In recent years, cider—an alcoholic beverage brewed from apples—has also been attracting attention from Japanese wine fans.
Currently, the "3-Variety Cider Tasting Set" from St. Cousair Winery, located in Nagano Prefecture—well known as a famous apple-producing region—is on sale in limited quantities.
This cider set is available at the official St. Cousair online shop.
Here is a look at what this product includes.
Made with Rare Apples Grown in Iizuna Town!
The apples used this time are from Iizuna Town, Nagano Prefecture, where St. Cousair Winery is located.
Each cider is reportedly crafted from three rare varieties of apples grown in Iizuna Town: Belle de Boskoop, Maypole, and Bramley.
It is a uniquely precious set that allows you to compare and taste the differences among the ingredient apples.
What Kind of Ciders Are They?
Here are the contents of the "3-Variety Cider Tasting Set":
Belle de Boskoop 2020 375ml
Maypole Cider 2020 375ml
Iizuna Cider Bramley & Fuji 2020 375ml
Let's take a look at what each cider is like.
Belle de Boskoop 2020
Belle de Boskoop, the ingredient for "Belle de Boskoop 2020," is a precious apple originally from the Netherlands, with trees in Japan found only in Iizuna Town (according to the company's research).
While its characteristics make it well-suited for pastry making, when crafted into cider, it reportedly finishes with an exceptionally refreshing taste.
It features an impressive, gorgeous citrus-like aroma, with a sweet-tart and delicate flavor that smoothly fades away in the mouth alongside fine bubbles.
It is considered an excellent match for Japanese cuisine that features dashi broth, as well as dishes with gentle flavors.
Maypole Cider 2020
Maypole, the ingredient for "Maypole Cider 2020," is a small apple about the size of a golf ball.
Because its acidity is very strong, it is not suitable for eating fresh, and it is hardly cultivated nationwide.
Not only its skin but also its flesh is red, so making it into cider results in a beautiful pink color...
The palate is finished with a refreshing taste where the acidity characteristic of Maypole is pleasantly pronounced, lightening the sweetness of the apple.
Iizuna Cider Bramley & Fuji 2020
Bramley is a green apple variety whose cultivation began at the Iizuna Apple Museum (Iizuna Town, Nagano Prefecture) and is now grown by many farmers throughout the town.
Bramley is characterized by its rich acidity and is cherished in its native United Kingdom as an ingredient for apple pies, jams, and more.
In this cider, it is blended with Fuji, showcasing Bramley's acidity while adding sweetness for a refreshing, easy-to-drink flavor.
According to the company, it is "a cider with a fresh taste that has many fans, especially among women."
Spend a Luxurious Time with This Splendid Tasting Set!
St. Cousair continues its dedicated approach to cider making.
The "3-Variety Cider Tasting Set" is not only cider crafted by this prestigious maker, but also a luxurious tasting set using apples that are rare throughout the country.
This set is the only way to enjoy a comparative tasting of these three special ciders, each completely different in taste, color, and aroma depending on the variety.
Be sure to check it out.
Details
Product Name: 3-Variety Cider Tasting Set
Price: 4,210 yen (tax included)
Available at: St. Cousair & Kuze Fuku & Co. Online Shop
Official Online Shop
Rakuten Ichiba Store