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
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
Cidermaker's Blend
Reserve Series | Batch 09.21
Stoke Red apples are one of very few bittersharp apples deemed worthy of "vintage" classification. A tiny 2020 crop prompted this marriage with Brown's Apples – another classic bittersharp. Aged in neutral oak, this cider expresses strong pomme fruit, burnt caramel and spicy notes atop a tannic base. Tasty!
Core Club 2021 Q4 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
Brown's Apple
Reserve Series | Batch 03.20
This classic "sharp" UK apple seems to love the Palouse region, bearing profusely and yielding an unusually balanced profile. Noticeably pink from the apple's flesh, this cider's pleasant bittersweet nose leads strong baked apple, stone fruit, strawberry and burnt sugar flavors. Lovely!
Core Club 2020 Q2 Selection