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!
Dabinett
Reserve Series | Batch 3.23
Dabinett apples have been a favorite cider varietal since their discovery in Somerset, UK. Apple peel and bruised citrus aromas open for ripe apple and black cherry flavors, with a mildly spicy, tannic finish. The red wine of ciders?
Core Club 2023 Q2 Selection
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
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
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
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
Dabinett
Reserve Series | Batch 08.20
Dabinett apples have been a favorite cider varietal since their 1900-ish discovery in Somerset, UK. Butterscotch aromas open for quince, apple peel, dried fruit, white pepper and tarragon flavors, with a strong oaky tannic finish.
Core Club 2020 Q4 Selection