I've been sampling ciders lately (including a nice Vandermill that was available at Bar Deville that includes pecans), and World Market had a sale on their build-your-own 6-pack. What do you know, they have exactly 6: 5 varieties of Woodchuck, and one Stella Artois Cidre.
The SA Cidre was pretty ordinary: lighter than many, crisp but still pretty sweet.
The next bottle I opened was the Woodchuck Barrel Reserve. Holy smokes, that's a nice drink.
It's got a butterscotchy note that's very similar to aged gouda, and a lot of woody flavor. Perhaps a bit sweet, and strongly flavored, to accompany food, but it's now one of my favorites. I think a fondue using that as a base could be awesome too.
What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
-- Lin Yutang