Feeling a little stir-crazy? Every winter brings with it a housebound lifestyle, especially in northern locales, and sometimes it feels like hibernation-mode won’t ever end. The urge for a change of scenery can be strong, even if the weather isn’t especially accommodating to spending time outdoors!

If every weekend brings an intense longing for cider adventures, you’re in luck: Craft cider goes hand-in-hand with outdoorsy lifestyles, and plenty of cideries have been hard at work creating safe outdoor spaces to keep guests comfy, even in the depths of winter. Before you head out, make sure you’ve thoroughly read through the cidery’s guidelines/rules, and don’t forget a blanket!

Here are seven rad outdoor cidery spaces to visit while we wait for warmer temps to come:

*Just a quick note to say that if you have accessibility issues that make outdoor hangs uncomfortable or impossible, there are still plenty of ways to support your favorite cideries! Consider buying cider online or joining your local cidery’s cider club! 

Midwesterners famously aren’t afraid of a little cold standing in the way of outdoor fun! For example, at Thor’s Hard Cider‘s farm and tasting room in Minnesota, you’ll find a full-on ice skating rink ready for action! Open Friday through Sunday, the rink is open to any guests (just bring your own skates!) and features benches for taking skates on and off, and a bonfire to stay warm. When you’re done skating, grab a cider in the taproom! 6428 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater, MN; (651) 278-8666.

Smack in the middle of Pennsylvania’s beautiful apple country, find Big Hill Ciderworks Taphouse. The rustic farm environment is complete with incredible views, cozy fire pits and plenty of Big Hill’s cider on draft. There is plenty of indoor space, but if you want to enjoy a brisk evening by the fire pit, guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets for increased comfort. You can even bring your own telescope for stargazing after dark! An outdoor screen projects sports games and movies, and on specific weekends, local food trucks and live music enhance the festive atmosphere. 338 Georgetown Rd., Gardners, PA.

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Ironbound Hard Cider‘s Outdoor Cider Garden provides multiple “zones” for socializing. There are a number of fire pits, surrounded by custom-made Adirondack chairs or tree stumps, which can accommodate up to eight guests. The Woodshed is a covered pavilion that allows guests to watch Ironbound’s chefs work around the Mother Fire, 30-foot Argentinian-inspired open-fire grills!

The tasting room menu includes plentiful cider, of course, as well as cocktails, wine, warm drinks and non-alcoholic drinks. The food is eclectic, with snacky appetizers, salads, sandwiches, hearty mains and sweet treats. While you’re there, don’t forget to shop at the Ironbound Farm Market! 360 County Road 579, Asbury, NJ; (908) 940-4115.

Upstate New Yorkers are no strangers to making the best of long, cold winters. The Nine Pin Cider Tasting Room rewards those who are willing to brave the cold with epic fire pit hangs. You can rent out its campfire space for private events (email cara@ninepincider.com to make it happen), or stop by on the last Friday of the month for public campfire nights, which run from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy Nine Pin’s great menu, which includes tasty ciders and locally sourced sourdough pizzas around an expertly built wood campfire! This fun option is available all winter long. 929 Broadway, Albany, NY; (518) 449-9999.

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Sociable Cider Werks is embracing winter to its fullest with its excellently appointed outdoor patio. There is an actual outdoor ice skating rink on site at the cidery, so after you enjoy some hot cider, food truck grub and s’mores around the fire pits, strap on some skates for an open skate session (on Fridays only), or join a curling league! Bring a blanket or folding chair and get ready for a rad cider experience, Midwest-style! Note: Outdoor patio and ice rink hours may close due to inclement weather. You can also rent a private curling lane for groups up to 8 people. 1500 Fillmore St NE, Minneapolis, MN; (612) 758-0105.

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You can hang with your pod in a literal pod in the intimate igloos at the Two K Farms tasting room. Each geodesic dome-shaped structure includes comfy seating and twinkly lights for magical feels during nighttime hours. Reservations are suggested for the igloos, though technically they are first come, first served! There are also fire pits available on a patio overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay, as well as the opportunity to snowshoe throughout the breathtaking property, including rows of grape vines and apple trees. 3872 SW Bay Shore Dr., Suttons Bay, MI; (231) 866-4265.

Last year, Botanist & Barre unveiled its new private heated igloos at its farm in Cedar Grove, North Carolina, just about 30 minutes outside of Durham. Guests may reserve an igloo for 90 minutes, with cider and snack packages, for parties of up to 2-3 or 5-6 people. The comfy spaces are set up like an outdoor living room, with carpet, a heated table, plants and party lights. It sounds to us like a lovely place to sip through the cidery’s wild and experimental pet-nat ciders. Reservations are offered Thursday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. 105 Persimmon Hill Lane, Cedar Grove, NC.

Where have you been enjoying cozy cidery visits this winter? Let us know in the comments!

• Feature Photo: Sociable Cider Werks
• Big Hill photo: Big Hill Ciderworks
• Nine Pin fire pit photo: Nine Pin Cider

The post 7 Rad Outdoor Cidery Spaces to Explore this Winter appeared first on Cider Culture.

This cider guide was written for Cider Culture by contributor Alexsis Cassady, a Certified Pommelier based in Portland, Oregon, and the person behind the Cider Minded Instagram account and blog.

Welcome to Portland! Ready to get your cider on? CiderCon 2024 is just around the corner, occurring from January 16-19, 2024. Whether this is the first time you’re stepping off the plane in PDX, or if you’ve visited before, this guide is here to help you explore the vibrant local Portland cider scene (and perhaps determine if you need a rental car!).

Portland is nestled within the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Classically renowned for wine and beer, the number of cideries in the Willamette Valley are on rise. Many breweries and wineries are also venturing to make their own ciders, as well.

You’ll find ciders inspired by the French, English, Welsh, German and Spanish traditions, as well as modern ciders making the most of the wide variety of apples grown in the Pacific Northwest.

As a resident of Portland and an avid cider fan I’ve put together this list to help you plan an amazing experience visiting Portland and its plethora of cideries. And, a friendly tip from a local: Leave your umbrella at home, as carrying an umbrella is a sure sign you’re not local. Instead, bring your best rain jacket, and get ready for a great time.

Portland Cideries

Portland Cider Company

With Portland in the name and three locations across Portland proper, it’s no surprise that the local community drives Portland Cider Company. Local collaborations include hot sauce brands, tea makers, and community apple drives that create its annual Community Cider, which raise money for Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. Portland Cider Co. continues to innovate their branding and restaurant locations to create
spaces for people to come together.

8925 SE Jannsen Rd., Clackamas, OR; (503) 744-4213; 3638 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR;  (971) 888-5054; 4005 SW Orbit St., Beaverton, OR; (503) 626-6246.

Schilling Hard Cider

The Schilling Portland Cider House has the country’s largest selection of draft ciders, boasting 50 ciders to choose from, along with a completely gluten-free menu, and spacious tables to gather around. The Portland Cider House pours Schilling Ciders, local Pacific Northwest ciders and the occasional global cider. Order a flight to enjoy as much of the menu as possible or, if you time it just right, indulge in its summertime slushie or wintertime mulled Chaider.

930 SE 10th Ave., Portland, OR; (971) 352-6109.

Swift Cider

Founded by two friends in 2015, the name of this cidery highlights Portland’s favorite bird: the Swift. Swift Cider is known for its wide variety of ciders, including both traditional and unconventional options. You can always find a unique beverage to try, such as gummy bear cider and pickle cider, and rumor has it that it was one of the earlier brands to embrace hopped cider. 

100 NE Farragut St UNIT 101, Portland, OR; (503) 719-3402.

Double Mountain Brewery

This brewery turned part-time cidery has three locations: two in Portland and one in Hood River. Interested in sustainable brewing and cider practices? Look no further. Its production facility flaunts 25,000 square feet of solar panels, and is pioneering a refillable bottle concept in Oregon. This year, Double Mountain opened its newest location in Portland’s Overlook neighborhood. While you’re there, take a walk over to any Greeley Avenue park for great views of Portland’s Fremont Bridge.

700 N. Killingsworth St., Portland, OR; (503) 206-4405; 4336 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR; (503) 206-5495; 8 4th St., Hood River, OR; (541) 387-0042.

