I’ve got to be honest with you guys: 2016 has pretty much sucked. Not only have I been dealing with my own health problems, but the news each day has gotten worse and worse, as the year winds down to a close. Talented artists dying, humanitarian crises unfolding, a crazy orange man somehow getting elected in the US, despite more people voting for a woman…it can make you want to bury your head in the sand and wait to see what 2017 will bring. Because it can’t possibly get worse, right? Ha.
I’ve watched more and more friends retreat from the terrifying, anxiety-inducing headlines, giving themselves breaks from the news. I understand this tendency, but I can’t bring myself to do it. There are some pretty horrifying things going on right now, and while I feel that I’m unable to affect much, I want to continue to witness what’s happening, and shine a light on events that might not be getting enough press. Check here for calls to action regarding the Syrian crisis, and because the situation with the Water Protectors who are peacefully opposing the Dakota Pipeline is constantly developing, I can’t yet direct you to a place where there are calls to action.
ANYWAY. The point of all of this ranting is that, while I am still tuned in to what’s going on, we all need a bit of a fucking break, these days. I am a bit low in terms of my coping skills these days, so I will totally admit to turning to a drink occasionally, to manage my anxiety over the world basically ending before our children can even grow up. And while I love a good glass of wine, the craft cider market, especially here in Ontario, where there are a million apple trees, is thriving.
In the end, a fellow blogger who runs the website Mommydo mentioned that she’d be doing a Beer Advent Calendar, and I found myself feeling inspired. But, since I don’t love beer the way I love cider, De-Cider was born. And now, I’m going to drink a different cider every day for the month of December and write about it. It’s a rough life, I know.
Without further ado, here’s my first pick:
Brickworks Ciderhouse Batch: 1904
I wanted to start out with my favourite cider of all time, because I didn’t feel like being disappointed. If you live in Toronto and enjoy drinking cider, chances are, you’ve tried this beautiful drink. These guys take premium to a whole new level, as far as I’m concerned. A can of cider that only has apples in the ingredients list? Yes please. That’s right, one ingredient. No sulphites.
This cider has an smooth, fruity, slightly floral taste, with a clean, dry finish. The nose is pure apple goodness, but there’s something in the flavour that’s almost reminiscent of elderflower? It’s mild, but not sweet, something I think a lot of cideries struggle with. When a cider company needs to add sugar to its cider, I have to wonder about the quality of its apples. That’s why I love Brickworks Ciderhouse. It’s just the fucking apples, no bullshit.
Here’s to the first of 31 glorious, cider-filled evenings!
~g
Oh, I loooooove cider. I wish I could take a field trip across the border and sample them with you!