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!
Splintercat
Reserve Series | Batch 02.20
A cyser (cider-mead hybrid) made from Dolgo crabapples and honey from Sunny Valley Apiaries in Sprague WA. This cyser has a dual nature, balancing it's relative sweetness with a tart, crabapple finish. Rich and full-bodied, enjoy this one's berry notes, citrus bite and unmistakable honey character!
Core Club 2020 Q2 Selection
Golden Russet
Heirloom Series | Batch 1.20
Made from 100% Golden Russets – perhaps America's very best cider apple. Tropical blend and spice flavors (Jackfruit? Nutmeg?), coupled with crazy-high initial sugars makes this high octane cider a real treasure!
General Release
Widdershins
Reserve Series | Batch 1.20
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 2019 Cidercraft™ Judges' Choice – Santé!
Core Club 2019 Q4 Selection | General Release
Stonewall
Artisan Series | Batch 1.19
Bittersweet (Chisel Jersey, Dabinett) and sharp (Brown's) cider varietals aged in fresh wheat whiskey barrels from Dry Fly™ distillery. Assertive combination of fennel and baked apple atop oak, whiskey and massive tannins. A sipper if there ever was one.
Core Club 2019 Q4 Selection | General Release