Portland Cider Bars

Cider Bite

This hideaway in the Pearl is my favorite spot to begin an evening downtown. Surrounded by breweries, restaurants and shops — including the famous Powell’s Books — this cider taproom is in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. Inside, the menu sports a rotating menu of 32 ciders from across the US. Grab a board game, pick your flight (or pint) and stick around a while.

1230 NW Hoyt St., Portland, OR; (503) 765-5655.

The Place PDX

This is indeed the place to be for cider lovers. Half taproom, half bottle room, The Place is where cider enthusiasts gather and where cider makers host launches and exhibit new ciders. With an eclectic collection of ciders from around the globe, you can find many unique and hard-to-source brands here. The Place is like a second home, featuring cozy furniture, plenty of indoor plants, and people passionate about cider.

1212-D SE Powell Blvd., Portland, OR; (971) 415-0770.

Portland Suburbs

Bull Run Cider and 7 Seeds Seidr

Located in Forest Grove, you can find these two cider brands, with distinctively different styles, under one roof! Bull Run Cider, named for the Bull Run Watershed, where the cidery’s orchard is planted, creates ciders with a mission of being pristine, pure and wild. Meanwhile, Seven Seeds Seidr embraces Welsh lore and makes cider in a traditional Welsh style.

2225 Cedar St., Forest Grove, OR; (301) 785-4742.

Locust Cider

It’s just a quick hop over the Columbia River to Vancouver, Washington’s downtown district for a taste of Locust Cider. Originating in Washington, Locust has now expanded to twelve Washington taprooms, as well as two in Colorado and one in Texas. This modern cidery aims to honor tradition while exploring new flavor combinations, such as smoked blueberry and date and brown sugar cider.

700 Washington St., Suite 103, Vancouver, WA; (360) 984-6963.

Queen Orchard

This hidden gem is one of the few in Portland’s southern suburbs. Tucked away in the Ale & Cider House in the cozy neighborhood of West Linn, this venue is much larger than initially meets the eye. The front bar is a rustic pub, serving beers as well as ciders; continue through an unsuspecting hallway to find where the fermentation happens; then, continue on to discover another large, outdoorsy bar room.

1720 Willamette Falls Dr., West Linn, OR; (503) 305-6273.

Willing to Travel a Little Farther?

19 Acres Cider Co.

After 40 years of orchard experience at the Oregon Heritage Farms, this family-owned cidery was launched down the road on a new 19-acre plot of land. Its taproom opened in Fall 2022, and a building that was once a barn is now a beautiful cabin-feel taproom with views of rolling green hills. Oh, and did I mention there’s a small train that runs through the property?

18055 SW Seiffert Rd., Sherwood, OR; (503) 746-5105.

Art + Science Cider

This small cidery and winery in Yamhill County, Oregon (about an hour outside of Portland) is owned by Kim Hamblin and Dan Rinke, and is known for its natural cider, perry and wine made with foraged, organic and biodynamic fruit. Situated beside an epic mountain range, the all-outdoor tasting room at Art + Science offers incredible views and pours of the brand’s innovative beverages, like co-ferments and pét-nats. The tasting room is only open during the summer and fall, but you can contact them to make an appointment during other times of the year.

22900 Pittman Rd., Sheridan, OR; (503) 560-0673.

Bauman’s Cider Company

Chances are you know the name, but do you know Bauman Cider’s origin story? Bauman’s Century Farm was first homesteaded in 1895 and started producing cider in the early 1900s for family and friends. In 2016, fifth-generation farmer Christine Walter took the leap into cider production and founded Bauman’s Cider Co., stringing together methods learned from both her family and those in modern cider making to create the brand as we know it today.

12989 Howell Prairie Rd. NE, Gervais, OR; (503) 502-0848.

McMenamins Edgefield

This is a Pacific Northwest staple! McMenamins crafts its own cider, beer, wine and spirits at their Edgefield venue, and is beloved for creative menu items, like Cajun tots. The 74-acre venue was originally built in 1911 as a “county poor farm” and was later restored into a resort-style getaway, complete with a full music venue and golf course. Grab a drink and wander the property (or bring your golf clubs!) to see their gardens and unique restoration.

<2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale, OR; (503) 669-8610.

RAW Cider Company

Released to market in June 2022, RAW Cider Company has quickly gained attention with its French-inspired contemporary style. Aiming to build a bridge between the cider and wine world, many practices used in the crafting of RAW Cider overlap with wine making. RAW Cider Company has been making the rounds at Pacific Northwest cider events, festivals and cheese pairing pop-ups throughout Portland. Its highly anticipated new taproom is expected to open in 2024.

17530 NE McDougall Rd., Dayton, OR; no phone.

Stone Circle Cider

Two brothers-in-law, one from England and one from the States, came together to establish Stone Circle Cider. Named after Stonehenge, Stone Circle Cider honors the cider making methods of Southwest England, and grows traditional cider apples to exemplify English style cider. Its charming tasting room also hosts seasonal equinox and solstice events.

36797 SE Kemp Rd., Estacada, OR; (503) 826-7385.

Enjoy your cider adventures in Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas! 

• Photos: Courtesy of their respective businesses

The post Cider Travels: Drinking Cider in Portland, Oregon appeared first on Cider Culture.

If you want to capture the juicy center of summer, the essence of fall or the buzzy (sometimes soggy) emergence of spring, go camping. Immersion in nature is one of the best ways to stay present, connect with friends or family and unplug from the noise of the world at large. Whether you’re a hardcore camping minimalist, or prefer a cushy glamping situation, nearly every state has plentiful parks and campgrounds to explore.

Just as important as packing bug spray and an extra bathing suit is figuring out what you’re going to cook and eat while camping. Cooking over a fire or a tiny camping stove presents its challenges, but can also be blissful in its simplicity. When it comes to beverages, our vote is obviously cider! There are so many ciders for camping — truly, one for every mood — from fizzy crushers for afternoon idling, to rustic, bold ciders for midnight stargazing.

Here’s our little cheat sheet for all your camping cider needs, so you can get back to locating your favorite flannel and hiking socks:

First things first, you’re going to need a cooler. Depending on your camping context, this might be the perfect occasion to break out your vintage Coleman or fancy new Yeti. We suggest bringing two coolers: a structured one for food, where items can be easily stacked, packed and otherwise Tetris’d for maximum efficiency, and a soft cooler with cold packs for drinks. This additional cooler not only helps prevent the food cooler from being opened too many times (letting out that nice chilly air), but gives you a tote-along option if you want to bring a few cans of cider along on hiking, canoeing or swimming adventures.

Also, be sure to throw in a couple of can koozies, as well as a few plastic or metal cups, and a wine key if you’re toting any 750-ml bottles along. Don’t get stranded in the middle of the woods without a way to pull a cork!

Now, on to the ciders:

Bagnums: This up-and-coming cider format is one of the most efficient ways to bring a decent quantity of cider on a camping trip. These handy bags (literally — they have handles) hold 1.5 liters of still cider, which should be plenty to pair with a few campsite dinners. You can even use them to make a Cider Bicicletta if you get the cocktail urge!

• Milk & Honey 2021 Golden Russet Cider: This single-varietal beaut is still and dry, with a luscious tropical fruit profile and a rounded, balanced palate.
• Farnum Hill Extra Dry Still: This OG bagnum brings plenty of bright acidity with tannic structure, and fresh finish.

Lunchtime Ciders: Providing you’re not doing any bouldering or other extreme-ish sports, camping is a nice time for a little day drinking. For lunchtime ciders, we love floral, co-fermented ciders to echo the woodsy environment that’s your temporary home.

• Art + Science Cider 2021 Pollinia PetNat: This sparkling apple/grape co-ferment combines 60% dessert pears and 40% Melon de Bourgogne grapes, fermented with native yeasts .
• Rose Hill Ferments Seckel Pyder: Floral and tart, this pyder is a co-ferment of 72% Seckel pears, 24% apples and 4% quince.
• Durham Cider + Wine Life is But a Dream: Gala, Fuji and Newtown Pippin apples meet apricot and loquat for a cider laced with lavender aromatics and salinity.

Thirst-Quenching Ciders: For post-hikes and lake swims, hot dogs and an easy-drinking cider are what should be on the menu! Bring a few extra cans, because you know you’ll want them!

