In the last year or so, a number of apple ales have appeared in the market around here. Recently,
some of them have even been advertised on network TV. I tried a couple of these name brands,
but I quit buying them when I read the label: "Contains water, natural apple flavor, and caramel
color." That sounds too manufactured for me.

However, a local micro brewery is now offering a "real" apple ale, and it is very good stuff:
"Ace Premium Craft Cider", in Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California.

ACE Premium Craft Cider - America's Best

I've tried a few of their varieties, and I'm particularly fond of the "Ace Joker Hard Cider".
It is dry, a tiny bit sparkly, and contains 6.9% ABV. It definitely tastes more like an ale than
the "apple flavor and caramel color" stuff.

It went down nicely with the BBQ baby back ribs, sourdough bread, corn on the cob, and
green beans we had today. Happy Independence Day!