Spring is riiiiiight around the corner! And wow, are we ready for it. While, at first, we were grateful for winter’s chill and the many excuses it gave us to stay inside and make comfort-food snacks (hello, pretzels with cider cheese sauce) and sip warm winter ciders, now we crave sunshine! Short sleeves! Berries by the barrel-full!

Happily, there are ciders for every season, and we’ve gathered seven ciders that feel just right for the blossoming of glorious spring:

Castle Hill Cider Celestial 2021

It might seem funny to kick off this list with a cider that’s not pretty in pink or packed with spring fruit, but some of the strongest signifiers of spring sipping for us are light, easy, breezy ciders that balance complexity and pure refreshment. Find all of that in Castle Hill Cider’s Celestial, a subtly tannic cider with notes of citrus, floral and spice. A combination of 100% estate-grown heirloom and bittersweet apples (Harrison, Albemarle Pippin and Gold Rush) yield a truly pretty cider that’s perfect with vegetable-forward seasonal fare. Shop online. 6065 Turkey Sag Rd., Keswick, VA; (434) 296-0047.

Golden State Gingergrass Cider

Just as our lawns start to grow back and bring some much-needed green to the color palette of the world, Cali-based Golden State Cider‘s Gingergrass Cider offers a dose of freshness and life. We love how lemongrass, ginger and apples play together, an earthy, herbal experience that’s kind of like putting your face to a patch of sunshine-warmed grass and taking a sniff. This refreshing cider offers big notes of lemon and grapefruit on the nose, with a tart, balanced finish. Shop online or head to Golden State’s taproom. 180 Morris St., Ste. 150, ​Sebastopol, CA; (707) 827-3765. 

Graft Cider Native Oranje

Graft Cider‘s recently launched a line of wine/cider hybrids, Native, which come in a variety of flavors. Perfect for spring? Native Oranje, a hyper-local co-fermented blend of spontaneously fermented Finger Lake Riesling grape skins and Hudson Valley apples. Native Oranje is like a spring love affair between cider and orange wine: light-bodied and fresh, with notes of rose petals, lychee and little bit of funk. Shop online, or find some near you with the Graft finder tool. Newburg, NY

Stargazer Cider Gemini

Give us ALL of the strawberries! Gemini is a perky seasonal from Stargazer Cider, blending Southern apples with strawberries and rhubarb for a light-hearted, berry-forward situation. Look for it, for a limited time only (just like strawberry season), on Stargazer’s online shop or at the James Creek Cider House tasting room in Cameron, North Carolina. 172 US-1 Highway, Cameron, NC; (910) 245-9901

Portland Cider Co. Pineapple Rosé

Rosé ciders are here to stay, and we expect we’ll be seeing updated varieties and spin-offs from cidermakers as we progress through spring and summer. Case in point: the seasonal cider, Pineapple Rosé, from Portland Cider Co., made with real pineapples and a blend of culinary apples, and a hit of blueberry for color. Tasting notes include pineapple and strawberries and cream nose, with flavors of jammy pineapple, blueberry, marionberry pie and cotton candy in the juice. Use Portland Cider’s finder tool or check out its cider pubs in Clackamus, Beaverton and Portland, Oregon. 3638 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR; (971) 888-5054; 8925 SE Jannsen Rd., Bldg. F, Clackamas, OR; (503) 744-4213; 4005 SW Orbit St., Beaverton, OR; (503) 626-6246.

Wildcraft Cider Works Elderflower Quince Cider

We love the subtle elegance of elderflower and wonder, quite frankly, why we don’t see more ciders made with it. WildCraft Cider Works Elderflower Quince Cider blends this botanical’s best qualities with Jonagold apples, and three hand-picked quince varieties that are planted, grown and harvested at the biodynamic WildCraft Orchard at Meadowview Farm. The quince are shredded and lightly fermented on skin for two weeks prior to pressing, then naturally aged for six months, which turns them into wine, which is then blended with cider and then cold-conditioned with elderflowers. Wildly floral and elegant, this is a knockout at your next picnic. Shop online for this and more WildCraft ciders, or go to its Cider Mill Market to shop for these and other locally made products. 232 Lincoln St., Eugene, OR; (541) 735-3506

Wayside Cider Skinny Dip

Not all spring ciders must be redolent of blooming gardens and berry brambles — sometimes you just want something zesty, juicy and clean. Our pick for that is Wayside Cider‘s Skinny Dip, made almost exclusively with slow-fermented dessert apples. A touch of quince lends subtle fruitiness and crisp acidity. Serve this natural sparkler nicely chilled, and enjoy refreshing tasting notes of pear and wet stone. This is also a good cider to impress your natural-wine-loving friends! Find Wayside Cider at better bottle shops and restaurants throughout New York City and state, or at its dreamy tap room in a restored barn in the Catskills. 55 Redden Ln., Andes, NY; (845) 676-6002

What ciders scream “SPRINGTIME!!” to you? Let us know!

• Feature photo: Dish Works

The post 7 Ciders to Put You in a Springtime State-of-Mind appeared first on Cider Culture.

Is your cider cellar packed with bottles you’ve been saving for the perfect occasion? Well, in our opinion, life is too short to wait!

Saturday, February 24, 2024, is the 3rd annual Open That Cider Bottle night, an off-shoot of Open That Bottle Night, an event founded in 2000 by two Wall Street Journal columnists, Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher. This worldwide celebration was originally meant to encourage wine drinkers to open a special bottle from the cellar, basically just for funzies.

The American Cider Association joined the festivities in 2022 by designating the last Saturday in February as a day for cider fans to open and share something special!

In 2024, the ACA is bringing the tradition back! This year, they’ll be offering prizes for various categories and everyone who participates will be entered to win a wine/cider suitcase.