• Hudson North Standard Cider: This outdoorsy cider brand created a crisp and full-bodied cider with way less sugar than many bigger cider brands.
• Citizen Cider Coddiwompler: A hazy, tart, fruity cider with passion fruit and cascade hops, this one for the beer lovers in your crew.
• Fenceline Cider Seedling: This crusher is slowly fermented for a refreshing and off-dry flavor with balanced apple notes.
• North Country Non-Alcoholic Cider Seltzer; If alcohol isn’t your jam (or you just like some zero-proof alternatives from time to time), pack along a some n/a cider seltzers (a blend of fresh-pressed cider and bubbly water) for maximum refreshment.

Smoke-Edged, Tannic Ciders: We’d like to challenge the notion that only guzzle-worthy ciders are for camping. For certain moments, like chilling having deep conversations with your besties by the bonfire, try a cider that’s complex and mysterious.

• Alpenfire’s 2021 Dabinett/ Yarlington Mill Estate Cider: This dual varietal combines the aggressive, beautiful bitterness and tannic power of Dabinett with the floral nature of Yarlington Mill for a cider that is expertly balanced. A perfect pairing with s’mores, just saying.
• Finnriver Fire Barrel Cider: Echo the curls of smoke coming off the fire with this potent barrel-aged cider, a blend of organically grown cider apples slow-fermented, serving whiskey vibes with notes of leather, dark fruits and spicy heat.
• Virtue Cider Belleau Wood 2022: This is Virtue’s first cider aged in new wooden foeders, which lends powerfully cozy notes of oak, vanilla and cinnamon.

If You’re Backpacking, Hiking or Canoeing In (props): Without a car, you probably won’t want to lug the extra weight of cans or bottles, plus keeping things chilled is trickier. This might be a good time to dig out that flask from the back of the junk drawer and fill it with pommeau for fireside sips. Or, if you don’t mind toting a bit more stuff, making cider cocktails is easy enough: Fill an insulated water bottle with ice and the pre-mixed, non-cider ingredients, then bring one or two cans of cider to finish the cocktail once you’re settled in the for the night. We suggest a cider margarita!

What are your fav ciders for camping? We wanna know!

• Can photo: Hudson North Cider
• Other photos: Pexels

The post Ciders for Camping: Tips, Suggestions and Recos appeared first on Cider Culture.

An exciting and ambitious festival is coming to Asheville, NC this fall: the inaugural Carolina Cider Fest! On Saturday, October 21, 2023, cidermakers and cider fans from across the region will gather at McCormick Field (home to the city’s Minor League Baseball team, the Asheville Tourists) to enjoy an array of cider and experiences. The venue will help to ease some of the common issues at big festivals: It’s easily walkable from Asheville’s downtown, and there’s lots of parking, plenty of bathrooms, numerous tap lines and ample coverage if it rains.

The festival is planned for the height of the fall tourist season in North Carolina, and hopes to draw in 2,000-plus guests hailing from far and wide.

Lyndon Smith of Botanist & Barrel, and the current president of the North Carolina Cider Association, is one of the organizers of the event. He notes that the main objectives of the Carolina Cider Fest are to showcase Southern cider, as well as to provide an environment where everyone can take a pause and make some real connections.

“All of the North Carolina cidermakers we talked to were like, ‘We just want a festival where we can actually talk to guests, not just hand out glass after glass,'” he says.

Carolina Cider Fest is a daytime affair, running from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission (21+, please) is $45, with designated driver tickets are $25. There are two VIP tiers, as well: $75 for VIP access to the Wicked Weed Brewing Party Pavilion, and $95 for VIP Access to the Hi-Wire Grandstand Suite, as well as a parking pass. All tickets include a souvenir glass and as many cider samples as you like;  VIP tickets include the souvenir glass, cider samples and snacks.

On the sampling front, there will be a huge array of beverages to try, including hard cider, mead, apple wine and seltzers.

While Smith hopes that all of the local and regional producers come out to pour — and many have already signed up — he also hopes that some of the national cider brands will get involved, as well.

“This festival is all about cider for the people, so we want every style of cider there is, from the most obscure to the biggest out there!”

In keeping with Asheville’s reputation as an incredible culinary destination, there were also be curated artisanal food, specifically chosen to pair with cider.

To purchase tickets for the Carolina Cider Fest, head here! There are also still cider vending spots available (more info here), as well as opportunities for makers to sell their wares. For more info and updates, follow Carolina Cider Fest on Instagram.

• Feature photo: Stephan Pruitt Photography
• Apple photo: Noble Cider

The post Save the Date for the Carolina Cider Fest (Oct. 21, 2023) appeared first on Cider Culture.

It’s been a sweltering summer so far y’all, and at the end of each humid, sticky day, we’re more than ready for a glass or two of crisp, bright cider. When you’re ready to cool off and kick it after a day of sun-drenched activities — or, you know, just working from home — why not reach for a unique, local gem?

There are so many cideries across that US now that, no matter where you live, you can find lovely and interesting craft ciders made by your neighbors! Don’t worry, we added online shopping links when relevant, so if you fall in love with a cider that’s not local to you, you can still order it.

Buckle up, because we’ve rounded up 30 badass ciders to enjoy this summer:

New England

Connecticut: The tart and dry co-fermented fruited ciders from Long View Ciderhouse have summer written all over them. Using apples sourced from their eighth-generation family farm, and ripe cherries, peaches and blueberries, these bottle-conditioned, low-sulfite ciders are a real treat. Head here to shop online.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Absolem Cider (@absolemcider)

Maine: Crafted on a gorgeous farm in Maine using old-world techniques, Absolem Cider brings a sense of exploration to its line of ciders. There are plenty of rad cider/wine hybrids among them, like White Lotus (cider with Vidal Blanc grapes) and Dayglow (skin contact cider with L’Acadie grapes), but we’ve got our eye on Alpine Summer, a rosé-ish cider co-fermented with Chambourcin and Riesling. Check the website for more info on visiting and stockists.

Vermont: The ciders at Wildbranch Cider start with foraged wild apples (the team seeks out and catalogs wild apple trees across VT’s Northeast Kingdom), which are then made like natural wine: slowly fermented with native yeasts, unfiltered and bottle-conditioned. For a mellow, crisp nightcap, try its new Bitter-Sweet cider, made with Dabinett and Binet Rouge apples. Check Wildbranch’s website for stockist info.

NY/NJ/PA

 

 

 

 

 

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New York: Nika Carlson of Greenpoint Cidery draws from the land surrounding her cidermaking facility in Hudson, NY, for her creative, expressive ciders. Case in point: the 2022 release of Days of Heaven, a still dandelion cider made with wild fermented apples from northern New York, and foraged dandelions. The liquid is acid-drive and floral, with a bitter green edge. The handcrafted nature extends to the bottles, which are individually painted and wax-dipped. Shop online here.

New Jersey: At Burnt Mills Cider Co.’s tasting room in Bedminster, NJ, you’ll find 10 ciders on draft, mostly modern ciders made with familiar adjunct ingredients like Montmorency cherries, strawberries and hibiscus. Less expected are the cucumber and basil in its Jersey Summer cider, an unusual combo that is evocative of digging in the garden. Head to its website for more info, including tasting room hours.

Pennsylvania: Puro Pinolero is a new, limited release from Ploughman Cider, a cider made with Nicaraguan hibiscus flowers, which lend a rich red color and wine-ish flavor notes. A portion of the sales will benefit Project Gettysburg-Leon, a nonprofit sister city organization between Gettysburg and Leon, Nicaragua. Shop online here.

Maryland/DC/Virginia

Maryland: The selection of Euro-inspired ciders at Two Story Chimney Ciderworks are rounded out with session-friendly options, like Sweet-Tart and Ruby Red Hopped Cider. But, come peak summer, we’re reaching for whatever’s newest in its Foraged & Farmed Series, a limited, seasonal run of ciders accented with foraged berries, like wild mulberries! Check its website for more info on visiting (including axe- throwing on the weekends!).

DC: We’ve seen lots of fruits other than apples make their way into cider; one of the more obscure ones out there is marionberry. And when you do find marionberries, they’re usually in ciders from the Pacific Northwest. So, we were stoked to see this fruit make an appearance in Capitol Cider House‘s new small-batch seasonal release, Marion Perry, a blend of pears and a marionberry reduction, finished with green tea. It’s only available at Capitol Cider’s DC taproom (also through takeout).

