Artifact Cider Long Way Back

Long Way Back is a cider from Artifact Cider in New England, bottled at 5.5% ABV. That puts it in the middle of the cider range: strong enough to carry real apple character, light enough to drink a full glass without it feeling heavy. The distributor describes a blend of apples with both tart and sweet notes, which suggests a cider built on balance and not a strongly dry or strongly sweet style. Expect fresh apple fruit up front and a crisp, acid-driven finish. New England cideries often use heirloom and cider-specific apples, which can add a little tannic grip, though the details here don't say which varieties went into this one. Because the tart and sweet sides are meant to offset each other, it's versatile at the table. Pork is the classic match: roast loin, pulled shoulder, or a seared chop with mustard all work, since the acidity cuts through fat and the apple fruit echoes the meat's natural sweetness. Sharp cheddar, aged Gouda and washed-rind cheeses are good partners, as are roast chicken, sausages and autumn dishes like squash or root vegetables. If you're serving something salty or fried, such as soft pretzels or fish and chips, the cider's acidity helps refresh the palate between bites. Serve it chilled, around 4 to 7°C (40 to 45°F). Straight from a very cold fridge, the apple aromatics get muted, so let the bottle sit out for ten minutes or so. A tulip glass or a stemmed white-wine glass is the best choice, because the narrowed rim concentrates the fruit aroma, while a standard pint glass or a stemless tumbler also works for casual drinking. Pour gently down the side of the glass to keep the carbonation lively without building excess foam. If you're building a mixed case, this is a good bottle to open alongside a drier cider or a sweeter one for comparison, since it should sit in the space between them. As with most ciders, it's best kept cool and out of direct light, and drunk fresh unless the label says otherwise.