Tags
Aroma
Appearance
Clear to brilliant. Color appropriate to added botanicals.
Flavor
The cider character must be present and must fit with the botanicals. As with a fruit cider, it is a fault if the botanicals dominate; a judge might ask, Would this be different if neutral spirits replaced the cider? Oxidation of either the base cider or the additions is a fault.
Mouthfeel
Average or more. Cider may be tannic from effect of botanicals but must not be bitter from over-extraction.
Overall
Like a white wine with complex flavors. The apple character must marry with the botanicals and give a balanced result.