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Albemarle CiderWorks (@albciderworks)

Virginia: Wake up your palate with the bracing acidity of crab apples in the newest release from Albemarle CiderWorks, Crab Medley. It’s a big crabby blend of Hewes Crab, Wickson Crab, Dolgo Crab, Hyslop Crab, Geneva Crab, Red Siberian Crab and Nelson County Crab⁠! On the nose, find aromas of stone fruit, with tart acidity on the palate and pleasant tannic-driven structure. The pun-inspired among you may even want to serve this at a crab boil? Shop online.

Southeastern States

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by DISKIN CIDER (@diskincider)

Tennessee: Yes, everyone has their own favorite rosé cider, but you might have to find room in your heart for one more: Diskin Cider‘s Babe Magnet, a summer seasonal cider (not out til August 11), made with strawberries and lime. Hello, poolside refreshment! Shop online.

Kentucky: There’s something so special about single-orchard ciders; if you’re searching for a taste of terroir, it’s the way to go. The Commonwealth Series from Wise Bird Cider Co. was created to showcase Kentucky orchards and apples, like its Browning Orchard cider, made from York Imperial, Kind David, Winesap and Redfield apples grown at Browning Orchard in Fleming County, Kentucky. Shop online.

North Carolina: If you’re every in the mood for offbeat, experimental ciders, Botanist & Barrel will always have you covered. Take, for example, it’s brand new release, The Whole Bush is a Blueberry Bush. This collaboration with Graft Cider started with the two companies swapping cider cultures and each creating a blueberry cider blend, infused with the essence of blueberry wood, leaves, and Botanist & Barrel’s own organic dry farmed blueberries. Shop online here.

Georgia: You know those nights where it’s too hot to eat anything but olives, tomatoes and crusty bread? Pair that tapas-esque dinner with a Basque-style cider, Sidra Urbano, from Urban Tree Cidery. It’s super-dry and pleasantly funky with a tart, dry, tannic palate. Don’t forget to try the long pour! Available at the cidery or via local delivery.

Midwest

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by West End CiderHouse (@westciderhouse)

Ohio: Have you ever had a paw paw? These fruits, which are indigenous to the eastern PA and some parts of the Midwest, look a little like mangoes, and have a tropical flavor somewhere in the realm of cantaloupes, bananas and mangoes with a custard-y texture. We rarely see paw paws in cider and get excited when we do, like on the menu at West End Ciderhouse & Distillery in downtown Athens. Try a draft pour, or grab a few 12-oz. cans to-go.

 

 

 

 

 

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Illinois: Floral ciders never go out of style, but we especially love them in summer, when everything is buzzing and blooming. Right Bee Cider‘s Blossom, a limited release, incorporates two unique botanicals: cherry blossoms and lemon myrtle, an herb native to Australia with citrus aromas, a whiff of menthol essence and a robust lemon flavor. This semi-dry cider balances both essences with a touch of honey for smooth sweetness. Find it in the taproom or buy online for local pick-up.

Michigan: Bløm Meadworks makes a lot of rad mead, but they don’t slack on the cider side of things! We love the idea of cracking a can of its funky, delicately fruity Perry Saison (made with Bosc pears and saison yeast) during a game of bocce ball or a few rounds of Sushi Go in the AC. Buy online.

 

 

 

 

 

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Wisconsin: Apple nerds, get stoked about The Cider Farm‘s limited release cider, Tremlette’s. Made from a blend of the unusual Geneva Tremlett’s Bitter apple (pictured above), a bittersharp cider apple that brings fabulous tannins to the party, and sweet, aromatic Priscilla apples. The cider is both fruity and floral, with aromas of apple skin, lemon and honeysuckle, balanced acidity and notes of green grape, apricot and subtle minerality. Shop online.

Southwest

 

 

 

 

 

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Colorado: Waldschänke Ciders is named for the Swiss-German word, waldschänke, which translates to “forest tavern” (isn’t that the loveliest phrase?). This Denver-based cidery and coffeeshop is inspired by Swiss cidermaking traditions, and offers a compelling line of unfiltered ciders in a number of flavors. In summertime, a pour of Watermelon High, a limited release made with fresh-squeezed watermelon juice, seems like the right move. Check the website for info local delivery, cidery hours and more.

Arizona: Our love of cider margaritas is well-documented; for those evenings when you don’t feel like playing mixologist, a cider rested in spent tequila barrels is just the thing. Stoic Cider‘s Tequila Barrel cider, in perfect little 375-ml bottles, is made from tiny crabapples for a tingly tart flavor, tamed gently by the caramel character of the barrels. Birria tacos not required, but always a good idea. Shop online.

 

 

 

 

 

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Texas: Blow your beer bro friends’ minds with a pour of Hey, Bud. Sabro!, the newest release from Texas Keeper Cider. This dry-hopped cider (Sabro and Cashmere, for when your friends ask), is unfiltered and unfined for incredible texture, and aged for nine months. With no residual sugar, 7.5% ABV and notes of stone fruit and cut grass with just a hint of hoppy dankness, this baby is a perfect swap for an IPA. Shop online.

California

 

 

 

 

 

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You might think of chai as a wintery beverage, but Newtopia Cyder‘s Chai Me a River, goes down easy any time of year. Think of it like an iced chai latte, but cider-ified. A blend of culinary apples (Fuji, Gala, Honey Crisp, Red Delicious and Granny Smith) is hit with a nice blend of spices that drinks surprisingly light and crisp. An off-dry character is enhanced with chamomile and fresh chrysanthemum aromas. Shop online.

You can always count on Two Broads Ciderworks in SLO for apple-driven ciders with immaculate vibes (they have a cider called WAP, okay?). Feral September is the new cider in their Three Witches collection, a wild ferment from a single orchard. A whole seasons’ worth of apples (Gala, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Rhode Island Greening and others), were pressed then fermented in a shared barrel throughout last year’s harvest. Open soon for notes of lemongrass with a velvety mouthfeel and dry finish, or cellar for a year or two to see where it goes.

The Oh, Shandy! cider from Posterity Ciderworks answers the question: What if you made a citrus cider with the care and expertise usually reserved for more “serious” ciders? Estate-grown pink grapefruits (yes, you read that right!) are fresh-squeezed and blended with apples. The cider is made méthod ancestrale, with a little local Meyer lemon added after disgorging. Try this elegant sparkling cider for a knockout at brunch. Shop online.

Northwest

 

 

 

 

 

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Oregon: Three cheers for zero-proof ciders! It seems like more are hitting the market all the time. One newcomer is Happy Hour, the alcohol-removed cider from Reverend Nat’s, which is on tap now at its PDX taproom. The first iteration in what will be a whole series of n/a ciders includes pineapple, orange, watermelon and hibiscus today. It’s not packaged yet, but will be in the future!

Oregon: For a long time, Son of Man made just one cider, Sagardo, its Oregon-based ode to Basque ciders. It’s been cool to watch their offerings expand, including Txiki, a spontaneously fermented 50/50 blend of Columbia Crabapple and Muscadet de Dieppe, aged 6 months in stainless. Txiki, which means “little” in Euskara (the Basque language) is decidedly not little on flavor, with bold tartness and complexity. The easily packable cans are great for hikes and other outdoor adventures. Shop online.

 

 

 

 

 

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Washington: Island Elixir No. 1 from Greenbank Cidery does not have the tropical ingredients you may be expecting from its name. Instead, it features ingredients sourced from the local ecosystem of Whidbey Island, a beautiful island in the Puget Sound, north of Seattle. Deep forest turkey tail mushrooms, local lavender and fireweed tea (considered natural anti-inflammatory and anti-antioxidant rich) are added to a refreshing cider made with heirloom apples. Shop online.

Idaho: Hard seltzers and cider seltzers are still going strong on the trend front, but there are other ways to enjoy a crushable bevvie with zero grams of sugar. For example: Zero Brix from Cedar Draw Cider, a completely dry cider made with fresh-pressed apples, with plenty of apple aromas and pineapple notes. Shop online.

 

 

 

 

 

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Montana: Western Cider‘s got the cider mimosa combo down with VIVEZA! Grapefruit and Kumquat Mimosa. It’s made with hand-squished kumquats, grapefruit juice and zest, for a slightly hazy and dry cider! Buy online.

