2 Towns Ciderhouse of Corvallis recently sent me samples of its latest year-round cider, and its first imperial cider to be released in cans, Cosmic Crisp®. Cosmic Crisp is a new apple variety released in 2019, following two decades of development by Washington State University. It’s a cross between Enterprise and Honeycrisp varieties, and is sweet, juicy, crisp and resists browning from oxidation.

This Cosmic Crisp cider from 2 Towns is the first to be produced on a large scale from the new variety. I’ve been looking forward to such a cider since first trying Cosmic Crisp apples a year and a half ago, and I have to say, this one does not disappoint. The cidery’s website says:

We’ve finally found a way to package the stars! With a bubbly visual profile that glistens and gleams like starlight and an 8% ABV, Cosmic Crisp® is sure to take you on an interstellar cider experience. Made with a resplendent blend of fresh-pressed Cosmic Crisp® and Northwest apples, this cider shines like starlight while bright, fruit-forward aromatics collide with a high-acid profile for a truly heavenly experience.

It’s 8% alcohol by volume (earning its “imperial” moniker) and is available in 12-ounce cans and on draft.

Appearance: Pale golden yellow, brilliantly clear. Semi-petillant with nice leisurely bubbles.

Smell: Sweet apple juice, like a fresh ripe apple, clean, a touch of cotton candy. Maybe some green table grapes.

Taste: Sweet and tart, the latter hitting the back and sides of the palate with a brisk acidity. Crisp, with a snap of apple flavor, and hints of white wine—chardonnay or sauvignon blanc. Semi-sweet bordering on sweet, with a residual apple flesh flavor.

Mouthfeel: Crisp, briskly tart, with a clean and sweet finish that avoids being cloying.

Overall: This is really good, what I’d hoped a cider made from this Cosmic Crisp variety could be. Recommended.