Charlie V.
Yelp
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The decor is right up my alley with lots of earthy elements like moss, trees, wood, even squirrels in Yggdrasil (the world tree). My bartender (and one of the owners), Lisa, was playfully fun and super friendly too! Go say hi to her!
THE MEADS
Autumn's Plunder (Mead Reserve) -- "Cyser mead with brown sugar, roasted persimmon, Madagascar vanilla beans, cinnamon, and star anise." -- The first tasting note I get is brown sugar and vanilla, followed by a pleasant fruity essence and rounding out with the spiced aftertaste of the cinnamon and anise. Effing yum!
Simon's Journey -- Kiwi Strawberry mead?! Sign me up! My friend brought this home in her growler and was actually my first introduction to Twisted Horn's products. It's as delicious as it sounds. Just give it a try and be pleased.
Old Toby -- To be honest, it was the thistle honey that caught my eye on this one and it sure didn't disappoint. Off-dry is a clever way to say the drink isn't cloyingly sweet like some meads can be. Yum.
Danegeld -- John corrected my 'Murican pronunciation of this one to "Dah-ne-geld" (instead of "Dane-geld). Linguistics aside, this is the quintessential mead. It's floral and sweet and just what I needed to round out my night.
Maidenheim -- Now this one is as complex as the description warns. It is a "sweet session show mead with wild flower honey." The complexity comes in from the wild flower honey. I get so many different aromas and flavors coming through in a comfy and faithfully delicious honey medium. If you get a chance, give it a try. It's different and delicious.
THE CIDERS
Mischief Maker -- Their in-house unfiltered cider. Tasty and very drinkable, but not the highlight of my first flight.
Hidden Stones -- I'm a sucker for ginger peach flavored just about anything. Toss those flavors into cider and I'm in heaven! Now if only they'd brew a nice batch of ginger peach mead. *wink*wink*
Embers -- Strawberries are the loudest voice in this subtly spicy cider. The spice on the back end is pleasant and far from overpowering (even to those with limited spice tolerance). It's hard for me to taste this and not think of it as a dessert at some fancy high-fallutin' restaurant.
THE VERDICT
I am legitimately and thoroughly impressed with this wonderful place. I am also a wee bit ashamed it's taken so long for me to make it up here. It shan't be long before my next visit and will be telling (and bringing) all my friends with me. You should come too!!!