Gutshof Kraatz Adams Parmäne 2016

Adams Parmäne is another Apfelwein from Uckermark that was provided to Cider Explorer for testing by Kelterei Gutshof Kraatz. Adams Parmäne is a name of an old English apple variety, better known under an English name, Adams Permain, Matchless, Norfolk Pippin or Norfolk Russet, producing a rich and aromatic juice. Company: Gutshof Kraatz
Place of Origin: Nordwestuckermark-Kraatz, Germany
Apples: single varietal with Adams Permain
Sweetness as per label: dry
ABV: 7.5%
Package type: 750ml clear glass wine bottle with screw cap
Recommended type of glass: white wine glass

Appearance: pours a  clear pale golden with no head. No signs of carbonation. Body is low.

Aroma/Nose: the nose is dry and exhibits notes of caramel, red and pink apples, overripe red apples, apple skin, fresh red apple flesh, red berries, with a lightly smoky note and a light vinous note.

Taste: it starts dry with little residual sweetness and low acidity, which quickly makes room for a strong persistent plain bitter taste, which lingers on throughout the whole sip, including aftertaste. On the mid-palate, a smoky note (only in the beginning), red berries, yellow apple, watermelon and a watery note with a taste of booze. The finish is dry with a lingering apple seed-like bitterness, yellow apple, low astringent taste, watermelon and a hint of vanilla. The bitter note gets milder/smoother with time.

Overall: I must admit that my expectations towards Adams Parmäne were very high after the glorious tasting Wilde Kerle 2016, Boskoop 2013, Cydonia 2016 and Apfelglühwein. But I have to break your heart, Florian, the Adam’s Parmäne tasted terrible. It was rich, with plentiful flavours of red berries and crisp red apple, but the high lingering and unpleasant bitterness in combination with a watery watermelon-note and a booze-like taste made this Apfelwein undrinkable. To be fair, the bitter note has improved with time, but the Adams Parmäne’s taste was still far from being good. Especially the mid-palate made me grimace. It’s the first ever Apfelwein/cider I have received for testing that actually tastes unpleasant. I’m truly sorry, Florian, this time I didn’t like your Apfelwein. 2.5/6

Availability: from their online shop, Q Regio. In Frankfurt from Apfelweinkontor and Apfelweinhandlung. In Berlin from Schaufenster Uckermark located in Markthalle Neun. In Poland through Vinoteka in Szczecin.

Price: Florian contacted me and asked if I’d like to try their Apfelwein.