Along Came a Cider: Another Harvest

I’m finding a quiet moment to share that I’m concluding the regular posting schedule of Along Came A Cider, at least for now. 

This feels strange to write, as I’ve been keeping this blog steadily since the beginning of 2013. It’s been vastly enjoyable for that time: learning about cider, trying a myriad of different ciders, tasting serious, and becoming a part of the cider community. These have all been wonderfully meaningful activities. I enjoy sharing my thoughts, writing, and photographing cider and orchards. 

Why is a reasonable question to ask. Basically, I just don’t feel like drinking very often. That makes cider blogging more difficult! That’s nothing concrete or conclusive, but it feels like a natural stopping, or perhaps resting, point for this wonderful project. I plan to keep writing and chasing creative endeavors, but it will take time to see what those will be. I'm ready to write beyond the review format and outside of the worlds of food and drink. Let me know if you want to keep in touch and see what comes next!

And the cider world has grown, matured, and changed in the 11 years I’ve been involved. I see lauded professionals succeeding and remember when those folks were at events as new hopeful people ready to take their home fermenting adventures to the next level. I’ve seen people light up about topics like land preservation, foraged fruit, natural fermentation, and investing in their local foodways. And I’ve seen our community tackle serious issues too. I hope we all keep chasing the ideals and goals that inspire us, and making or sharing delicious cider and beautiful meals along the way. There have been losses along the way too, and I hold those folks and their stories in my heart.

I have many happy memories of cider blogging, but more so of discovering orchards as magical places, fermentation, apple preservation, and consciously sharing drink and food. Walking orchards with Ian Merwin, geeking out about food and travel with Eleanor Leger, times I’ve trained to taste with Charles McGonegal, all these are special experiences that will stay with me forever. I love the conversations I’ve shared with Michelle McGrath, Eric West, Tom Oliver, Ron Sansone, Matt Windle, Ryan Gravell, Mary Bigham, Bill Lyon, Kirk Billingsly, Chuck Shelton, Autumn Stoschek, Yann Fay, Michelle Foik, Ryan Burke, Brian Rutzen, Gidon Coll, Ambrosia Borowski, Caitlin Braam, Dan Wilson, Nicole LeiBon, Dick Dunn, Deva Maas, Malaika & Sean Tyson, Rachel Freier, Matthew Ostrander, Elisabeth Osmeloski, Jeff Cottrell, Steve Wood, Louisa Spencer, Bill and Cheryl Barton, Ben Wenk, Greg Peck, Elizabeth Ryan, Mike Beck, Steve Selin, and far more folks than I can easily name here. Let's stay in touch! I know I didn't get nearly all of the names that should be listed here. My brain cannot hold so many names!

I have so much gratitude for the cider community. I cannot count the number of wonderful stories, meals, and walks we've shared. Coming together with other cider lovers has helped me make friends that have jumped the divide and are now part of my social world outside of cider, and this is perhaps what I’m most grateful for.  Teagan, Dave, Amber, Maria and Jenn, I adore you all so much!

Much affection and gratitude to you all! May our roots grow stronger as we go and may this year’s harvest be delicious and nourishing in all ways. 

Cider Review: 2 Towns' Westward Whiskey Bad Apple Imperial Bad Apple Cider

The weather is showing signs of turning. We have cool mornings and nights. The late summer flowers show wear and weathering. Most importantly, it’s time for fresh apples! I’m taking advantage of this preparation for the the coming Fall to enjoy a barrel-aged cider with roasted root vegetables and a tuna steak this weekend. Here’s what I thought of 2 Towns’ Westward Whiskey Bad Apple Imperial Bad Apple Cider.

First, I review 2 Towns ciders enough to just refer readers back to earlier coverage for more background on this inventive Oregon cidery. Here’s a list of the many 2 Towns Ciderhouse reviews I have shared.

I’ve reviewed many 2 Towns Ciders over the years. Here’s a full list.

