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!

Heirloom Series Rick Hastings Heirloom Series Rick Hastings

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

Read More
Heirloom Series Rick Hastings Heirloom Series Rick Hastings

Winesap

Heirloom Series | Batch 1.17

Made entirely of Winesap apples (an American heirloom varietal), this cider expresses buttery cocoa, lychee, peach and honey notes - more earthy than most heirlooms, yet light-bodied and versatile. 

Core Club 2019 Q4 Selection

Read More