Back at the end of the year 2 Towns Ciderhouse sent out samples of its seasonal Man Gogh cider, billed as an “Imperial Tropical Apple” that was made with mango and habanero chili peppers. Like many of the 2 Towns seasonals, it’s an interesting blend of fruits and ideas that I’ve been enjoying. Yes, this review is late considering the winter release but I suspect it will be back out again towards the end of the year, so it’s one to look forward to.

It’s 8% alcohol by volume, stronger than most of 2 Towns’ offerings (hence “imperial”) and yes, “Man Gogh” is a play on “mango” and the artist Vincent van Gogh with the label being a cidery play on van Gogh’s painting “Starry Night.”

Appearance: Clear, golden yellow, with lively, tiny bubble effervescence, a minimal head at first before breaking to none.

Smell: Mellow but there is a mango presence and a touch of earthy pepper (heat and fruitiness of the pepper itself). Subtle tannic apple skin note.

Taste: Mild, sweetish apple with a kiss of that earthy-fruity pepper but no residual heat at all, with a bit of a tropical juice note at the back. As it warms, there is a bare hint of peppery heat blooming at the back of the throat. It’s mellow, with mango skin and green apple prominent in the flavor. No hint of booze.

Mouthfeel: Crisp with a touch of pepper/spicy heat, overall sweet with a dry finish.

Overall: This was definitely an interesting variation from 2 Towns, appropriately “imperial” which likely helped balance and play off the tropical heat notes. One to watch out for when it comes around again (assuming as a seasonal that it will).