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!
Virginia Crab
American Singles | Batch 1.22
Virginia Crab (a.k.a. Hewe’s Crab) is a true American classic, borne of native crabapples and an undetermined European varietal. This richly-flavored offering expresses tropical honeydew, ripe tangerine, peach pit and cobbler flavors. Crazy-high ABV courtesy lots of Yakima Valley sunshine!
General Release
Golden Russet
American Singles | Batch 1.22
Golden Russets may resemble potatoes (due to their bronze-hued, russeted skins), but they’re one of America’s best cider apples. This richly-flavored offering expresses tropical jackfruit, nutmeg, medlar, tobacco and butterscotch flavors. Crazy-high ABV courtesy lots of Yakima Valley sunshine!
General Release
Columbia Crabapple
American Singles | Batch 1.22
Developed in the late 1800s, Columbia Crabapples were bred to survive harsh Canadian winters. Ours – grown in the warm Yakima Valley – yield a cider offering honeysuckle aromas and rich flavors including Meyer lemon, honey and buttercream. Crisp and refreshing!
General Release
Raven Oak
Artisan Series | Batch 1.22
A close cousin of our 55 Chain UK-style cider, but aged in fresh whiskey barrels from Spokane's Dry Fly™ distillery. Ripe apple, quince, current and anise notes, with hints of fig and vanilla – backed (of course) by oak and whiskey notes.
General Release
Wickson Crab
American Singles Series | Batch 1.22
Patented in 1944 by famed pomologist Albert Etter, Wickson Crabapples are among a very few cider varietals developed in post-Prohibition America. This stellar example presents grape, pineapple, lychee and honey notes, with a white pepper and mildly tannic finish.
General Release
Kingston Black
Artisan Series | Batch 1.21
Notoriously hard to grow, Kingston Black is nonetheless the world’s most renown cider apple, presenting an ideal balance of flavor, tannins and acidity. Complex and layered – green apple, tangerine and spicy flavors with hints of caramel and tobacco; medium tannins and acidity. One of our very best!
General Release - 2022 Good Food Award Winner
Cidermaker's Blend
Reserve Series | Batch 8.22
Two very different apples – Gold Rush, a new US heirloom, and Dabinett, a traditional UK cider apple – married to create one of the most perry-like ciders we've ever made (without using pears!) Notes include creamy pear, lychee and honeycomb, with notable tannins and a slate-like minerality.
Core Club 2022 Q3 Selection
Brown's Apple
Reserve Series | Batch 7.22
This classic "sharp" UK apple seems to love the Palouse region, bearing profusely and yielding an unusually balanced profile. This cider's bittersweet nose leads pillow-y baked apple, stone fruit, strawberry and oak flavor notes. Lovely!
Core Club 2022 Q3 Selection