The Libations Librarian

This photo (Fore Street) of Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery Old Port Tasting Room and Shop is courtesy of TripAdvisor

I’ve had some great hard ciders (North Country & Butternut Farm-to be discussed at later dates), but others have left me thinking, “WHY?”  I recently visited Sweetgrass Distillery in the Old Port and found a fabulous cider!

(Yes, that MY microwave and MY glass – don’t judge my decor; I live in a 150 year old house!)

Sweetgrass’ quote from their front page, “We’re committed to making the most delicious spirits from honest ingredients, and reflecting the terroir of Maine. ”  Ohmiwerd – who EVER thought of Maine as having a “terroir”?!  LOVE IT!  Well, this hard cider has a lovely effervescence and sharp taste, more reminiscent of a sauvignon blanc than cider.  Way too many hard ciders are sticky sweet and can’t really be used as anything other than a dessert wine.  Not so this – Maine Hard Cider is a cheese & cracker aficionado!  The clean flavor completely tames the richness of smoked gouda.  The cider would also pair well with any kind of stereotypic white wine fare – stuffed haddock would be sublime with MHC.

Sweetgrass has other offerings for tasters.  In fact, the barkeeper (pourer? I have no idea what to call this role as sommelier is WAY too formal) has a special offer.  Five dollars gets curious visitors an etched Sweetgrass unstemmed wine glass with the choice to try four of the items offered at the store: ciders, gins, rums, sangria, etc.  What a bargain – “try before buy” can’t be beat!  My spouse recommends sampling the Rhubarb Smash, a liqueur made from elderberries and Maine rhubarb.