Sidekick Cosmic Crisp: https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/search/label/2%20Towns%20Ciderhouse

Sidekick Pacific Pineapple: https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2024/05/cider-review-2-towns-ciderhouse.html

Apricot Cosmic Crisp: https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2024/02/cider-review-2-towns-apricot-cosmic.html

The Baddie: https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/03/cider-review-two-towns-ciderhouses.html

Crimson Bliss: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2022/10/cider-review-2-towns-ciderhouses.html

Hollow Jack’d: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2022/09/cider-review-2-towns-ciderhouses-hollow.html

Two Berry Dream: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2022/08/cider-review-2-towns-ciderhouses-two.html

10th Anniversary Cider Pacific Northwest Heirloom Blend: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2021/01/cider-review-2-towns-ciderhouse-10th.html

Good Limes Roll: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2020/07/cider-reviews-two-towns-cider-house.html

Cosmic Currant: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2019/12/cider-review-two-towns-cosmic-currant.html

Hollow Jack’d: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2019/10/cider-review-two-towns-ciderhouse.html

Afton Field: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2019/06/cider-review-2-towns-ciderhouse-afton.html

La Mûre: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2019/02/cider-review-albemarle-ciderworks.html

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2018/12/cider-review-eden-ciders-siren-song-and.html

Cidre Bouche: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2017/11/cider-review-2-towns-ciderhouses-cidre.html

Pearadise: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2018/05/very-perry-may-2-towns-ciderhouses.html

Pineapple: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2018/02/cider-review-portland-cider-company.html

Bright Cider: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2016/07/cider-review-roundup-common-cider-co.html

Hop and Stalk: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2014/12/cider-review-2-towns-ciderhouse-hop-and.html

This link will lead to 2 Towns website with more info on all of the cider releases, special events, and more: https://2townsciderhouse.com/

Here’s the official description of 2 Towns’ Westward Bad Apple Imperial cider.

Westward Whiskey® Bad Apple

Imperial Bad Apple

Time to sit in front of the fire and warm up both inside and out with a glass of this rich, delicious barrel aged teamwork in a glass. We took The Bad Apple and aged it in a selection of barrels we borrowed from our friends at Westward Whiskey™. The result is an even bolder version of one of our most flavorful flagships. After we are done with the barrels, we send them back to be used in an apple finished creation of their own. If you love this one, you’re sure to love Westward’s variation!

ABV 12%

I am feeling mildly intimidated by the 12% ABV, so we’ll see how it goes!

Appearance:  lots of bubbles, medium intensity corn yellow, brilliant

What a lovely and active cider! I’m impressed with all of these wild and wiggly bubbles. The color looks like a medium intensity corn yellow, and the clarity is fully brilliant. 

Aromas: Buttery, vanilla frosting, baked apple, spices

The Westward Whiskey Bad Apple smells a lot more delightful and enticing than anything called bad, even ironically, has any right to! These aromas are so inviting and warm and appealing. The first note is buttery oakiness, followed by vanilla frosting and baked apple. It really smells like a freshly baked autumnal apple dessert with only the barest hint of petrol to pull it into a booze direction rather than a sweets direction. 

Sweetness/dryness: Sweet

This is a sweet cider. Yes, there are other wonderful flavor elements in the mix, so the sweetness is not a solo but part of the overall experience. Fans of sem-sweet and sweet ciders will flock to this treat!

Flavors and drinking experience: full body, barrel, caramel, whiskey finish

I love the prevalence of barrel influence on this sweet cider. I think it’s a combo that works well. The Westward Whiskey Bad Apple strikes me even a little pommeau like, with it’s full body, rich sweetness, and major influences not of barrel and baked apple.

The cider’s full body reminds me of a boozy apple crisp as well, but it’s bubbly and driven by high acidity. The sweetness comes across as caramel notes followed by a perfumed whiskey finish. It’s a lovely and complex experience.