Apollo: A Hazy Experiment in Dry Cyser

Greetings, fellow adventurers of the palate. Today, I'm taking you on a journey into the depths of experimentation with Apollo, our latest Cyser. This brew, born from a desire to push the boundaries of mead-making, is a testament to both triumph and the inevitable challenges that come with venturing into the unknown.

Apollo is a testament to the art of dry fermentation. With an original gravity of 1.114 and a final gravity of 1.002, we achieved near-complete attenuation, leaving behind virtually no residual sugar. This aggressive fermentation, driven by champagne yeast, was intended to reveal the purest essence of the Honeycrisp apples and raw honey, stripping away the veil of sweetness to unveil their true character.

The result is a hazy, unfiltered, and unclarified Cyser, a testament to our belief in allowing the natural processes to unfold. We've intentionally left behind the sediment, the yeast, the subtle haze—a living ecosystem within each bottle. This approach, while perhaps unconventional, allows for the mead to continue its evolution, the subtle interplay of flavors and aromas shifting and deepening over time.

The initial taste is certainly bold, perhaps even a bit assertive. This is not a meek or timid mead. The dryness is pronounced, a testament to the yeast's thorough work. There's a sharpness, a bracing acidity that might initially surprise some. But beneath this initial intensity lies a captivating complexity. The marriage of apples and honey, stripped of their sugary veil, reveals a nuanced interplay of flavors, a glimpse into their true character.

The yeast, our tireless collaborator, has left its mark in the form of vibrant esters, reminiscent of aged lemons. This adds a layer of intriguing complexity, a touch of tartness that dances on the palate. The finish is long and lingering, a subtle tang reminiscent of a Belgian Red Flanders beer, a testament to the unique character of the fermentation.

However, I must admit, Apollo is not without its quirks. There's a certain rusticity to it, a rawness that might not appeal to all palates. It's a bold experiment, a testament to our relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of mead-making.

We invite you to embark on this flavor journey with us, to experience the unique character of Apollo. Your feedback, both praise and critique, is invaluable. It will help us learn, grow, and refine our craft, ever striving to create meads that are both exceptional and true to our vision.

So, raise a glass to Apollo, a testament to the spirit of exploration, and a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, the rewards of pushing boundaries can be truly extraordinary.