by time and handling, overripe apples and sweet orange. It’s stony with a fine active bubble.
Drinking it, I found the cider both balanced and beautiful. It’s one I was so happy to enjoy two nights in a row as I watched the evenings stretch out long and golden.