Here’s how to participate:

• Pick out a special cider to open on Saturday, February 24. Maybe it’s a homemade cider a friend gave you, or a limited release or one-off from a cider club you belong to. Perhaps it’s a bottle you picked up on a special trip, or a gift you’ve been hanging on to. Or, head to your local bottle shop and splurge on that bottle you’ve been eyeing all year!
• Either way, pick a cider with a great backstory and share a photo or Reel of it on Instagram anytime on Saturday, February 24, using the hashtag #openthatciderbottle. Don’t forget to also tag @pickcider!

Then, the ACA will award prizes to their favorite post in the following categories:

• Best Cider Bottle Story: Share what makes the cider you chose so special to you.
• Best Cider Adventure Story: Capture your cider bottle with an image that embodies the spirit of adventure in the world of cider.
• Best Cider/Food Pairing Suggestion: Explore the world of culinary delights that pair well with your chosen cider.
• Best Cider Artistry: Showcase the artistic side of cider whether it be a beautiful label or a beautiful setting for your cider bottle.

Everyone who posts will be entered into a drawing for the wine suitcase. You’ve got nothing to lose, so start considering which cider you’re going to enjoy, and get ready for Open that Cider Bottle on February 24!

• Photo: Pexels

The post Pop a Special Cider on ‘Open that Cider Bottle Night’ on February 24, 2024 appeared first on Cider Culture.

Nope, we’re not gonna do it — we’re not going to give in to either side of the Valentine’s Day debate. We’re not going to say that “love sucks” because, in fact, we love love and think that the world could use a whole lot more of it. But we’re also not going to lean too far into the over-the-top romance, because there are infinite types of love beyond the soulmate kind of love. If you are in love, it’s probably something you should celebrate way more often than just on February 14.

That said, Valentine’s Day is a holiday that can be really fun, sometimes in conventional ways, like with a fancy dinner or with chocolates and roses (wait … does anyone actually do that?), and sometimes in more modern ways, like a Galentine’s brunch, or a cozy night mixing up cocktails and eating pizza and too much candy with a sibling. Whatever type of vibe feels right for you, there is a cider that’s just right for the occasion.

Here are 13 ciders you should be cracking open this Valentine’s Day, no matter how you celebrate:

Look at this little cutie from Austin Eastciders! This Texas-based brand always keeps it fun and casual, which is what staying in on Valentine’s Day is all about. Austin Eastciders’ Dry Rosé is firmly on the dry side, and at 5% ABV, you can sip it all the way through Kill Bill (or whatever your Valentine’s Day movie of choice is), no problem. The rosé has tasting notes of crisp apple, rose petals, black currant and hibiscus, and it would make a great pairing with takeout sushi.

If your idea of the perfect date night includes homemade cheese fondue (very MCC fabulous) and goblets of cider, pair your Gruyere dipping with SpaceTime Mead & Cider’s Les Terriens Soltaires. This natural-style cider is this producer’s third in a series of releases inspired by traditional ciders from Brittany and Normandy, France. Made from fresh-pressed apples from Ayer’s Orchards in Ransom Township, PA, this keeved cider is dry and a pleasantly funky.

Instead of a bouquet of flowers (which are totally out of season in most parts of the country right now anyway) try a floral, herbal cider! One of the best-selling offerings from City Orchard, also from Texas, is its Lavender Royale, made with a blend of culinary apples, steeped with lavender from the Texas Hill Country and balanced with local honey. Though it is fresh and botanical, you won’t have that unfortunate “Am I drinking body wash?” experience that sometimes happens with other floral beverages. Find City Orchard’s products at its tasting room in Houston or shop online.

Planning to destroy a box of chocolates with your BFF? Pair all of those super-rich bon-bons with a fresh, fruity cider, like Stem Cider‘s Raspberry Cider. This dry cider is a juicy, balanced sipper with enough tartness to stand up to dark chocolate, milk chocolate and caramel, alike.

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Ciders made from red-fleshed apples are practically meant for this narrow color-schemed holiday. Snowdrift Cider Co.‘s Red Cider, which comes in a cute 500-ml bottle, channels the loving feelings with a beautiful hue and complex profile of bright acidity and nuanced fruit flavors. Tasting notes include: cranberries, watermelon, rhubarb and strawberries (all the red things!), with soft toffee tones on the finish.

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If you can get your hands on anything from Fable Farm Fermentory, we highly suggest you do! The quiet elegance and complex flavors of its ciders and wines are perfect for a special occasion. If you have a few to choose from, try Fluxion, a sparkling apple wine made from the merging of multiple vintages of cider aged in an assortment of wood barrels.

This dry, refreshing cider was made in the traditional method, with maple syrup used to start a secondary fermentation in bottle. According to Fable Farm, “Fluxion is defined as ‘the act of flowing; the matter that flows.'” Isn’t that what we’re all hoping for when it comes to love? Shop online, head to its tasting room in Barnard, Vermont, or peruse one of Fable Farm’s stockists, which are mostly in Vermont, but a few other places, as well.

Reuby True is a fun, collaborative release from Philly’s Hale & True Cider Co. along with Chef Reuben R. Asaram, a local chef specializing in wildly creative tacos. This co-fermentation of red dragonfruit and Asian pears has Galentine’s written all over it. The charming ruby-red color, plus the tasting notes of tangy fruit, flowers and cream, is meant for living room dance parties, preferably with a very Robyn-heavy playlist.

