Review of Woodchuck Draft Cider: Amber

APV: 5%

Size: 12 ounce bottles in six packs and cases

Website: http:/www.woodchuck.com

Mike's Hard Lemonade took a summer time classic and turned it into a lemonade with an alcohol twist. Well, Woodchuck Cider took a fall classic and turned it into a cider with an alcohol twist. You could say Woodchuck Cider is the Mike's of hard cider drinks (Note: Woodchuck is not affiliated with Mike's).

Woodchuck Cider is produced in Vermont by Green Mountain Cidery and was first brought to market in 1991. While there are a few varieties of the hard cider on the market today, the Woodchuck Amber cider is notable for being the original flavor of the company. According to the company it is a true cider, unlike apple beer which contains malts and hops.

The cider itself is relatively clear with a slight color associated with apples, a main ingredient of the beverage. The smell is distinct with a slight fruity aroma.

The first sip comes across as very crisp, some might describe it as the taste you get when you first bite into an apple. The alcohol flavor is masked quite well so it is easy to forget this is an alcoholic beverage.

As you continue to drink the Amber style cider, you notice how crisp and smooth it tastes. Some may find the taste to have a bit too much bite, but this is up to personal preference. The flavor continues relatively consistently throughout the bottle.

The drink does have a slight carbonated texture and taste to it, so like similar malt beverages it may fill you up quicker than say a light beer. Some drinkers may find the beverage too sweet and even a bit syrupy, although there is corn syrup or anything like that in this beverage.

It is best enjoyed ice cold, warm Woodchucks will not do justice to the flavor inside this brew. For those who need to avoid gluten containing products, this alcoholic beverage is a treat because it is tested gluten free.

The bottom line is that Woodchuck Amber Cider may be one of their best ciders and if nothing else, is worth a try if you see it in your local beer store. Unlike beers, there is a good amount of sugar in the ciders as well as between 140-220 calories depending on the flavor chosen. This isn't a light beverage but it is crisp and refreshing and good for any time of the year.