Drew Estate Undercrown Corona Doble and Aspall Perronelle’s Blush Cider: Review

The Cider

Aspall Perronelle’s Blush Cider

English Draft Cider

Blended with a dash of blackberry juice

Aspall

Suffolk, England

5.7% abv

500ml bottle

$5.99 on sale

Appearance: reddish copper body

Aroma: sweet apple; the berry reminds me more of pomegranate than blackberry on the nose.    

Flavors: sweet red apple, I can buy the blackberry note here,

Mouthfeel: a little acidity from the blackberry, silky smooth feel, lingering dark berry note on the palate that is pleasing, low carbonation

My Strength Rating: 2.5

To the Point: If you like hard ciders this is a must try.  I’ll be going back to the store to buy up the rest of these. 

The Cigar

Drew Estate Undercrown Corona Doble

Wrapper: San Andreas Otapan Negro Último Corte

Binder: T52 Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut & Cured Habano

Fillers: Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan

Size: 7 x 54

$10.99 at Smoky’s of Northville

Drewestate.com

I reviewed the Gran Toro and enjoyed it – let’s see how the Corona Doble smokes. 

Off the Light: semi-sweet soil earthy tone.  As the smoke continues the earthy tone is tasty and a mild-medium roast coffee note appears.  In the first couple of inches the mouthfeel is silky-smooth. 

I am about two inches into the smoking experience and some toasted grains and a hint of sweet tobacco start to mix in with the tasty medium roast coffee and soil like qualities.   

The Pairing During the First Half: The Undercrown Cigar pairs very well the Hard Cider.  The earthy coffee note of the cigar mingles with the fruity notes of this Blush Cider.  The sweet apple style transfers some of the sweetness to the cigar when I take a drink and then puff on the cigar.  Both of these products have a silky style mouthfeel and this is making for a near perfect pairing so far. 

Second Half of the Cigar: the earthy coffee and toasted grain profile builds some body; the sweet tobacco is still present as the cigar enters the second half.  Well into the second half the smoke is medium to medium-full in body.  At times the notes are a little burnt and slightly bitter during the final few inches. 

The Pairing During the Second Half: The linger mouthfeel of apple-berry from the Cider makes a tasty experience with each puff of the cigar.  As the cigar notes become a bit more roasty and toasty the Blush Cider helps to refresh the palate.