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!
Whiskey Wickson
Reserve Series | Batch 02.21
This Wickson cider finished with high ABV and around 2.8% residual sugar, making it naturally semi-sweet. Aged in one of our Raven Oak barrels, we taste honey, pineapple and pear flavors, backed by mild whiskey notes.
Core Club 2021 Q1 Selection
Blackstrap
Reserve Series | Batch 01.21
"New England" style cider inspired by colonial-age recipes. 100% Brown’s Apple, co-fermented and barrel-aged with black currants and molasses. Bottled still, this cider presents rich currant, medlar, clove and caramel notes.
Core Club 2021 Q1 Selection
55 Chain
Artisan Series | Batch 1.20
Made in the UK “West Country” style, featuring tannic English varietals (Dabinett, Chisel Jersey and Brown’s apples), native yeast, oak barrels and lots of time. Ripe apple, quince, oak, leather and hints of butterscotch.
General Release - 2021 Good Food Awards Winner
Gravenstein
Heirloom Series | Batch 1.20
First discovered in Denmark 350 years ago, Gravenstein apples have been an American favorite (West Coast, especially) for more than two centuries. This single-varietal cider presents bright acidity, with aromas and flavors of green apple, apricot blood orange and honeysuckle.
General Release
Golden Russet + Columbia Crab
Reserve Series | Batch 10.20
This one-off blend marries varying profiles from two of our favorites, expressing quince, peach preserve, apricot ripe citrus and herbal notes. Barrel-aging helped soften the Columbia's tart edges, while adding a touch of butter on the nose.
Core Club 2020 Q4 Selection
Porter's Perfection
Reserve Series | Batch 09.20
Porter’s Perfection apples are a favorite bittersharp apple, regularly used in blends or as a stand-alone. Mild bittersweet funk on the nose, leading to dried pear, ginger spice and grassy notes plus a strong tannic finish.
Core Club 2020 Q4 Selection
Dabinett
Reserve Series | Batch 08.20
Dabinett apples have been a favorite cider varietal since their 1900-ish discovery in Somerset, UK. Butterscotch aromas open for quince, apple peel, dried fruit, white pepper and tarragon flavors, with a strong oaky tannic finish.
Core Club 2020 Q4 Selection