2 Towns Ciderhouse of Corvallis released a monster cider this spring with a whopping 12.5% ABV—Super Bad Apple, the “bigger, badder, bolder sequel” to its The Bad Apple Imperial Cider. I’d posted the details about Super Bad Apple previously, and the cidery had sent me bottles to sample as well.

Whereas The Bad Apple is made with meadowfoam honey, Super Bad is simply made from apples and aged in oak, though the company doesn’t reveal what apple variety nor how long this aging process lasts.

Super Bad Apple joined the year-round flagship lineup from 2 Towns, available on draft and in 500ml bottles.

Appearance: Pale, yellow, and unfiltered; a light appearance of carbonation but not sparkling.

Smell: Rich, almost caramelized apples with a bit of vanilla and a light spice. There’s likely some estery alcohol notes here but the deep fruitiness drowns it out.

Taste: Sweet and rich, and it goes right into big roasted apple sweetness rather than any tang or acidity. The oak comes through with vanilla, hints of nutmeg, maybe some almond extract. Some floral alcohol warmth, particularly at the back, but it’s not hot or fusel-y or anything—quite balanced for its strength. This drinks like a big, rich, dessert sipping wine, syrupy without any thickness to it.

Mouthfeel: Sweet, semi-petillant, with a floral yet crisp finish.

Overall: Amazing essence of sweet/overripe apple, sweet without cloying, I’m really enjoying this. It’s quite good; recommended!