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!
Crimson Gold
Reserve Series | Batch C.24
A main ingredient in our Sixpenny cider, Crimson Gold (a.k.a. Little Rosy-bloom) is a close cousin to the famous Wickson crabapple. This example presents quince, pineapple, green grape and apricot notes, soft tannins and creamy, honeysuckle overtones. Could it pass as a dry white wine (Albariño, perhaps)? We think so.
Core Club 2024 Q1 Selection
Widdershins
Reserve Series | Batch 1.23
Our version of French Pommeau, this wondrous apéritif begins with Manchurian crabapple juice blended with apple brandy (from 2-Loons Distillery) to arrest fermentation and retain sweetness. 24-month barrel-aging softens and harmonizes notes of cinnamon, black cherry and vanilla. A must-try!
General Release | Core Club 2023 Q2 Selection
Widdershins
Reserve Series | Batch 1.22
Our version of French Pommeau, this wondrous apéritif begins with Manchurian crabapple juice blended with apple brandy (from 2-Loons Distillery) to arrest fermentation and retain sweetness. Barrel-aging softens and harmonizes notes of cinnamon, black cherry and vanilla. A must-try, especially for Port wine fans!
Core Club 2022 Q2 Selection
Manchurian Crabapple
Reserve Series | Batch 2.20
Manchurian Crabapples are tiny, but they pack a huge flavor punch. This unique cider offers a full-bodied, intensely-flavored experience like a port wine or French Pommeau (without the added brandy). Black cherry, vanilla and dried apricot flavors dominate, complimented by bold tannins and crisp acidity.
General Release
Sixpenny
Craft Series | Batch 1.20
Refreshing all-American apple blend, featuring Crimson Gold applecrabs (a.k.a. 'Little Rosybloom'), a plum-sized, close cousin of Albert Etter's famous Wickson Crab. This batch, including American cultivars from Bishops' Orchard, expresses floral aromas with crisp pineapple, quince, nectarine and honey flavors.
General Release
Widdershins
Reserve Series | Batch 1.20
Our version of French Pommeau, this wondrous apéritif begins with Manchurian crabapple juice blended with apple brandy (from 2-Loons Distillery) to arrest fermentation and retain sweetness. Barrel-aging softens and harmonizes notes of cinnamon, black cherry and vanilla. A 2019 Cidercraft™ Judges' Choice – Santé!
Core Club 2019 Q4 Selection | General Release