Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week:" Isastegi Sagardo Naturala Cider

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Mar 17, 2010 8:20PM

The weather is starting to turn, which makes for a good reason to enjoy a cider. Coming from Spain's Basque region is this wonderfully dry, naturally fermented cider. The makers of Isastegi Sagardo Naturala recommend it be given a long pour, a sip at a time, to break up any residual carbonic gas. Those long pours make a world of difference, releasing a banquet of musty aromas on the nose to complement its dirty golden appearance.

Foam fades quickly on this cider, leaving the drinker to fend for themselves with the mouthfeel, which is slick, redolent of sour apples and must with some notes of honey. Isastegi Sagardo Naturala is a medium-dry cider and that dryness lingers on the palate. Given the must and tart flavor of this cider, we could easily imagine it paired with some cheeses. Maybe a lighter flavored blue cheese, or a triple cream cow's milk with a buttery flavor.

Although we've made attempts to diversify where we find our beer, the overwhelming majority of "BotW" selections have been purchased at LUSH Wine & Spirits University Village location. So long as they keep stocking something like this week's selection, we'll keep visiting. They list Isastegi at $11.25 for a 750ml bottle.