Hawaii & Alaska

 

 

 

 

 

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Hawaii: At Hawaii’s first cidery, Paradise Ciders, many of the fruited ciders (mango, pineapple, dragon fruit) are inspired by the abundance of the islands. One of the more specialized flavors is Calamansi, a tart citrus fruit sometimes called “Philippine lime.” If you find yourself in actual paradise, sipping one of these, consider us very jealous. See here for more info, including taproom hours.

 

 

 

 

 

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Alaska: Fresh-pressed rhubarb and zippy herbs come together in Crimson & Mint hyper-refreshing cider from Alaska’s first micro-cidery, Double Shovel Cider Co. It’s such a vivid, delightful color that really glows in the glass and pops on the palate with summer flavors. Shop online for local pick-up.

 Cheers to an amazing summer! Follow Cider Culture on Instagram and Facebook for more fresh craft cider content.

• Feature photo: Long View Cider House

The post 30 Unique Summer Ciders From Across the USA appeared first on Cider Culture.

If you’re thinking about including cider in your vacation plans, there’s no better place to go than the Finger Lakes. The Finger Lakes, sometimes referred to as FLX, is a beautiful sprawling region within central New York, encompassing 11 glacial lakes that span from Conesus Lake in the west to the most famous three in the middle (Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga) to Otisco Lake in the east. 

Within the region, there is arguably the greatest concentration of cider in America, in terms of the density of operational small independent cideries. New York State is home to the most cideries of any state in America, and the Finger Lakes holds tons of them, along with beautiful nature and a world-class established wine region.

What really makes the difference though isn’t the quantity of Finger Lakes cider, but it’s the quality and accessibility. The climate, apple-growing history, agricultural-research resources, and a plethora of small family farms make the Finger Lakes a must-see cider destination. 

There’s more to see here than I can highlight in one article, but here are some places you simply can’t miss on your Finger Lakes cider adventures:

Super-Valuable Resource: The Finger Lakes Cider Trail

The Finger Lakes Cider Trail just launched in the spring of 2023, and has already emerged as an amazing hub of information and a rich resource for finding all different kinds of cider across the Finger Lakes. You can download the Finger Lakes Cider Trail map, learn about cider events, find out tasting room hours and learn about the 11 member cideries, all in one place! 

Cideries

The tasting room at Grisamore Ciderworks

There are lots and lots of cideries that you can visit in the Finger Lakes. Some are open every day of the week, and others by appointment. Check online before making the trip! I’ve grouped these into roughly geographic groups, going from west to east.

Western Finger Lakes

Many of these cideries have welcoming tap rooms that take lots of inspiration from craft breweries, including hosting events, creating lots of small-run seasonal release cider, and focusing on tap and food sales in addition to bottled or canned ciders. Each of these has a distinct identity that’s worth getting to know in person! 

OSB Ciderworks: Owned and operated by a sibling duo, this small cidery focuses on NY apples and other local ingredients to make fun ciders, like Cool as Keukalop (cider with cucumber and cantaloupes) and Let the Boys Be Boysenberry. 5901 Big Tree Rd., Lakeville, NY; (585) 346-7027.  

Star Cidery: Let the rotating ciders on tap excite you with the breadth of their variety, including treats like Forever Wild made from wild-foraged New York apples or cider cocktails that use not only house ciders but also local produce and spirits. Check out the list of weekly taproom events on social media. 3365 NY-364, Canandaigua, NY; (585) 412-8785.

Lake Drum Brewing: This is where to go if you have a mixed group of beer and cider lovers. This craft beverage location always has a full list of both beers and ciders created by the Lake Drum Brewing team. The rotating selection will always include some exciting local surprises like perry or a cider made with local sumac. 16 E Castle St., Geneva, NY; (315) 789-1200.

Embark Craft Ciderworks: Located on a multi-generational family orchard, there’s no better way to see the roots of Finger Lakes apple culture. From its flagship offerings like the dry Old Marauder to seasonal releases like Strawberry Rhubarb, Embark Craft Ciderworks has established itself as a favorite for locals and visitors alike. 6895 Lake Ave., Williamson, NY; (315) 904-4212.

Central Finger Lakes

Outdoor hangs at Finger Lakes Cider House

The Central Finger Lakes cideries are apple growers and cidermakers surrounded by the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region, and it shows. Many of these cideries have close connections with the local wine world and create more wine-influenced ciders. Some hallmarks of this style include limiting any non-apple ingredients, making harvest-specific releases and releasing the ciders in 750ml bottles. You can also visit the orchards of many of these cideries during some parts of the year. I highly recommend it!   

Finger Lakes Cider House: This is a working farm that just happens to have a warm and elegant tasting room on site. All food-offerings are seasonal and local as well as the apples that go into Finger Lakes Cider House’s renowned ciders, shrubs and switchels. 4017 Hickok Rd., Interlaken, NY; (607) 351-3313.

Bellwether Cidery: Just down the road from Finger Lakes Cider House, you’ll find the first cidery established in the Finger Lakes (circa 1999)! Bellwether is still producing some beautiful ciders, including fan favorites King Baldwin, made from Tompkins King and Baldwin apples, and Cherry Street which incorporates Montmorency pie cherries. 9070 NY-89, Trumansburg, NY; (607) 387-9464.

South Hill Cider If you’re looking for glorious views or a bit of live music with your cider, there’s no better stop than South Hill Cider. The selection includes still and sparkling ciders that range from bone dry to semi-sweet, along with two single-apple-varietal pommeaus! My current favorite is the Full Bloom Orchard. 550 Sandbank Rd., Ithaca, NY; (607) 792-1097.

Black Diamond Cider: This cidery knows how to bring home the cider competition gold, or in the case of its Golden Russet/Porter’s Perfection cider, the Platinum medal from the Great American Cider Competition! All of Black Diamond’s ciders are outstanding, and visiting the orchard is a great way to see why. Almost nowhere else in the country has cultivated a selection like theirs. 4675 E Seneca Rd., Trumansburg, NY; (607) 279-5112.

Eve’s Cidery: Another pioneer in the Finger Lakes region for cider, Eve’s Cidery makes amazing twice fermented and hand-disgorged sparkling ciders. This cidery also makes a small number of limited run single-varietal cider with apples like Kingston Black and Northern Spy. Reservations required for tastings at the cidery. 308 Beckhorn Hollow Rd., Van Etten, NY; (607) 229-0230.

Eastern Finger Lakes

You can’t have cider without farms! Each of these Eastern Finger Lakes cideries is also a U-Pick destination for different seasonal fruits! In the Finger Lakes, cider is not a product so much as a harvest and a reflection of the land. At these cideries, visitors can really see that for themselves.

Grisamore Cider Works: This cidery and U-pick farm is famous for its gorgeous blueberries, some of which make it into one of the bone-dry sparkling ciders: the Blue Goose. Other offerings keep the dryness, but focus on other apples and fruits grown on this fifth generation family farm.  4069 Goose St., Locke, NY; (315) 497-1347.

1911 Cider: This cidery is a destination located within Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards. During the Summer, the cidery doubles as an outdoor music venue and during the Fall, the apple picking and seasonal fun are wildly popular. Be sure to try the utterly delightful Lafayette Cider made from heirloom apple varieties. 4473 Cherry Valley Turnpike, Lafayette, NY; (315) 696-6085.

Critz Farms Brewing and Cider: No matter the season, something fun is happening at Critz Farms. They sell Christmas trees in winter and apples and pumpkins in the Fall, but cider and beer are available year round. In addition to homegrown apples, Critz Farm ciders include honey, cranberries and hops, among other fun additions. 3232 Rippleton Rd., Cazenovia, NY; (315) 662-3355.

Other Places to Buy Cider

Ithaca Farmers Market: If you don’t have the time to drive all over, there’s nowhere more efficient and picturesque for tasting Finger Lakes ciders than the Ithaca Famer’s Market, open Saturdays and Sundays! Enjoy views of Lake Cayuga from the market pavilion while you sample cider from six different local cideries at low or no cost. 

I have to mention super-dry cider dynamos New York Cidery Company, because this market is the only place to sample its offerings. Redbyrd Orchard Cider also samples at the Ithaca Farmers Market, sharing the fruits of their biodynamic cider farm. This is also the place for gorgeous flower arrangements, fresh baked-goods and famously popular breakfast burritos. 545 3rd St., Ithaca, NY; (607) 273-7109.