Hoping to spice things up? Ginger ciders bring a real sassy kick to the party and make incredible pairings with some of our favorite takeout options, like Thai and Vietnamese food. Ginger and apples are also cozy companions, as apple’s sweet-tart nature and ginger’s cool heat create a good kind of tension — know what we mean? Hudson North Cider Ginger Citrus is an special extra-spicy ginger cider with notes of orange and grapefruit that’s a real winner for a casual date night.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all pinks and reds — but sometimes it’s fun to just lean all the way into it. The special Bouquet of Rosé gift set from Finnriver Farm & Cidery, is a love letter to the land, the magic of fermentation and the community surrounding Finnriver! Meant to uplift love and spark joy, this fun collection plays on the stereotypical V-Day gift of floral bouquets but in cider form: the trio includes bright and tart Autumn’s Blush, lush botanical Cranberry Rosehip and the delightfully sweet Raspberry Brandywine.

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If it is pink cider that you’re after, and you want a large-format bottle for your cozy dinner in or out, one of the best of the bunch is Scarlett from Ethic Ciders. This seasonal cider release is a blend of dry farmed heirloom apples (57% Gravenstein, 38% Jonathan and 5% Northern Spy) from its orchard in Sebastopol, CA, with local, organic blackberries and raspberries picked at peak ripeness. The name is a tribute to the cider makers’ young niece, Scarlett, who they say is, “beautiful, playful and wildly charismatic.” Effervescent and dry, with a lush berry finish, it’s a really pretty, really delicious cider. Shop online or use Ethic’s cider finder to locate a shop near you that carries its ciders.

In most parts of the US, February really isn’t berry season. Skip the sad, pale grocery store berries and sip a raspberry cider instead! Nine Pin Cider’s Raspberry is a co- ferment made from a blend of early apple varieties and late season raspberries. It’s tart, balanced and the most charming pink color (break out the coupe glasses for the full effect). For bonus romance points, pick up the Nine Pin Valentine’s Day Gift Box, which includes a collaboration candle between Nine Pin and Collar City Candles and a dozen red roses. This is available only for local pick-up on Wednesday, February 14, in Nine Pin’s tasting room located on Broadway in Albany, NY.

Are you anti-Valentine’s Day, all about it, or ambivalent? Either way, let us know what you’ll be cracking open this year on February 14! Tell us in the comments here, or on the Cider Culture Facebook page.

• Feature photo: Virtue Cider
• Hereford Gold photo: Anxo Cider

The post 13 Perfect Ciders for Valentine’s Day (No Matter How You Celebrate) appeared first on Cider Culture.

Winter is a great time for snack plates. Going out might not be super appealing, and the holidays are now in our rearview mirror, but there are still some fun reasons to socialize coming up with the Super Bowl so many movies being released straight to on-demand. But, do you really need a reason to rock some snack food? Whether it’s fancy hors d’oeuvres or chips and dip, party foods are a fun way to make a Friday night feel festive. And cider is amazing with party foods.

I want to take you through several of my favorite snacky foods and awesome cider pairings. I’ve done it with a little bit of a twist! I’ve paired different party dishes together in a friendly head-to-head competition: Casual vs. Fancy. The casual snacks might be better for game day, and the fancy ones for a Hollywood premier, but feel free to serve them when and wherever you please!

Ready to get started! Our first pairing in the ring is:

Potato Chips (casual) vs. Sweet-and-Salty Popcorn Mix (fancy)

Both of these are great, but potato chips are about as easy as it gets for a party snack, while homemade sweet and salty popcorn mix is a bit more swanky. My favorite potato chips (since moving to Upstate New York) are Utz Kettle Classic Dark Russets. And when I did an impromptu poll of my friends, folks love party mixes like this eye-catching Pretty in Pink Popcorn Party Mix. Both of these are powered by intense salty rich flavors, so they need powerful cider pairings.

Muse Cider Bar‘s Slingshot, with its alluring whiskey barrel presence, or the tart, herbaceous and dry Redbyrd Orchard Cider‘s Wild Heart are great pairings. Both of these ciders dials up the intensity, whether through wild apple acidity or boozy barrel notes. That means that you’ll still be able to taste them when you’re munching on these addictive, salty snacks.

Buffalo Wings and Blue Cheese (casual) vs. Spicy Brussels Sprouts on Skewers with Garlic Aioli (fancy)

Wings are a thing about which everyone has an opinion or preference: bone-in, boneless, or tofu. Then, there are the sauces: Are they better with barbeque, Buffalo or a dry seasoning mix? For me, it’s all about Buffalo tofu wings with blue cheese, but I never turn down pineapple teriyaki tempeh or honey BBQ seitan. For a more formal affair though, you might want a hearty appetizer that’s a little less messy. This type of party just begs for spicy Brussels sprouts with garlic aioli. Serve them on skewers or toothpicks to make them a bit more dippable for that garlic aioli that everyone is going to rave about. Also, things on toothpicks = fancy pants.

Much like the last round, these snacks have powerful flavors, which are even more intensified with some real heat. That changes the pairing, drawing us toward sweeter ciders for balance. I think Eden Cider‘s Cinderella’s Slipper would be absolutely unbeatable with either of these dishes — it’s beautifully rich.

Mexican Seven Layer Dip (casual) vs. Stuffed Mini-Peppers (fancy)

Everyone loves seven layer dip, or at least that’s how it seems whenever it shows up at a party. It just vanishes! I usually swap out olives for chopped roasted red peppers when I make it for myself, but olive fans will likely want to keep it classic. Stuffed peppers make a similarly hearty centerpiece in a party spread, and using mini-peppers makes them individually-sized and cute. You can stuff them with almost anything you want, but some starch (think rice) and a protein, plus cheese, of course, will help give them substance.

These foods both need dry, high-acid ciders. Golden State Cider‘s Save the Gravenstein or Farnum Hill Extra Dry fit the bill perfectly. Save the Gravenstein is bright and fruity with plenty of minerality; it’s almost as though it’s designed to lift up heavy flavors. Farnum Hill’s Extra Dry is legendary for its savory complexity and ability to just ride the edge of farmy and funky.

