Traditional French and English cider apples fill the orchards used for Corvallis, Oregon’s Traditions Ciderworks’ ciders. The slim, tall and frosted glass bottle of Traditions Ciderworks Pommeau gives hint at the special libation inside, an apple “Port” from this two-part producer (sister brand to 2 Towns Ciderhouse) that packs a punch of 19 percent ABV. The rich amber pommeau is made by taking “sweated” bittersweet apples, fermenting its juice and then aging with Hood River, Oregon’s Clear Creek Distillery‘s eau de vie. Finally, the pommeau is aged for one year in French oak barrels. The delicate drink has the texture of smooth velvet, with a honey sweet flavor that balances out the woody, bourbon flavor and crisp apple tang.