The Cellar D’Or: A beautiful cider selection depends not only on breadth but skillful curation, and that’s what you’ll find at The Cellar D’Or. This bottle shop carries an amazing selection of cider from all over the world. Yes, this is an awesome place to find Finger Lakes ciders, but it’s also where shoppers are most likely to find high-quality ciders from Europe, Australia and more. Beyond the jaw-dropping array of products, it’s a joy to interact with the staff here who know their stuff, and care about finding a bottle that will suit your tastes. 136 E. State St., Ithaca; (607) 319-0500.

In addition to the cider and lake activities, there are so many small farms, beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls, all worth seeing here. Once you explore this magical region, you might not ever want to leave!

• Feature and apple tree photos: Finger Lakes Cider House
• All other photos: Courtesy of the respective cideries/businesses

The post Cider Travels: Drinking Cider in the Finger Lakes Region of NY appeared first on Cider Culture.

In anticipation of the upcoming CiderCon 2023 in Chicago (it’s so soon, y’all! January 31 through February 3), we wanted to introduce you to four folks from The Windy City’s local cider community. Each of them have, in their own ways, been working for years to establish Chicago as an amazing cider city. 

We’re excited to share more of their stories with you, and pass along some insider’s tips about things to do and places to go while you’re visiting Chicago!

Brian Rutzen

Brian Rutzen practicing his Basque-style long pour

Around Chicago, Brian Rutzen is affectionately known as “Cider Brian” — for the past 12 years, he’s been one of craft cider’s biggest champions and hype men. 

But where he first encountered cider, interestingly enough, was hanging with craft beer people. In the early 2010s, Rutzen would visit friends in Madison, Wisconsin, to volunteer at The Great Taste of the Midwest (a huge and long-standing beer festival), and a few months later, he would travel back to go to a thank-you party for all the volunteers held on a farm. 

“The local homebrew club would have a truck of apples, and we’d spend the whole day crushing apples and making raw juice to ferment at home,” he remembers. “We’d take the juice home, ferment it and then bring our ciders back the next year and trade.” 

Those homemade ciders were Rutzen’s first eye-opening experiences with ciders. 

“The first time I made cider it was the best one I’d ever had. I wondered why there was no bottle of this on shelves or in bars?” he says.

 

 

 

 

 

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He began entering his DIY ciders into competitions, like GLINTCAP, and began to meet and interact with other people in the Midwest and Michigan cidermaking industry and communities. 

“I saw an opportunity to connect these guys on their farms with people who didn’t know that cider like that existed,” Rutzen notes. “At first, it was the product, then it was the people, then it was the farms and cideries … all of it was right there under the surface waiting to be explored and shared.”

In 2011, he began doing some ad hoc sales and brand-repping in Chicago for Michigan cideries, as well as hosting an ongoing cider salon. He developed a reputation as being a huge cider cheerleader, and that’s when the “Cider Brian” nickname started to stick. After dabbling with the idea of starting a cider distribution company, he switched gears after connecting with a local restaurateur at a holiday party.

“I told him: ‘Chicago needs a cider bar, why don’t we have that in the city?’” Rutzen recalls. “A week later, he called me up and told me that they’d just bought an empty space and wanted to talk about it with me.” 

That empty space is what became The Northman, Chicago’s first cider bar, which opened in 2016. Rutzen was hired as the bar’s cider and beverage director, and that’s where he met Ambrosia Borowski (who we’ll meet in a moment). 

Though The Northman’s main location closed in 2020, its Chicago Riverwalk beer and cider garden is still going strong (seasonally). Rutzen is still lightly involved, though he’s turned his focus to another cider venture, which is hosting private cider tastings around the city. Usually, he meets with groups of 15 to 30 people, opens a bunch of ciders and talks about the history and science behind them. 

“It puts me right back where I started, educating and getting people excited about cider,” he says. “My whole job is to hype cider!”

Brian’s Chicago Recos:

• Clark Street Ale House for late-night drinks: “It’s a 5-minute cab ride from the hotel, and is open until 4 a.m. It’s mostly beer, but they do have a sensible cider collection, with regional and national brands.”
• Reggie’s Music Lounge for live music: “They always have 1 or 2 good ciders on tap. It’s a solid blues bar — nothing fancy — but a legendary music space.”
• Sleeping Village for a great cider selection: “This is another music venue that has probably 10 ciders on tap; expensive, imported fancy ciders like Etienne Dupont and different Basque ciders. But it’s not a fancy joint; it’s more of a hipster lounge.”

Ambrosia Borowski

Ambrosia Borowski is a Chicago native, who started their cider journey as a reluctant restaurant wine professional. “The wine culture is definitely not the cider culture,” they laugh. “It can be pretentious and classist, and as someone that grew up blue collar, the pretentious just wasn’t for me.” 

When they discovered cider, which shares so much with wine — a focus on fruit, harvest and food pairings — but in a less-pretentious and more affordable way, they were hooked. 

“It was a no-brainer for me to come over to the happy side!” 

After moving back to Chicago in 2012 having enjoyed adventures elsewhere, Borowski was working as a bartender and actively seeking out the local cider scene.

“I was like, Chicago is the best town in the world — there has to be cider here!” they remember. “I was listening to NPR, and heard an advertisement for the first Chicago Cider Summit, so I bought a ticket and dragged my best friend with me. We went and I was in heaven.”

A few years later, Borowski got their resume in front of the team opening The Northman, and was hired on as the cider bar’s general manager. 

“[Working there] was the best four years of my life to date. It was amazing that they allowed me and the team so much input and autonomy,” they say. “We made a place that consumers could come to and share our love for cider in an unpretentious, laid-back environment where everyone was welcome.” 

 

 

 

 

 

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Borowski is still heavily involved with The Northman’s Riverwalk location and is the Executive Beverage Director for the restaurant group that owns that location, The Fountainhead Group. But a good deal of their focus is now on the production side, as director of operations for the Northman Cider Co. 

“Making cider means different challenges and different hours, and it also puts you into a bigger cog of world climate and consumption,” they say. “It puts your brain into a bigger scope.”

Additionally, Borowski is the founder of Chicago Cider Week, which began in 2017, and is taking place this year right during CiderCon. They are also an avid cyclist, and the team captain for a charity ride for Team MS. They co-host a podcast, Original Designated Drinkers, where they discuss “every aspect of beverage” from coffee to whiskey to cider to wine.

Ambrosia’s Chicago recos:

• Museums: “We have a lot of free museums, like the The DuSable, a Black history museum and education center.”
• Explore different neighborhoods: “Downtown is a financial district, and all of the fun things are in the neighborhoods! Don’t be afraid to take the train somewhere; get a CTA pass and use the CTA instead of Ubers and Lyfts, which are expensive and take longer.” 

Malaika & Sean Tyson, The CiderSoms

The Tysons are perhaps better known as The CiderSoms, which is the name of the cider blog that they started in 2014. The couple, who are both from Chicago, first discovered cider when they were living in St. Louis, Missouri, for work in the mid-aughts. They were wine drinkers, but turned to cider when they wanted to enjoy something a little more casual.

“St. Louis was such a heavy beer town that people looked at us as being snooty for bringing a bottle of wine to parties!” Malaika says. “That’s when we first found cider, primarily because it was being marketed like beer, but it wasn’t beer.”

After moving back to Chicago in 2008, their world of cider grew. They began finding brands that weren’t available in St. Louis at the time, like Virtue Cider and Seattle Cider Co. 

“We found this burgeoning community, especially with Michigan being so close by and with the actual cider makers coming here to introduce people to their products,” Malaika remembers. “Then, when The Northman started off, we got close with Brian and Browie, and their team. It was a welcoming community, and we had access to so many new ciders.”

As they explored these ciders, Sean and Malaika began to get questions from their friends about what they were trying. They decided to make a blog to collect and share their cider notes with people.

“As time went on, we decided that just doing reviews wasn’t a good use of our platform, and that we wanted to tell peoples’ stories,” Malaika says. “That’s how we started branching out, and since CiderCon is here in Chicago every other year, it gave us the opportunity to start meeting the industry people without having to travel for it.” 

 

 

 

 

 

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Between CiderCon and Cider Summit, the Tysons deepened their relationship with the larger cider industry and community. 

(Fun fact: Malaika has been a contributor to Cider Culture since 2020!)

