Oak Aged Woodchuck

The other night, I was wandering through the beer section of my local grocery store looking fo something new to try when I noticed a bright green six pack. Being attracted to bright colors, especially when there is alcohol involved, I took a closer look and saw that it was a "Limited Release" Oak Aged Woodchuck Cider. I have a soft spot for ciders since I worked at a cider mill for seven years, so I grabbed the six pack and proceeded to the register to pay so I could head home and imbibe this (hopefully) wonderful nectar.

I have always been a fan of Strongbow over Woodchuck. Strongbow has a better flavor, is smoother and not as dry. Woodchuck is still tasty, but Strongbow is just better.

The appearance is nothing unexpected of a cider, medium yellow color and a light head. The first sip reveals the normal flavors of Woodchuck, but the finish is something completely different; a mild dryness. When compared to normal Woodchuck Amber, the oak aged cider is far superior; the apples are there, but the distinct Woodchuck taste is not.

After about half a pint, the cider warmed to just below room temperature and I found something vaguely familiar about this new addition to the Woodchuck family: it tasted like Strongbow, which made me delight in the taste even more.

For its similarities to Strongbow, I applaud the folks at Woodchuck, but at the same time I was sorely disappointed that there was not something totally new. There is nothing absolutely new to the world of hard cider, but it is not unwelcome, if only to show people that aging drinks in oak tends to make everything better.
If we must put a number to things, I would give the Limited Release Woodchuck a 4/5 for its similar taste to Strongbow. It loses a point for not being anything new and only being a limited release because the good stuff should be available all year round.