Ice cider originates from Québec in Canada. It is an ice wine made using apples instead of grapes. In 2005 Quebec established a standard for the fermentation of a quality ice cider. It states that the apple juice used to make ice cider must be concentrated
the help of a naturally occurring cold; in other words, to make ice cider you need a long period of freezing temperatures to help concentrate the juice.
Clearly they weren’t going to achieve that in Ireland so they sought out a partner with whom they could achieve the desired result. Andreas Sundgren is a Swede who established Brannland Cider in Umeå on the Baltic coast in the sub-arctic. Experts in ice cider, we asked Andreas, to press apples, concentrate the juice using Sweden natural climate, ferment and then ship it to Ireland. And then the aging begins, they take the fermented must and rest it on American oak to add the final touch to their finished product. This cosmopolitan, well-travelled and rich ice cider has a light golden and brilliant clarity. On the nose you can find characteristics similar to the aroma of a forest floor with touches of grassiness, walnuts, browned butter and toffee. The palate reveals a sweetness balanced by juicy and tart elements with a long-structured finish. This can be aged, or enjoyed straight away!
Nohoval’s Arctic Ice Cider is an excellent accompaniment for cheese, dessert or simply enjoyed on its own.