In their day jobs, Sean works for an organization that helps regulate stock market brokers, and Malaika is a patent attorney. In fact, she’s leading a workshop at CiderCon 2023 about trademarks and brand protection strategies! And, Malaika and Sean also helped to organize the Bronzeville neighborhood tour.  

“We’ve gotten more visibility over time, with people starting to know us and giving us access to their orchards and spaces,” Malaika notes. “I think it’s the longevity — people know us and that we’re not just out here for free alcohol!”

The Tysons Chicago recos:

• Beverly Phono Mart: “This is a really cool record shop. On the weekends they’ll usually have a DJ and sell cocktails; it’s a fun party atmosphere. The owners are really cool people; they like cider too! We always bring them something different to try.”
• Open Outcry Brewing: “This neighborhood brewery has great pizza, and they also carry cider. It’s a really cute, chill place with good food, and a bunch of board games.”
• Juice @1340 BWS: “Juice is a wine bottle shop, and they have a couple of ciders. One of their owners was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s ‘40 under 40’, and he’s curated a good amount of interesting wines.” 

Getting amped on CiderCon and your upcoming Chicago adventures? Be sure to visit the American Cider Association’s CiderCon website for all the necessary information to help plan your itinerary. And, if you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time! Head here to make it happen.

• Feature photo: The CiderSoms

The post Meet 4 Folks from the Chicago Cider Community appeared first on Cider Culture.

If you’re part of the Instagram cidersphere, your feed has likely been rife with harvest photos. Though the perfect time for apple picking varies a bit from region to region, autumn is when farmers and orchardists are out there, harvesting apples in epic numbers.

What better way to celebrate the hard and hopeful work that happens during the harvest season than with harvest ciders?

By “harvest ciders,” we mean ciders that allow the apples and their native yeasts to speak of the land and climate where the fruit was grown, ciders that highlight the qualities of the apples themselves. We mean ciders made with local cider apples, firm with tannins and explosive with acid, which taste of place and not of sugar or other additives. These ciders are made once a year, usually after harvest, similar to wine’s production schedule. After they age for however long the cider maker chooses, the ciders are released, and once they’re sold out, that’s it. This is a markedly different method than year-round cidermaking (more akin to craft beer’s methodology).

While the warm weather usually has us reaching for crushable session ciders (with other fruits and hops more than welcome to the party!), in the fall we long for the esoteric, thought-provoking complexity of harvest ciders.

Here are five to try:

Eden Harvest Ciders

Eden Ciders‘ website has perhaps the most concise definition of “harvest cider” that we’ve come across. The qualifications include:

• Heirloom and tannic cider-variety apples, grown sustainably and locally in a way that supports rural communities, and building long-term relationships with orchards that grow rare, high-flavor varieties of apples.
• Apples harvested at peak ripeness, as opposed to under-ripe for storage and shipment to grocery stores.
• Apples pressed at harvest, or soon after, when flavors, sugars and acids are at their most excellent, as opposed to bringing apples out of cold storage months later when their characteristics have dulled. For Eden, this means making one batch of each cider per year, a very different approach from many modern ciders that produce a new batch from a recipe every few weeks.
• A slow, cool fermentation that is similar to wine making, allowing flavors to develop over time, and to express the unique character of the apple varieties and their terroir.
• Maturing ciders so their acids, tannins and any residual sweetness are fully integrated and balanced. This means allowing time to do the work instead of cheap, fast techniques, like adding sugar, acid or tannin out of bags, finding agents to speed clarification, or enzymes to fix microbiological issues.

It’s a lot to consider, and it shows how thoughtful and careful owner Eleanor Leger and her team are in their approach and their philosophy. Any cider from Eden makes a grand toast to the harvest season, though we love the everyday, easygoing nature of the Harvest Cider cans. The lineup consists of Peak Bloom, Deep Cut and Brut Rosé, each made with apples from Vermont orchards, which are gently pressed immediately after harvest and given slow, cool fermentations.

Tasting notes: Peak Bloom: applesauce, honey, white grape, slate; Deep Cut: peach, black tea, citrus; Brut Rosé: bright red berry and apple with light earthy tannin and lingering crispness.

Farnum Hill Farmhouse

This cider-making operation at legendary Poverty Lane Orchards uses bittersweet cider apples varietals, like Dabinett, Ellis Bitter and Yarlington Mill, believing they “make far better cider than fruit-bowl apples.” Farnum Hill’s ciders showcase these apples’ wild and diverse flavors, ranging from fruity and herbal to mineral and earthy notes, each harmonizing with the help of balanced tannins and acid.

Farnum Hill Farmhouse, packaged in camping-friendly cans, is a more casual, rustic cider than some of its ciders in larger format bottles. It’s blended with early-ripening apples for a crisp, pale gold and bubbly drinking experience with a touch less alcohol than Farnum Hill’s other varieties.

Tasting notes: Citrus, pineapple, bittersweet apple and a whiff of barnyard funk, with a clean, appetizing finish.

Big Hill Ciderworks Golden Russet

Big Hill Ciderworks is located in the heart of Adams County, PA, one of the most prolific apple-growing regions in the U.S. Big Hill presses, ferments, bottles and distributes all of  its ciders from the many varieties of apples grown on its land. This is beautiful, providing orchard-driven ciders with no added sugars, sweeteners, colors or flavorings. Many of its ciders are blends of different apples, which are all really balanced and expressive, but we especially love the pure clarity of its Golden Russet cider. This is a single varietal cider that sings with the flavor of of this old American cultivar of a domesticated apple that’s known for its intense tartness.

The cider spends the winter resting on lees (leftover yeast particles), and is then racked and barrel-aged for eight months before bottling. Big Hill says this cider is “a true expression of our microclimate and the terroir of our orchards.”

Tasting notes: Notes of vanilla and burnt sugar with a smooth, lush flavor and balanced dryness.

Art + Science Clutch Cider

Art + Science is a natural cider, perry, and wine producer in rural Yamhill County, Oregon, headed up by husband-and-wife team Dan Rinke and Kim Hamblin (learn more about them via our Instagram Live Q&A chat!). To make cider, they foraged for fruit and purchase from nearby small orchards, then ferment with indigenous yeasts. While they wait for their own estate orchards to fully come into production, the couple explores mostly on privately-owned lands, from abandoned and neglected orchards to seedlings trees growing wild in nature. While this isn’t an agricultural “harvest” in the traditional sense, to us, the effort, labor and persistence involved with foraging is its own harvest to be celebrated!

Art + Science’s Clutch Cider is an orchard-based cider sourced from twenty year old English cider apples planted at Northrop Acres outside of Amity, Oregon. The fruit is milled and pressed, and then fermented naturally with native yeast with nothing else added  – no added sulfur, acid, sugar or forced carbonation.

Tasting notes: Traditional and dry, with a bit of barnyard funk, upfront acidity and notable tannic structure.

Scar of the Sea Newtown Pippin Hard Cider

Scar of the Sea, founded by Mikey Giugni and Michael Brughelli, two college friends with a shared affinity for the ocean, makes cider and wine that are influenced by the maritime soils, and climates of the Central Coast of California. Its ciders are made with apples harvested from a handful of orchards dotted across the Mountain foothills, coastal valleys and high deserts of the nearby terrain. These include Bear Creek Ranch in Santa Cruz, Chadmark Farms in Paso Robles and Kids Inc Orchards in the Sierra Foothills. The apples harvested from these small farms create ciders that are terroir-driven, balanced and complex.

Its Newtown Pippin Cider is made from a harvest of Newton Pippin apples from Bear Valley Ranch in Aptos, California, which was planted between 1940 and the 1960s farmed without any chemical inputs After barrel fermentation with native yeast in French oak barrels, the cider is barrel-aged aged sur lie for 12 months. Then, it’s re-fermented in the bottle with a dosage from 2020 fresh juice to add carbonation.

Tasting notes: Very bright with aromas of bubble gum, banana runts and apples. Tart and dry.

What are your favorite harvest ciders to reach for as the weather cools? Let us know!

• Eden Cider photos: Dish Works
• Harvest photo: Jack's Hard Cider
• All other photos: Courtesy of the respective cideries

The post 5 Ciders to Drink to Celebrate the Harvest appeared first on Cider Culture.

