Devils Backbone Bourbon Apple Cider Smash Review: Is This Canned Cocktail Good?
Ready to drink cocktails are everywhere lately. You can find them in grocery stores and gas stations. Many people want a drink that tastes like a real bar cocktail without the work. Devils Backbone Distillery created the Bourbon Apple Cider Smash to fill this need. This drink aims to capture the flavors of fall in a single can. Tom and Steve took a close look at this beverage to see if it lives up to the hype. They wanted to know if this drink is a smash or a pass for whiskey fans.
The Rise of Ready to Drink Cocktails
Ready to drink cocktails are often called RTDs. This category of alcohol has grown very fast in the last few years. In the past, canned drinks were mostly beer or cheap malt beverages. Now, real distilleries are putting high quality spirits into cans. This makes it easy to take a cocktail to a party or a bonfire. You do not need a shaker, ice, or several bottles of mixers. You just pop the top and enjoy the drink.
Devils Backbone is a name many people know for their beer. They started as a craft brewery in Virginia. Now they have moved into the world of spirits. Their distillery produces several different canned cocktails. The Bourbon Apple Cider Smash is one of their seasonal offerings. It targets people who love the crisp taste of autumn.
What is a Bourbon Apple Cider Smash?
A smash is a very old type of cocktail. It usually includes a spirit, sugar, and some type of fruit or herb. In this case, Devils Backbone uses bourbon and apple cider. These two flavors are a classic pair. The bourbon provides a woody and spicy base. The apple cider adds sweetness and a tart kick.
The Ingredients Inside the Can
This drink is not just flavored water. It uses real bourbon from the distillery. Many canned drinks use "neutral grain spirits," which is just fancy talk for cheap vodka. Using real bourbon changes the profile of the drink. It adds depth that you cannot get from clear spirits.
The apple cider component is also important. Real cider has a thickness and a natural sugar content. It feels different in your mouth than apple juice. Devils Backbone aims to balance these two strong flavors. They also add a bit of carbonation to make it refreshing.
Alcohol Content and Portability
The Bourbon Apple Cider Smash comes in a standard 12 ounce can. This size is perfect for coolers. The alcohol by volume (ABV) is usually around 7 to 10 percent for these types of drinks. This makes it stronger than most beers but lighter than a glass of neat whiskey. It is designed for sipping over a long period.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drink Type | Canned Cocktail (RTD) |
| Base Spirit | Bourbon Whiskey |
| Primary Flavor | Apple Cider |
| Container | 12 oz Aluminum Can |
| Best Served | Chilled or Over Ice |
First Impressions and Aroma
When you first open the can, you expect a big burst of scent. Tom and Steve noted the aroma right away. A good cocktail should smell like its ingredients. If it smells like chemicals, that is a bad sign.
The Scent of Autumn
The first thing you notice is the apple. It smells like a fresh bushel of apples from an orchard. It is a sweet scent, but it has a crisp edge. There is also a hint of cinnamon and spice. These smells are very common in fall drinks.
Behind the fruit, you can find the bourbon. It smells like vanilla and charred oak. The bourbon scent is not overbearing. It sits quietly under the apple notes. This balance is important. If the bourbon was too strong, it might smell like rubbing alcohol. If it was too weak, it would just smell like juice.
Comparing the Smell to Real Cider
Many canned drinks smell artificial. They often remind people of candy or soda. This Bourbon Apple Cider Smash smells more natural. It has the earthy scent of pressed apples. This makes the drink feel more expensive than it actually is. It sets a high bar for the actual tasting part of the review.
The Tasting Experience
The taste is where a drink succeeds or fails. Tom and Steve took several sips to get a full picture of the flavor. They looked for the bourbon, the cider, and how the two worked together.
The Initial Palate
The first sip brings a lot of sweetness. This is expected from an apple cider drink. The sugar hits the front of your tongue quickly. It tastes like gala or fuji apples. There is a nice tartness that follows the sugar. This tartness keeps the drink from feeling too heavy or syrupy.
