There was a new cider producer at the event, Yankee Folly Cidery. Bottled in a wine bottle, they just released their first cider with an 8.5% alcohol content. I think that is on the high side for cider, but I am not the alcohol police. Let's get down to the taste.
I am not a big cider fan, but when I taste a cider that is on the dry side, I am sold. This cider isn't to sweet and isn't to dry. It has nice soft flavors of apple with a nice effervescence. It wasn't overly carbonated and left a nice finish in your mouth.
You can find more information on the cidery at http://www.yankeefollycidery.com/
After the event I went out to dinner with a friend at the Mountain Brauhaus. If you are ever in the Hudson Valley and have a craving for good German food, this is the place! I was deciding on my beer selection when I spotted Yard Owl Grisette Ale made by Hudson Valley winemaker Kristop Brown. Kristop is a great winemaker and lives up to the mark of a great brewmaster as well.
His Grisette Ale is light and refreshing. Not hoppy. I got citrus aromas in the glass with a hint of apples and pears. It's not to heavy as some beers can be. I tasted some soft orange flavors with a slight spice. It didn't leave a strong aftertaste in your mouth. I really enjoyed it! It paired very well with our Bavarian Pretzel and the cheese mustard dip that accompanied it.