Pimento Cheese Spread and Raw Veggies (casual) vs. Cheese Plate with Pickled Vegetables (fancy)

This snack match up hardly seems fair, because at an ideal party, I’d like to have both pimento cheese dip and a nice cheese plate! But, they do tick the same boxes by providing the crucial snack intersection of vegetables and cheese. This is the most flexible pair of dishes in the whole bunch, and I want to use that blank canvas to show off some very fine apple-centric ciders.

Whitewood Cider Company’s Newtown Pippin is a dreamy cider. This single varietal made with apples from the Hood River Valley in Oregon is tropical, clean and wonderfully balanced. My other recommendation for either of these dishes is more regional: Cornwall Cider Co’s En Plein Air. This cider is made from late-season apples that were picked frozen off the tree, and features a pronounced peachy flavor with a hint of juniper.

Mini BLTs (casual) vs. Pear, Walnut and Blue Cheese Crostini (fancy)

Bacon is practically a religion, so finding a way to incorporate it into your party menu will certainly earn points with your guests! Mini BLTs are a perfect way to do that: super-simple and dangerously delicious. Just be sure to buy the best, ripest tomatoes you can! If your grocery store’s tomatoes aren’t up to your BLT standards, pear, walnut and blue cheese crostini is a great winter alternative. It pairs savory and sweet flavors, and you can get fantastic pears in winter so long as you buy them about a week before the party. Letting pears fully ripen at home is key!

I chose two sparkly favorites to go with these little open-faced sandwiches. I love how Slyboro Ciderhouse‘s La Sainte Terre si back-sweetened with house-made ice cider, which keeps all the sweetness natural and apple-y. Big Fish Cider’s Highland Scrumpy is another surefire pairing. This cider wins awards wherever it goes! It uses a huge blend of local apples, allowing it to have balance and tons of fruity notes.

Lemon Squares (casual) vs. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries (fancy)

Finally, dessert! A party is only a gathering if there’s nothing sweet to eat. Both of my choices are really easy to make at home, so you might find time for both if you’ll be hosting a sweet-toothed crowd. Lemon squares are a Southern staple from my younger years, perfect for brightening up a chilly night. When I worked at a chocolate shop in grad school, I learned an important secret: Chocolate-dipped strawberries are easy and fun. If you’ve never tried making your own, do yourself a favor and give it a go!

Both of these fruity desserts pair wonderfully with rich and full-bodied, semi-sweet ciders. I like to pair sweet with sweet for dessert. Aeppeltreow’s Sparrow Spiced Cider uses a signature blend of mulling spices to make a delectably sweet, spicy cider. For fans of maple and barrel flavors, I’ll recommend Angry Orchard‘s Wooden Sleeper. It has great mouthfeel and a host of luscious dessert flavors.

Whatever you plan to do to get through the depths of winter, I hope it involves enjoying food and cider together. A glass of great cider and some stellar party snacks always complete the night, no matter your plans. Cheers!

• Photos: Dish Works

The post Cider Loves Food: Snacks Pairings appeared first on Cider Culture.

In our column, “Cider Loves Food,” contributor Meredith Collins (blogger extraordinaire at Along Came a Cider) is looking at different cuisines and finding the perfect ciders to help take your meals to the next level.

Though Spring may technically be here, there are lots of blustery, wet and muddy days still to come. But that isn’t anything to dread! There’s a wonderful vibrance and potential in these transitional Spring days, which can help us feel wonderfully alive. 

Nonetheless, a warm hearty meal at home is sometimes just what we need to make the most of this season of growth. So, I’ve put together a list of cozy, familiar comfort foods (with links to recipes) and some ciders that pair beautifully with them. 

Lasagna

I’ve been a fan of lasagna since my youth, probably because my mom’s vegetarian lasagna is savory and delicious. I never missed the meat because there’s so much umami richness in the layers of cheese, sauce and veggies. 

I recommend pairing veggie lasagna with Alpenfire Cider’s 2020 Glow Airlie Red Rosé Cider. I’ve chosen this pairing for two main reasons: The Airlie Red cider has the necessary acidity to cut through the hefty portions of ricotta and mozzarella, and the cider matches the bold intensity of a tangy red sauce.

Mashed Potatoes

There are so many ways to make mashed potatoes, but no matter your technique, in my book they need to be creamy, but not gluey, neither too smooth nor lumpy, and intensely flavorful. Starting with really good Yukon Gold potatoes is key! 

For mashed potatoes, I recommend an ultra-dry, super-bubbly, high-acid cider like Farnum Hill Extra Dry. The bubbles and acidity both help with lifting what can be a heavy dish. This cider is also complex enough that pairing it with something relatively straightforward allows the many flavors of the cider to sing.

Chicken Pot Pie or Fisherman’s Pie

I didn’t grow up eating chicken pot pie or anything like it. At first I was too picky, and then my family stopped eating meat. Now I love a savory pie, and I’ve included two variations that both pair beautifully with a semi-sweet fruity cider. 

There’s no shortage of good options here, but I’m partial to Rosé for Sal by Angry Orchard’s Innovation Cider House in Walden, New York. This fruited cider uses tart blueberries and New York state apples to make a wonderfully balanced blueberry rosé. The creamy roux-based sauce for both of the pies really contrasts deliciously with something fruity and fun. Or if you want to try something brand new, Two Town’s Ciderhouse just released The Baddie with Pink Lady apples and amazing floral botanicals.

Vegetarian Chili

You’ll need two ciders for this one because the recipe calls for 12 ounces of beer, but it’s so much more delightful if you sub in cider instead. The cider you cook with matters less, but for the pairing, go with a whiskey- or bourbon-barrel-aged cider. 

