Perry is fermented pear juice; just as cider is fermented apple and mead is fermented honey. Perry is one of the most subtle and sublime drinks around. The problem with most commercially available perrys is that… one, easily available eating pears do not make for a good fermented beverage, two the product is so delicate that even the lowest amounts of sulfites can overwhelm the aroma and flavor and three perry (not pear flavored apple cider) is so unknown in the U.S. it is hard to find the right market for it. The good news is that Oliver’s is made with made with 100% English varietal perry (not eating) pears and the 8 months it spends in the oak barrels completely ages out any of the sulfite aroma and flavors you find in most perry (and craft ciders).
Made with 100% Blakeney Red perry pears it pours a pale yellow. The aroma is less acidic with more sweet pear. The body is light as are the tannins. The flavor is juicy pear with a light spicy finish. Smoother that their dry perry but a little more simple. Maybe this one is a little easier for the perry beginner but tasty enough for anyone.
# posted by Beer_Matt @ 9:57 PM
