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!
Harrison
Reserve Series | Batch G.24
Once thought "lost" but rediscovered in 1989, Harrison apples were considered among America's finest cider varietals. As they seem to love the PNW, we're working to include them more often. This example presents a range of flavor cues including green apple, white peach and dried apricot - with a hint of malo-funk.
Core Club 2024 Q3 Selection
Fillabarrel
Reserve Series | Batch H.24
Grown for us at Bishops' Orchard in Garfield WA, Fillabarrel apples are a rare bittersweet (UK) varietal typically used in blends. Wild-fermented and aged nine months a neutral oak barrel, this offering expresses green peach, apple skin, oak, leather and rose hip flavors atop a nice tannic base.
Core Club 2024 Q3 Selection
Wakota™
American Singles Series | Batch 1.24
Here's our first 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 2024 Q3 Selection