Barrel-aged ciders often feature notes of butterscotch, bread crumbs and delightfully bourbon-y aromas, which helps them stand up to the powerful flavors of a good chili. Bauman’s Cider makes a Bourbon Barrel Vanilla Cider that I particularly recommend if you like your chili extra spicy. The vanilla and bourbon barrel notes interplay with spice in a way you don’t want to miss.

Apple Macaroni-and-Cheese

In the Fall, apple macaroni-and-cheese is a fan-favorite at our local apple harvest festival. I like it so much that I make it year round. You can approach the pairing in a few different ways, and definitely can’t go wrong with a semi-sweet and fruity high acid cider, like Uncle John’s Cider’s Blossom Blend or Schilling Hard Cider’s Spaceport Imperial Pineapple. If your pairing goal is to enhance the subtle fruit of apple in macaroni-and-cheese, doubling down with a strongly fruity cider pulls the dish in just the right direction.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I simply can’t talk about comfort food without mentioning one of the most reliable shortcuts to happiness that exists on this planet: chocolate chip cookies. They offer everything I want in a delightful and portable package: chocolatey, sweet, just a bit salty! And while they can be either as chewy or crispy as the baker desires, my preference is soft and chewy. Though milk is the traditional beverage accompaniment, I’d like to suggest Threadbare Cider’s Farmhouse Cider instead. This cider offers its own version of everything good as well; the cider is tart, bubbly, minerally, and just a little bit sweet. 

This is just a short list of some of my favorite comfort foods; I’m sure everyone has their own lineup, whether from childhood memories or their own culinary achievements. Hopefully these pairing recommendations can help you enjoy them all over again, this time with some delicious ciders. Cheers!

• Photos: Dish Works

The post Cider Loves Food: Comfort Food and Cider appeared first on Cider Culture.

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.

It’s absolutely wild to think that CiderCon 2024 is going down in less than a week in Portland, Oregon (exact dates are January 16 through 19). We know many of you are coming from across the country — and even the world! — to attend this industry-leading conference, and though your CiderCon schedule will surely be packed with workshops, speakers and hobnobbing through the Trade Show, we encourage you to get out and experience a bit of the magic PDX is known for! For our all-cider guide to Portland, head here.

Though there will be plenty of locals on hand to offer suggestions, recommendations and advice about Portland’s finest offerings, here’s a handy little cheat sheet to help you on your explorations:

Neighborhoods

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PDX, which is shaped a bit like a smushed rectangle bisected by the Willamette River, is made up of six sections: North, Northeast, Northwest, South, Southeast and Southwest. Each of these quadrants (yes, we know there are more than four) is divided into over 90 formally recognized neighborhoods, each with its own personality. 

If you’re coming in from out of town, you’re probably staying at the Hyatt Regency, which is just a block away from the Oregon Convention Center, where the bulk of CiderCon is taking place. The hotel is situated on the East side of the Willamette River in the Lloyd District neighborhood.  

One fun way to get out into the city could be to check out the Oregon Cider Week schedule (taking place January 13-21), pick an event that catches your eye in PDX and go! A few to consider are:

• 2 Towns Ciderhouse & Westward Whiskey Collaboration Event on Tues., Jan. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. 
• Michigan Cider Night at Schilling Ciderhouse on Wed., Jan. 17, from 4-9 p.m.
• Bauman’s Cider X Lawless Barbecue Magic collab at Little Beast Brewing Beer Garden on Thurs., Jan. 18, from 2 to 9 p.m.

Some of the more hip neighborhoods in Portland are:

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• Division/Clinton: A vibrant, dense pair of adjacent neighborhoods known for an abundance of cafes and coffee shops, some of the city’s hottest restaurants, and cool shops.
  • Just 3.5 miles away from the Hyatt. 
  • Highlights include Bar Norman and Division Wines for natural wine, Books With Pictures for radically inclusive comics, Clinton Street Record and Stereo for vinyl digging, Salt & Straw Ice Cream for stellar scoops, Good Coffee for locally roasted beans, and Tight Tacos for tacos on hand-pressed tortillas.

• Hawthorne: An artsy ‘hood, also in SE Portland, with plenty of thrift stores, cafes and shops.
  • About 3 miles from the Hyatt.
  • Highlights include: Harlow for gluten-free eats, Upper Left Roasters for pour over coffees and fancy toast, Apizza Scholls Pizza for killer ‘za and classic arcade games, Quarterworld for more arcade fun, and House of Vintage for retro treasures. You can also find Portland Cider Co.’s Portland Cider House here, as well as a Powell’s Books satellite store, for those who don’t want to venture downtown to visit the famous institution.  

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• Alberta Arts District: Located in Northeast PDX, this colorful district boasts plenty of galleries, restaurants and bars, and connects the Concordia, King and Vernon neighborhoods.
  • Just 2.5 miles away from the Hyatt.
  • Highlights include: The Radio Room for mid-century vibes and cocktails, Alberta Co-Op for healthy room snacks, Bye and Bye for vegan Southern food, and Citizen Ruth for feminist art, gifts and books.

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• Alphabet District/Nob Hill: This posh area in the Northwestern quadrant is dripping with Portland quirkiness and seriously great views of the city!
  • About 2 miles away from the Hyatt.
  • Highlights include: Pizza Thief for great pizza (including gluten-free options), Freeland Spirits tasting room for cocktails and flights, Cafe Mingo for fancy Italian cuisine, Bing Mi Dumpling and Noodle Bar for wildly good, quick Chinese food, and the 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop featuring over 800 rare and local bottles. 

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No matter where you wander, make a point to sample the cuisine PDX is best-known for: donuts, ice cream and pizza (that’s a tough assignment, right?). Some local gems to sample are Salt & Straw Ice Cream, Ice Queen Popsicles, Virtuous Pie, Scottie’s Pizza Parlor, Sesame Donuts and Blue Star Donuts. 

