Virtue Cider Rosé

Bottoms Up

By Lynda Wheatley | April 25, 2020

Two things drew us to seek out and select a six-pack of Virtue Cider Rosé. One, it’s advertised as “an all-day drinker.” Conveniently, in this sixth week of quarantine, so are we! (Though we don’t recommend advertising it.) Two, it boasts a curiously complementary blend of bright botanicals — citrus oil, hibiscus, and sage — with the flavor of locally grown apples. Generally, we savor ciders most in fall, but this gal — a grand dame, really, one “matured” like fine wine in a French oak barrel — well, she’s entirely right for this season, a deeply experienced pink lady who brings to mind (and nose) that blink-and-you’ll-miss-it burst of apple blossoms only we year-round Northerners are lucky enough to catch each spring. She’s clean, tart, only 2 grams of sugar per can, and — we’ve verified — the ideal companion for these long (read: looooong) days at home and those solo ambles in the nearby woods. 6.7% ABV. We found ours for $9.99 at Tom’s West Bay Food Market. 13940 SW Bay Shore Dr, in Traverse City. (231) 947-7290.