Mike Loves Beer

Name – Essence of Skank
Country – United States
Type – Cider

Appearance – Pours a purplish red color.  There was a small pink head but it was gone very quickly.

Smell – Cherries hit the nose first, probably blackcurrant as that is what is said was used but I’ve never had blackcurrant before.  Slight yeasty funk and you can smell the booze as well.

Taste – More cherry like taste that mixes with the funk from the nose and the alcohol.  It has a bit of a dry, crisp finish to it like a cider really should.

This monster of a cider is a home brew by my friends Vanessa and Brent.  I say it is a monster because it comes in around 7% ABV and this was after they cut it down from where it was at.  It definitely takes ciders to a new level.  It has the nice fruit flavor and the dryness that you expect but then a nice kick in the rear with the alcohol.  I know they didn’t intend for it to be so high but good job making something different guys.  Be sure to also check out Vanessa’s blog Potables + Edibles for awesome articles on food and drink (beer included).

Overall Grade – B