Of course, there are also so many (SO many) coffee shops. Avoid the chains and get your caffeine at any of the seemingly infinite cafes, like Saint Simon Coffee Co., Cafe United, Courier Coffee Roasters, Heart Coffee Roasters … and hundreds more. 

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You may be asking: What’s the best way to get around Portland? The public transportation in PDX comes in a few different flavors:

• TriMet Buses, with over 80 routes across the city. Pay your fare with contactless payment through your phone or credit card, with a Hop Fastpass®, ticket or with cash. Fare is $2.80 per ride.
• MAX Light Rail, which connects PDX with nearby Beaverton, Clackamas, Gresham, Hillsboro, Milwaukie and North/Northeast Portland. To pay your fare, tap your Hop Fastpass or contactless phone/credit card payment at the station to pay your fare before boarding.
• Portland Streetcar, another option with multiple routes throughout downtown Portland (the Hyatt and Convention Center are right off the B Line!). The cars run every 15-20 minutes; see here for fare info.

Fun fact: The first 1,000 CiderCon attendees will get a Trimet pass good for buses, MAX or Streetcar rides!

Before you go, there is one more important thing we have to cover, and that is a pronunciation guide for words that are oft-misspoken:

• Oregon is pronounced Or-i-ginn, not Or-ee-gon or Or-a-gon
• Willamette, as in the river and the Valley, is Will-a-mitt (rhymes with “dammit”), not Willmett, Williamette, Will-a-met… or any of the other ways people try to say it!   
• Couch Street, which runs through Old Town, is pronounced Kooch! 
• Glisan Street is pronounced like Gleeson.

We hope this has been a helpful primer to the weird, wonderful place that is Portland, Oregon. Have an educational, safe and fun CiderCon 2024!

• Feature photo: Pexels

The post Your 2024 CiderCon and PDX Cheat Sheet appeared first on Cider Culture.

Malaika Tyson is one half of the blogging duo, Cider Soms, which was started as a way to introduce wine-lovers to the world of cider. Created along with her husband Sean, the “Soms” blog seeks to uncover and explain the complexities of ciders in a fun way.

Brian Bolzan is Threadbare Cider House & Meadery’s head cidermaker. We first met Brian in Chicago at CiderCon 2023 and had a chance to get to know him better after spending a few days in Pittsburgh for the Barrel & Flow Fest. I was excited to learn more about Brian and how he got his start in cider. 

Malaika Tyson: How did you get your start into cider?

Brian Bolzan: I fell in love with fermentation from a pretty young age and grew really interested in homebrewing. I made beer at home for a really long time, and every fall I would make cider. My techniques started very minimally, like getting juice from an orchard, but that progressed to milling apples myself, or trying out different techniques with fermentation of apples and other fruit. A lot of my interests align with local geography, fruit varieties, agriculture and eliminating food waste. Being able to make those connections with people that are growing fruit was super-important to me.

What were you doing before working in cider?

My first job out of college was at a nonprofit kitchen incubator in Youngstown, Ohio. The concept was essentially helping small entrepreneurs start businesses around a food concept or a food product. I always had a strong interest in food production. My family tried to point me towards culinary school, but I realized that wasn’t something that I wanted to pursue. I ended up studying economics in college —  something completely different! But I wanted to use my knowledge and passion for ingredients and food to make an impact somewhere in the community and really found all those things with cider.

How did you end up at Threadbare?

I made the jump into professional brewing and working in a quality lab for a brewery. I then worked for Jack’s Hard Cider for three years. I learned a lot from the folks there and got a really good grounding for large fermentation, distribution, and managing a supply chain. I heard about Wigle Whisky Distillery opening [Threadbare] in Pittsburgh and interviewed over Thanksgiving weekend. I had a job offer that Monday and kind of uprooted our whole lives.

Threadbare is my dream job. I get to do what I love every day, which is great. We’re a pretty small, very tight-knit, production team. There’s three full-time people, myself and two others, and we’ve now created over 60 unique ciders!

What advice do you have for people getting into the cider industry?

First, I would say welcome and thanks for joining us. I think that the first big step to getting involved in cider is just putting yourself out there and looking to see what’s available. I think if I was getting started now in cider I would attend CiderCon, or enroll in a Cider Institute of North America (CINA) class. I was able to take an advanced cider and perry production course with Peter Mitchell at Washington State University. Even though I had been making cider for five years at that point, the class was a really transformative opportunity for me.

Also, go around and try cider. There’s so much great regional cider, so many styles and expressions, so figure out what you could do that’s unique to cider.

What is something that the cider industry as a whole should consider?

We need to address how we speak to our consumers. Their opinions are valid! We’re not a business if we don’t have drinkers at the end of the day.

At CiderCon 2023, a friend of mine said, “Be proud of everything you make.” And that really stuck with me because, regardless of what I make, it is my taste preference, we shouldn’t make anything if we’re not proud of it.

What are some of the ways you’ve reached your consumers?

We recently launched the Tree to Glass Cider House Tour and Tasting. We had eight people on our inaugural tour. It’s an intimate experience, with a tour and guided tasting. In the past, we would leave you with a sample at the end of the tour and say, “Now you can enjoy some cider.” But we learned that people want to feel more confident when they’re tasting cider, and by guiding them, letting them know that there’s not a right or wrong way to taste cider, and that all styles are equally valid, we’ve given our customers the confidence that they too can be an educated cider drinker. 

Are there any cidermaking pipe dreams you’re dying to make a reality?

Yeah, definitely. At the scale we work at we’ve never really been able to get a small-batch system off the ground. And sometimes when you work at bigger and bigger scales, you really don’t get to pick and choose as much of what goes in. I would love to find a way to have a little bit more room to experiment and let those experiments bear fruit in our tasting room with specific customers. I would also love to get our barrel program off the ground in a big way, like getting a lot more cider in oak barrels, and being patient and waiting to see what works.