As autumn arrives each year, nostalgia sets in, reminding us of all the traditions that make the season so special. Pumpkin carving, apple picking, fall festivals … it’s hard not to fall in love with this season. Autumn also brings back cider donuts! Made from the juices of freshly pressed apples, every sugary bite brings back memories of previous falls when we couldn’t wait to open a paper sack filled with these fragrant, freshly made treats.

Chances are if you’re a craft cider fanatic, baked goodies infused with apples also make you happy. If you’ve been craving these beauties, check out our list of some of the best cider donuts from each state in the northeastern United States.

Maine

McDougal Orchards

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Be sure to visit Capt. Jack’s Donut Shack to get your hands on these tasty treats. Enjoy wagon rides, a corn maze and apple picking, available daily at the orchard. 201 Hanson Ridge Rd., Springvale, Maine; phone: (207) 324-5054

New Hampshire

White Mountain Cider Company

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For a sophisticated experience, stop by White Mountain Cider Company, where you can indulge in cider donuts while dining in a beautifully restored farmhouse restaurant. The homemade cider donuts are served with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with decadent caramel sauce. Feeling fancy? Order a cidertini from the bar. You can also head to White Mountain’s market for cider donuts by the dozen, as well as tons of other gourmet treats. 207 US-302, P.O. Box 790, Bartlett, N.H.; phone: (603) 383-9061

Vermont

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

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Enjoy a taste of fall at this charming local spot, known not only for its donuts, but for syrups and other lovely Vermont goods, too. Bonus: Cold Hollow makes hard cider — try a pour of the housemade Barn Dance cider at the onsite cafe, The Apple Core Luncheonette & Brew! Not able to visit the cider mill’s location? Not to worry: You can order Cold Hollow’s donuts online! 3600 Waterbury Stowe Rd., Waterbury Center, Vt.; phone: (800) 327-7537

New York

Wager’s Cider Mill

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Wager’s Cider Mill has been family-owned and -operated for 4 decades, producing 21 varieties of apples throughout the year. It also offers a wide variety of homemade donuts, including its famous apple cider donuts, which are made strictly with fresh-squeezed apple cider. Stop by the Penn Yan location (in the Finger Lakes region) to dive into these delightful donuts, which are made daily and served fresh. 256 E. Main St., Penn Yan, N.Y.; phone: (315) 536-6640

Massachusetts

Honey Pot Hill Orchards

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Honey Pot Hill Orchards is open throughout the year, offering pick-your-own apples, peaches, blueberries and pears, depending on the season, of course. However, its cider donuts are the main attraction! Be sure to get to the orchard early and get a paper bag filled with mini cider doughnuts, before the long line inevitably begins to form. 138 Sudbury Rd., Stow, Mass.; phone: (978) 562-5666 

Connecticut

Lyman Orchards

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Stop by the Apple Barrel, Lyman Orchards’ unique market, for fresh-baked goods, including muffins, pies, cookies, loaves of bread, pastries and, of course, apple cider donuts! These delicacies are made daily in the Farm Kitchen Bakery. Let the enticing aroma of sweet apple goodness take over your senses as you take a bite out of one of Connecticut’s best-rated cider donuts! 3 Lyman Rd., Middlefield, Conn.; phone: (860) 349-1793

Pennsylvania

Linvilla Orchards

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A historic 300-acre family farm in suburban Philadelphia is home to some of Pennsylvania’s best apple cider donuts. Don’t miss out on these amazing donuts from Linvilla Orchards‘ bakery, which opened in the 1960s and began the legacy of the orchard’s fresh-baked goods. While you’re there, be sure to pick up other treats, including Linvilla’s famous pies, cakes, loaves of bread and apples! 137 Knowlton Rd., Media, Pa.; phone: (610) 876-7116

New Jersey

Delicious Orchards

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Delicious Orchards, a 60,000-square foot family-owned farm market, makes its apple cider donuts (and a slew of other treats, like cream puffs, brownies, cookies and cannoli) using the same recipes it started with 50 years ago! Be sure to get there early to snag yourself a few warm and sugary pastries. Visitors can even take a behind-the-scenes tour of the bakery to see firsthand how all of these goodies are made! If even more fried apple goodness is what you crave, don’t miss the Fritter Shack, featuring made-to-order apple fritters; note, the Shack is only open on weekends. Route 34 South, Colts Neck, N.J.; phone: (732) 462-1989.

Delaware

Fifer Orchards Farm, Country Store & CSA

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Just west of Dover, Fifer Orchard’s Farm and Country Store provides the freshest fruits and vegetables in the area, featuring a constantly changing mix of seasonal, homegrown options. The orchard’s cider donuts are the main attraction, though! Preorders are especially recommended for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so be sure to get your order in early! Stay at the orchard for some of the Farm and Country Store’s hand-dipped ice cream, locally roasted coffee and local honey. 1919 Allabands Mill Rd., Camden Wyoming, Del.; phone: (302) 697-2141

Maryland

Milburn Orchards

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Ordering your cider donuts 24 hours in advance is recommended at this Maryland orchard! With donuts so popular they often sell out, Milburn Orchards County Bake Shoppe is one of the best spots in the state to get these tempting fried sweets. In addition to their famous donuts, be sure to scoop up one of Milburn Orchards’ signature pies and a half gallon of its fresh apple cider, made with four varieties of tart and sweet apples. 1495 Appleton Rd., Elkton, Md.; phone: (410) 398-1349

Who makes your favorite cider donut? Join in the conversation below!

• Feature photo: BigStock

The post The Best Cider Donuts in the Northeast appeared first on Cider Culture.

CiderCon® 2023 is coming up! This industry-leading professional conference, organized by the American Cider Association (ACA), is slated for January 31 to February 3, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. We expect this will be one of the biggest and best yet, with an impressive lineup of speakers, a schedule packed with educational sessions, a bustling trade show, the famous cider share, and so much more! With all that in mind, we suggest that you jump right on the early-bird registration this year. Just in case you’re tempted to procrastinate, we’ve got five reasons why you should register for CiderCon 2023 ASAP!

1. It’s the 13th Annual CiderCon

Yes, it’s CiderCon’s Lucky 13! Can you believe it? Whether you’re superstitious or not, this is an awesome milestone to be part of. Plus, the return of the conference to the Windy City is sure to be spectacular.

2. Save Some $$

Let’s be frank: The best and most air-tight reason to get your early-bird tickets to CiderCon 2023 is to save money! If you know you’re planning to attend, register now and save $50 (you can spend it on a bar tab, we don’t judge)! Yes, early-bird registration for CiderCon is $425 per person (for ACA members) and $725 for non-members, while regular registration is $475 for members and $775 for non-members (and last-minute entry jumps up even more). Don’t you want to save $50? Of course you do! These early bird rates only apply until November 9, so don’t delay. P.S.: For students and academics there is a special rate of $175 per person. Contact info@ciderassociation.org for details.

3. Sign Up for the Tour You Want

The CiderCon tours are always a huge draw, and 2023 will be no different. When you register early, you’ll get to be one of the first to sign up for the tours — and there are some really good ones to look forward to, like a Frank Lloyd Wright tour, a tour of the Bronzeville neighborhood, and an historical tavern tour with historian, cultural curator and creative storyteller, Liz Garibay. Be an early-bird and avoid that bummed-out feeling you get when the tour you were eyeing up sells out!

4. Tack on a Tasting

Much like the CiderCon tours, tastings have also proven to be a super-popular part of CiderCon. You can add on tastings while you register, so registering sooner means there will still be plenty of available spots in any tasting that calls to you. We’ve got our eye on “Pet-Nats for the People” and “Science Behind Spontaneous Fermentation” tastings!

5. Call Friends & Make Plans

Couldn’t we all use something to look forward to? Registering early means you can start making plans sooner, rather than later, of all the fun things you’re going to do in Chicago, and all of the cider friends from across the country that you’re going to hang with. Once you’ve locked in your CiderCon registration, there’s plenty of time to research tourist attractions, buy tickets to museums, make reservations at that always-booked restaurant, and look into any other travel plans you might want to tack onto your CiderCon experience!

Don’t wait until it’s too late to save some dough and get all the CiderCon extras locked down that you’ve been looking forward to all year. Sign up for early bird registration now!

• Feature photo: The Jones Photography & Media Company

The post 5 Reasons to Get Your Early-Bird Tickets to CiderCon® 2023 appeared first on Cider Culture.