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!
Blackstrap
Reserve Series | Batch 6.22
A "New England" style cider inspired by colonial-age recipes. Harrison and Virginia varietals, co-fermented with raisins, local Juneberries and molasses. Markedly different than last year's version, this cider offers notes of pear, quince, tobacco and molasses, backed by plenty of chewy tannins.
Core Club 2022 Q3 Selection
Widdershins
Reserve Series | Batch 1.22
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 2022 Q2 Selection
Black Twig
Reserve Series | Batch 5.22
A classic “Southern Heirloom”, Black Twig apples were first introduced in 1830s Tennessee - known then (as now) as highly flavorful, “keeper” apples. Notes include black cherry, plum, tangerine dried apricot and white pepper.
Core Club 2022 Q2 Selection
Esopus Spitzenburg
Reserve Series | Batch 4.22
Discovered near Esopus NY in the late 1700s, many believe Spitzenburg apples are the finest of all American Heirloom varietals. Bottled in “Pét Nat” style, this one expresses quince, green apple, pear and white pepper notes.
Core Club 2022 Q2 Selection
Crimson Gold
Reserve Series | Batch 3.22
Close cousin to the Etter-developed Wickson, plum-sized Crimson Gold crabapples offer honeysuckle and tropical aromas; this example presents Meyer lemon, ripe pineapple, apricot and custard on the tongue, underlaid with soft tannins and hints of allspice.
Core Club 2022 Q1 Selection
Porter's Perfection
RESERVE SERIES | BATCH 2.22
Porter’s Perfection apples are a favorite UK bittersharp apple, regularly used in blends or as a stand-alone. Mild bittersweet funk on the nose, leading to dried pear, ginger spice and woody notes. Mild volatile acidity with a strong tannic finish.
Core Club 2022 Q1 Selection
Wickson Crab
Reserve Series | Batch 1.22
One of pomologist Albert Etter's finest creations, Wickson crabapples (introduced in 1944) were developed with west coast conditions in mind. True to form, this delicious cider exhibits a balance of green apple, white grape, honeysuckle and dried apricot notes.
Core Club 2022 Q1 Selection
Dabinett
Reserve Series | Batch 10.21
Dabinett apples have been a favorite cider varietal since their 1900-ish discovery in Somerset, UK. Green apple and bruised citrus aromas open for quince, apple peel, dried fruit, white pepper and fennel flavors, with a strong, lingering, oaky tannic finish. Austere.
Core Club 2021 Q4 Selection