Do you have a mentor in the industry?

Some of the people that have really helped me started in beer. The person who initially hired me at Flying Dog Brewery, Ben Chambers, had so many broad swaths of experiences in the industry. He really took a chance on me first and hired me into this industry 11 years ago. He was someone that really did help me to see that your first job or your first Ink link into the industry didn’t need to be your whole career trajectory.

Here in Pennsylvania, we’re a small but dedicated cider industry. Some of my peers that are cidermakers are Edwin [Winzeler] and Ben [Wenk] at Ploughman Cider, Scott [Topel] who used to make cider at Wyndridge Farm and Brian and Olga [Dressler] who own Dressler Estate. It’s been monumental for me to talk with them about common or different problems that we’re dealing with in fermentation, sales or any aspect of the day-to-day or big picture of this business.

I also look up to a lot of people, like Eleanor Leger of Eden Specialty Ciders or Autumn Stoscheck of Eve’s Cidery, who really laid the ground for us all. But the people that have really made this possible for me are those that are in the trenches doing it right alongside us and who have gone and started their own things, like the guys at Big Hill Ciderworks.

If you could have any superpower, what would you like to have?

That’s the hardest question you’ve asked all day! My superpower would be the ability to turn back time. I’m happy with all my choices in my life, but would like the ability to just enhance and do things better each time. 

To learn more about Threadbare, check out the cidery’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

• Photos: Threadbare Cider

The post Cidermaker Q&A: Threadbare Cider appeared first on Cider Culture.

Ready to say goodbye to the past year and usher in a fresh start? We are, too! There is no better way, in our book, to ring in the New Year than with a glass of special cider — save the cans of everyday session cider for brunch the next day, and break out the good stuff at midnight. It’s all too easy to hoard the “special” ciders, assuming that a more fabulous occasion can always arise.

But we say: That occasion is now! Life is short, exhume a bottle or two from your cellar, or splurge a few extra bucks at your local bottle shop or cidery, and pick up a cider that truly calls to you. Here are seven extra-dope ciders to consider for this New Year’s Eve!

Big Hill Kriek: Kriek usually refers to a type of sour Belgian ale made with Morello cherries. Big Hill captures the profound flavor and depth of this style in this wild-fermented cider. The sour cherries it uses are wild-fermented, too, and the combination of those punchy flavors with eye-opening sour apple cider is a one-two punch of brightness and funk. Shop online. 338 Georgetown Rd., Gardners, PA; (717) 677-0250.

Botanist & Barrel Basque in the Glory: If 2024 is your year to finally take a deep-dive into Spanish sidra, or domestic ciders made in the Basque style, we fully support you. Botanist & Barrel’s Basque in the Glory is a great place to start: it’s dry, raw, hazy, funky and sour. It’s a slightly fizzy, spontaneously fermented pet-nat that’s an extreme delight with cheese, charcuterie or your favorite Spanish tapas. Shop online. 105 Persimmon Hill Ln., Cedar Grove, NC; (919) 644-7777.

Metal House Cider 2020 Chinchinette: This Hudson Valley cidery produces a number of 750-ml format bottles that feel as exciting and precious as the most coveted champagne. But Chinchinette feels especially relevant for a big celebration: It’s a bottle conditioned, undisgorged blend of Northern Spy, Catskill wild crab and Metal House’s Esopus blend that’s exceptionally food-friendly, with bright acidity, a long finish and vivacious effervescence. Shop online.

Stormalong Cider Happy Holidays: Not ready to let go of the comfy, warming flavors of Christmas yet? Hang on to them a little longer with Stormalong’s Happy Holidays, easy-drinking (just over 5% AVB) and spiced nicely with allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg, with a touch of organic brown sugar. It’s like if apple pie met mulled cider and had a wild love affair! Shop online.

WildCraft Cider Works Unfiltered Sparkling Apple Juice: If you’re taking it easy on drinking, or you have some sober guests coming for NYE, you’re in luck! There have never been more fun, unique non-alcoholic beverages to explore! Par exemple: the super-juicy, hazy fizzy apple juice from WildCraft in Eugene, Oregon. Just because it doesn’t have booze doesn’t mean it’s not special! This beautiful cider is made with wild foraged, dry cropped or biodynamically farmed heirloom apples. Shop online. 232 Lincoln St., Eugene, OR; (541) 735-3506.

Virtue Cider Golden Hour: If you prefer your special-occasion ciders a bit more on the juicy, fruity cider, Golden Hour from Virtue has you covered. Meant to channel the gorgeous sunsets at Virtue Farm in Fennville, MI, this beauty offers up notes of stone fruit, honeysuckle and golden honey. This is a great one to share with cider newbies, or to open alongside whatever luxurious dessert you’ve made for you and your friends. Shop online. 2170 62nd St., Fennville, MI; (269) 722-3232.

Stoic Cider Javelina Rosé: If rosé cider is your preferred “cheers-ing” bevvie, look no further than this rad cider/wine hybrid from Stoic Cider. Newtown Pippin apples are blended with Merlot wine, for a delicate and balanced sipper, that’s a pretty raspberry hue with a lightly sweet, fruity character. Tasting notes include tart cranberry, grape skin, green apple and cherries. Shop online. 11500 W. Fair Oaks Rd., Prescott, AZ; (701) 361-7480.

What’s in your glass this New Year’s Eve? Whatever you’re drinking, and however you’re celebrating, we wish you a safe, healthy and cider-full new year!

• All photos: Courtesy of their respective cideries

The post 7 New Year’s Celebration Ciders for Extra-Special Midnight Toasts appeared first on Cider Culture.

In our column, “Cider Loves Food,” contributor Meredith Collins (blogger extraordinaire at Along Came a Cider) suggests the perfect ciders to help take your meals to the next level.

