Polisson is a new cidery. I've managed to find out on the internet that this cider is elaborated in the same manner as a Pet Nat, a wine naturally sparkling, without additives. The apples also macerate on their skin, bringing depth, flavours & tannins, which are present in higher quantity in the skin. I was quite eager to try out this new contemporary premium cider.
“A ton of juicy apples without any fireworks.”
PET MAC
Brewed by: Cidres Polisson
Type: Sparkling Cider - Other
Region: Oka, Quebec, Canada
ABV: 5.5%
Apples: McIntosh
Appearance: 8/10
Pet Mac from Polisson comes in a clear bottle with an unmistakably contemporary design, brightly coloured, cartoonish & minimalist. I don't appreciate clear bottles, since they offer little to no protection against UV rays. There's not much information regarding production or the cider itself on the label which is always a let down. I love knowing beforehand what I'm getting into. However, from its name, you can accurately guess that it is mainly made from McIntosh apples & has followed a process similar to Pet Nats. In the glass, the liquid has a golden colour with a phenomenal effervescence. Without any gushing, hundreds of bubbles form a long chain of beads from the bottom to the top. They eventually add up to create a bright white head that vanishes as quickly as it arises. The cider is now offered in a green bottle which leads me to increase the score.
Nose: 13.5/15
The nose is loaded with the smell of freshly crushed apples. More precisely, the aromas of crisp, juicy red apples. It brings me back to picking fruits in orchards on a sunny autumn day. Pet Mac is pretty straightforward, delivering upfront every delicious detail of the McIntosh variety from the sweet flesh to the bitter skin. I seem to perceive delicate red berries such as fresh wild raspberries & strawberries. Like I said, it is quite simple but then again incredibly aromatic.
Mouth: 13.5/15
At first, a bright tartness hits the palate quite hard before subduing a little, leaving place to a slight bitterness & a crisp dryness. Surprisingly, even though there has been some skin maceration, no tannins seem to have made their way in the finished product. As predicted by the impressive effervescence in the glass, the cider offers some intense bubbles, each & every one of them relentlessly stabbing the palate. It eventually builds up into a light foam in the mouth creating a perception of fullness. The flavours are similar to the aromas with leading notes of bright, fresh red apples. It is then followed by mild bananas, strawberries & ripe pears before ending with a hint of minerality. This brought a new dimension to the previously quite simple cider. Some of these notes, notably the banana & the pears were reminiscent of some Beaujolais Nouveau, with their candy like fresh & bright aromas. The mouthfeel was a bit intense & lacked some harmony, but the increased complexity managed to balance it out.
Finish: 8/10
A dry, medium finish with prominent apple notes & a very light bitterness completes the portrait of this cider.
Overall: 86/100
Not the most intricate & layered cider, but definitely expressive with its delicious aromatic intensity. The mouthfeel is a bit coarse & could've been more harmonious, although it was still pleasant. A great way to sum it up would be: A ton of juicy apples without any fireworks. On a final note, even if the price tag is a little steep, this cider is definitely worth trying.
3-word Description:
Apples, Effervescent & Simple.
The Reference:
More information on their instagram @cidrespolisson & on untappd.
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