The Bourbon Influence
As the drink moves to the middle of your mouth, the bourbon appears. You can taste the corn sweetness from the whiskey. There are also notes of caramel. The bourbon gives the drink a "warm" feeling. Even though the drink is cold, the whiskey adds a heat that feels good.
The bourbon does not get lost. This is a common problem with canned cocktails. Often, the juice or soda drowns out the alcohol. Devils Backbone did a good job making sure you know there is whiskey in the can. It tastes like a real pour of bourbon was added to a glass of cider.
Mouthfeel and Carbonation
The texture of the drink is smooth. The bubbles are small and tight. They do not burn your throat like a dark cola might. Instead, they provide a light tingle. This carbonation helps cut through the sweetness of the cider. It cleans your palate so every sip feels fresh.
The Finish and Aftertaste
The finish is what you taste after you swallow. A bad finish can ruin a drink. Some RTDs leave a filmy or metallic taste in the mouth. Tom and Steve paid close attention to how this drink ended.
A Clean Exit
The Bourbon Apple Cider Smash has a fairly clean finish. The sweetness fades away, leaving a bit of apple skin flavor. The oak from the bourbon stays on the tongue for a few seconds. It is a dry finish, which is surprising for a fruit drink. This dryness makes you want to take another sip.
The Lack of Artificial Aftertaste
There is no "fake sugar" taste here. Many low calorie or cheap cocktails use sweeteners that leave a bitter lingering flavor. This drink avoids that mistake. It tastes like real sugar and real fruit. The lack of a chemical aftertaste is a big win for Devils Backbone.
Who is This Drink For?
Not every drink is for every person. Tom and Steve thought about who would enjoy this canned cocktail the most.
Whiskey lovers will like this if they want something easy. It is not a replacement for a rare bottle of single barrel bourbon. However, it is a great choice for a casual afternoon. It has enough whiskey character to satisfy a fan.
Cider fans will also enjoy it. If you usually drink hard cider, this will feel familiar. The bourbon adds a new layer of flavor that standard ciders lack. It makes the drink feel more "adult" and complex.
Party hosts should consider this for their guest list. It is an easy way to serve a cocktail without hiring a bartender. You can put these in a bucket of ice and let people help themselves. They are much better than the "spike seltzers" that have been popular for years.
How to Serve the Bourbon Apple Cider Smash
While you can drink this straight from the can, there are better ways to enjoy it. Tom and Steve discussed how to get the best experience.
- Glassware: Pour the drink into a rocks glass. This allows the aromas to breathe. You will smell the apple and bourbon much better than if you drink from the small hole in the can.
- Ice: Use a large ice cube. This keeps the drink cold without melting too fast. If the ice melts quickly, it will water down the cider and ruin the balance.
- Garnish: Add a slice of fresh apple or a cinnamon stick. This makes the drink look like a craft cocktail from a fancy bar. A sprig of rosemary can also add a nice earthy scent.
- Temperature: Keep it very cold. This drink is best when it is icy. If it gets warm, the sweetness can become a bit cloying.
Final Verdict: Smash or Pass?
After looking at the smell, taste, and finish, it was time for the final grade. Tom and Steve use the "Smash or Pass" system. A "Smash" means they would buy it again and recommend it to friends. A "Pass" means they would not spend their money on it.
The Devils Backbone Bourbon Apple Cider Smash is a Smash. It hits all the right notes for a seasonal beverage. It uses quality spirits and real flavors. The balance between the tart apple and the sweet bourbon is done very well. It is one of the better canned cocktails on the market today.
This drink is perfect for the cooler months. Whether you are at a football tailgate or sitting by a fire, it fits the mood. It is convenient, tasty, and honest about its ingredients. Devils Backbone has created a winner with this recipe.
If you see a four pack of these at your local store, give them a try. They are a great example of how good canned cocktails can be when a distillery cares about the craft. It is a refreshing change from the usual beer and wine options. This Bourbon Apple Cider Smash is a great way to toast to the fall season.