We are quickly approaching the season of winter holidays. Between now and mid-January, we’ll pass through many celebrations and observations. Whether your favorite tradition consists of a marathon rewatch of Lord of the Rings or baking enough to give everyone on your gift list a sugar coma, there’s room for cider. 

My holidays are going to be low-key this year; it’s time to tackle a big house project during my time off. Though I have plans to scrape more wallpaper than wrap gifts, and I won’t be crossing state lines for big family gatherings, I still want to do something to honor the longest night of the year. Here’s my plan for a family solstice dinner with cider pairings. Perhaps it can give you some ideas for a tasty time with your loved ones. 

Cider and Sides

I learned the term “Sidesgiving” this year, and honestly I love it. The veggies that adorn my holiday table are among my favorite things to eat all year long. This is also a wonderful chance to bring out the most complex ciders you want for elegant pairings. For all of these, I want cider with enough acid to shine against the sauces, caramelization, and richness, but I need tannins, too. Pop open your wine-inspired ciders made with heirloom and cider-specific apples here! 

Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Balsamic Vinegar Glaze

One of my favorite parts of adulthood has to be improving my relationship with Brussels sprouts. This recipe is a simple way to up the textural wow-factor and avoid the unpleasant bitterness of overcooking.

Roasted Potatoes with Mushroom Cider Gravy

A special meal needs potatoes if you ask me. I’m pretty flexible about the form they take. I love potato pancakes and mashed potatoes, but there’s also something wonderfully simple about just roasting new potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary. It makes them a wonderful canvas for a vegetarian mushroom gravy. I couldn’t find a recipe that’s exactly what we do at my house, but if you add a semi-dry cider to this one, it’s very close.

Cranberry Relish

This is a family tradition that I remember from my childhood, although this recipe doesn’t have all the substitutions we’ve created over the years. Skip the sugar and celery, sub in candied almond slivers, and if it does need additional sweetness, use a bit of maple syrup.

Spicy Caramelized Squash

I love baked squash in any number of iterations, but the addition of citrus and spice makes it feel special! My personal recommendation is making this with delicata squash, though the recipe can accommodate a wide range of base veggies. 

As examples, I recommend pairing any combination of these vegetable sides with Redbyrd Orchard Cider 2020 Biodynamic Sunset, Sea Cider Bramble Bubbly or West County Cider Cidre De Garde. They all have the features that are necessary here: strong acid, plentiful bubbles, tannins, complexity and mature confident fermentations. 

The Main Dish and Cider

I want rich flavorful fish as a main dish option for every important meal. When I’m hosting something special in my own house, there will be fish!

Maple Baked Salmon

I chose this recipe for two reasons. First, it’s simple to make. On a day when we might be cooking up to seven or eight distinct dishes, every easy choice helps. Second, I love the seasonal boost of maple syrup. I’m not about to get into a turf war about New York versus Vermont versus Pennsylvania or Michigan. There’s a lot of excellent maple syrup out there and it belongs on this salmon at the center of the holiday table.

My recommendation is to pair this salmon with Champlain Orchards Ashmead’s Kernel or Art + Science Wickson Cider. Salmon is a decadent fish, and that calls for a strongly flavored and highly acidic cider for counterpoint. Both of these choices highlight really special apples and make zingy sparkling flavor as the perfect way to lift up the layers of flavor in this entree.

Sourdough No-Knead Rolls

My tall companion doesn’t believe in serving bread at feast meals. He finds it to be a waste of space for the stomach and the table. As someone whose favorite part of holiday dinners throughout most of childhood was the rolls, I disrespectfully disagree. Bread is life. 

These sourdough rolls are delicious and aren’t that difficult to make if you’re already in the habit of working with a sourdough starter regularly. I was truly intimidated for months, but now I’m a big fan. Just don’t try the recipe for the first time in a high-pressure situation. Practice now, so you can feel great on the big feast day.

Pair this with All Times Sparkling Cider in honor of every kid whose favorite holiday food is a roll. Plus, it’s necessary to have something delicious and special to offer to everyone who’s not imbibing alcohol!

Dessert

For some celebrants, this is the first moment when the meal gets serious. Everything up to dessert is simply preamble. I’m not there, but I respect that position. Of course, dessert is important. This is the part of the meal when we’ve slowed down and relaxed. It’s often a golden peaceful moment after a hectic day of preparation. There are only two rules for dessert choices: there must be a chocolate option; and there must be something with apples.  

Apple-Pecan Bourbon-Caramel Pie

It’s impossible to resist this pie. It has everything: salty, sweet, crunchy, chewy, fruity, boozy … perfect. Since this isn’t the easiest recipe on the list, I recommend making this one ahead of time.

Grasshopper Brownies

There’s just something about mint and chocolate that signifies a fully satisfying end to a meal. Perhaps it’s the association with little candies, like Andes Mints or After Eight Thin Mints or even the classic Thin Mint Girl Scout cookie. To me, this is a lovely send-off after a leisurely feast. 

For either of these ridiculously indulgent desserts, I recommend pairing with something equally rich and full-bodied. Now isn’t the time for a light ethereal suggestion of flavor. We need a cider that has heft enough to speak alongside other big bold flavors. I recommend Alma Wood Aged, particularly for the pie. The cider spent six months in bourbon barrels, upping the body and flavor-intensity. For the grasshopper brownies, choose a well-balanced fortified cider, like Finger Lakes Cider House Royal Cider ‘18. Flavor notes of golden raisins, vanilla, and barrel will beautifully pair with the deep chocolate of grasshopper brownies.

Whatever you choose to do with your holiday season, I hope you enjoy it and make time to do the things that make you feel restored and ready for a new year! 

The post Cider Loves Food: Holiday Meals and Winter Feasts appeared first on Cider Culture.