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!
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
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
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
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