Blake's American Apple Imperial Cider (pack of 6) (8%)

Blake's American Apple is an 8% imperial cider from Blake's Hard Cider Co. in Armada, Michigan, sold here as a six-pack. It was the cidery's first imperial release. It blends seven apples: Jonathon, Ida Red, Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala and Cortland. A wine yeast is used for fermentation in place of an ale or champagne strain, which gives a cleaner, crisper finish. The nose is fresh-pressed apple with a faint tartness. The palate is smooth and mildly sweet at first, then the acidity of Granny Smith and Ida Red gives structure. It finishes dry and crisp with a gentle apple-skin tartness.