Jason V.
Yelp
I've said it in a lot of reviews, but I am not really a beer or cider guy; if I had to choose, I'd definitely be in the camp of the latter. And yet, I find myself repeatedly checking these places out, generally in the company of friends with far more knowledge and experience, and whom derive far more pleasure from imbibing such beverages.
Still, Locust immediately captured my attention with the variety of different cider flavors on offer, and each of them very distinct from one another. Each member of our three person party ordered something different: original dry for our friend, vanilla bean for my wife, and mojito for myself. Being safely vaccinated, we felt secure in passing each around for a sip, to compare.
The original dry is exactly what you'd expect, and exactly how it is described: crisp, dry, apple forward. The OG of ciders. The vanilla bean, similarly dry, sweet without being cloying, and potent. This ain't no LaCroix, with its hairspray-like hints of flavor; the aroma hits you a half-second before you taste it, doubling up on its delivery. A vanilla that is by no means...vanilla (basic).
As for my mojito cider, I would say that of the three, this was the only miss. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't great, either. I'd readily have traded it for one of the other two, but we were all in agreement. The hint of mint wasn't enough to salvage it; the flavor just felt too muddled. Then again, that's how mojitos are prepared and served, so maybe they have it right, after all. I just wasn't feeling it.
Although the experience described above was just about all there was to our visit, as we'd arrived 30 minutes before closing, and hadn't the time for much else, Locust Cider still impressed us with their friendly service, the delicious aroma of pizza wafting from the kitchen and nearby tables, and the fact that they are dog-friendly (inside and out). One *okay* cider just means I need to find another that speaks to me, and there are at least two brews on the menu that are calling to me louder than a chorus of cicadas on a warm summer evening!