CARRS CIDERHOUSE Apple Cider Vinegar, 12.7 FZ

First of all, I have tried hundreds of vinegars. I collect them. I have even given a cooking demonstration on the subject for a branch of the International Wine and Food Society. I was also the runner-up in a national amateur cooking competition. So those are my credentials.This is the best cider vinegar I have come across. It is more complex, and slightly sweeter than those you will find in the supermarket. The company, Carr's Ciderhouse, also makes cider, cider syrup, and switchel. Carr's is based in Massachusetts, where I went to a boarding school that took us one weekend to an apple orchard in the state. We ran around all day picking and eating different types of apples and learning about them. So when it comes to this company's products, you're talking about experts on apple products, located in a state known for its apples. You're going to get a superior product.But this vinegar is more than superior. It is the best until I find one better, and I can't imagine what could possibly be better than this. It took a family salad dressing recipe I've been making for almost 25 years and made it better. We did not think that was possible. In an extremely punchy recipe with raw garlic, Coleman's ground mustard, and Parmigiano-Reggiano singing together with cider vinegar, the simple swap of this vinegar for the store-bought kind changed and improved the dressing. Even my parents, who also make the recipe and who I've been supplying with this vinegar for a few years now, said to me when they ran out that they made the recipe with a store-bought brand and it just wasn't the same. I've just bought four bottles: two for me, two for them.Real vinegar is not found in a supermarket unless you are at a really good supermarket and you know what you are looking for. This is the real deal. If you like vinegar, apples, sour things, do yourself a favour: buy this vinegar, try it on its own, try it in your favourite recipes or a new recipe. 'Is it really that different?' Yes. 'Is it really that much better?' Yes. Go for it.

Outstanding flavor profile. Truly the single best vintage I've ever had. Sweeter than most apple cider vinegars with much more complexity than expected. Wonderful for everything but I prefer to enjoy it on its own over a couple ice cubes.

Been using this for a few months now. I use it a few times a week for a sauce or dressing. Nice alternative to citrus juice and wine or rice vinegars. Sweeter and more complex flavor than cheap store apple cider. Tastes a little like you mixed frozen apple juice concentrate with cheap apple cider vinegar, but it's more nuanced and complex. It's not overly appley -- i.e., it doesn't taste like a Jolly Rancher apple.