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!
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
Manchurian
Artisan Series | Batch 1.25
Manchurian Crabapples are tiny, but they pack a huge flavor punch. This unique cider offers a full-bodied, intensely-flavored experience like a dry port wine or French Pommeau (without the added brandy). Black cherry, almond, spice and dried apricot flavors dominate, complimented by bold tannins and crisp acidity.
Core Club 2025 Q1 Selection • General Release
Kingston Black
Reserve Series | Batch I.24
Of all cider varietals, Kingston Black is likely the most famous, due to its ideal balance of aromatics, flavors, acids and tannins. Here's one of our most complex vintages, with bright notes of green apple, quice, white raisin and mandarin orange rind - balanced by earthy notes evoking leather and orchard floor.
Core Club 2024 Q4 Selection
Widdershins
Artisan Series | Batch 1.23
Our version of French Pommeau, this wondrous apéritif begins with Manchurian crabapple juice blended with apple brandy (from 2-Loons Distillery) to arrest fermentation and retain sweetness. Barrel-aging softens and harmonizes notes of cinnamon, black cherry and vanilla. A must-try, especially for Port wine fans!
Core Club 2024 Q4 Selection • General Release
Dabinett
Reserve Series | Batch F.24
Dabinett apples have been a favorite cider varietal since their 1900-ish discovery in Somerset, UK. Green apple and bruised citrus aromas open for apple peel, dried fruit, peach skin and rose hip flavors, with a strong, lingering, oaky tannic finish. Austere.
Core Club 2024 Q2 Selection
Dabinett
Reserve Series | Batch 3.23
Dabinett apples have been a favorite cider varietal since their discovery in Somerset, UK. Apple peel and bruised citrus aromas open for ripe apple and black cherry flavors, with a mildly spicy, tannic finish. The red wine of ciders?
Core Club 2023 Q2 Selection
Widdershins
Reserve Series | Batch 1.23
Our version of French Pommeau, this wondrous apéritif begins with Manchurian crabapple juice blended with apple brandy (from 2-Loons Distillery) to arrest fermentation and retain sweetness. 24-month barrel-aging softens and harmonizes notes of cinnamon, black cherry and vanilla. A must-try!
General Release | Core Club 2023 Q2 Selection
Marin Onfroy
Reserve Series | Batch 6.23
This rare (for us) apple is thought to have originated in northern Spain – but brought to Brittany during the Crusades (late 1400s). This nano-batch cider may be our best yet, bursting with juicy peach, strawberry and white grape flavors and aromas. Naturally keeved and bottled still - enjoy this one today!
Core Club 2023 Prime Selection