Maker Notes
Research and development (but with cider!)
Why notes?
Taste, of course, is a highly subjective thing. But cider making is an art and a science. Cider apples have unique flavor characteristics - which for nerds like us - are worth noting, helping expand our appreciation and enjoyment of each cultivar. Tasting notes can also identify how apples respond to growing conditions – helping us make better, more delicious choices in how and where to grow varietals. This library details nearly every cider we’ve made since 2019, using a common “spider chart” format ranking 18 criteria ranging from basics like sweetness, tartness and astringency to how each cider recalls other fruit and spice categories. Members of our Core Club receive copies of these with each shipment, along with a crib sheet providing background on how we define our criteria - making it easy and fun for fans to compare their experiences with ours.
Use the search tools below to explore the archive, noting batch numbering for each release, wherein the first digit(s) represent product sequence followed by abbreviated year of release. Above all, enjoy cider!
Wickson Crabapple
Reserve Series | Batch F.25
Developed by famed pomologist Albert Etter, Wickson crabapples are among a very few cider varietals developed post-Prohibition era. This lively, wine-like offering expresses notes of white grape, pineapple, tangerine and honeysuckle.
Core Club 2025 Q3 Selection
Dabinett
Reserve Series | Batch G.25
Dabinett apples have been a favorite cider varietal since their 1900-ish discovery in Somerset, UK. Apple peel and bruised citrus aromas open for apple peel, dried fruit, peach skin and rose hip flavors, with a strong, lingering, tannic finish.
Core Club 2025 Q3 Selection
Wakota™
American Singles Series | Batch 1.25
Here's our second sizable run of "Wakota", a red-fleshed crabapple grown for us by master orchardist Bill Howell in Prosser WA. Red grape and rose aromatics lead pomegranate, cranberry, cherry, red grape and oaky flavors. Think sangria or rosé wine - but from one tiny, remarkable apple!
Core Club 2025 Q3 Selection • General Release
Campfield
Reserve Series | Batch C.25
A rare east-coast cider apple famed as part of 19th-century “Newark Style” ciders - but here as a single-varietal. Creamy, ripe orange (Creamsicle?) and honeydew melon notes, with a touch of honeysuckle aroma and flavor. Tasty!
Core Club 2025 Q2 Selection
Jersey Blend
Reserve Series | Batch D.25
Our first take on 19th-century “Newark Style” ciders, this including Harrison, Campfield and Golden Russet apples. Tropical lychee and melon flavors with hints of dried strawberry and a creamy, luscious overtone. A win for R & D!
Core Club 2025 Q2 Selection
Splintercat
Reserve Series | Batch E.25
Our latest crowd-fave cyser (cider/mead hybrid), balancing the “bite” of Dolgo Crabapples with honey-derived residual sweetness. Tart, with green apple, pear skin, pineapple, Mandarin orange and honey notes. Best one yet?
Core Club 2025 Q2 Selection
Porter’s Perfection
Reserve Series | Batch A.25
Porter’s Perfection apples are a favorite UK bittersharp apple, regularly used in blends or as a stand-alone. Mild apple and bittersweet funk on the nose, leading to oak, leather, dried pear and ginger spice notes with a strong tannic finish.
Core Club 2025 Q1 Selection
Orchard Blend
Reserve Series | Batch B.25
A rare at-the-press mix (for us), this tasty blend was made with a collection of UK classics, complimented by one of America's best, the Golden Russet apple. Bittersweet apple, black currant, cinnamon and tobacco notes with caramel overtones and balanced astringency.
Core Club 2025 Q1 Selection