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
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
Marin Onfroy
Reserve Series | Batch 6.23
This rare (for us) apple is thought to have originated in northern Spain – but brought to Brittany during the Crusades (late 1400s). This nano-batch cider may be our best yet, bursting with juicy peach, strawberry and white grape flavors and aromas. Naturally keeved and bottled still - enjoy this one today!
Core Club 2023 Prime Selection
Frequin Rouge
Reserve Series | Batch 5.23
Despite being somewhat difficult to grow, Frequin Rouge is often used in French cidré and Calvados. This nano-batch offering expresses strong floral aromatics, with quince, pear, dried apricot, plum, honey and wheatgrass notes. Bottled still to showcase this apple's complexity - salut!
Core Club 2023 Prime 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
Porter's Perfection
RESERVE SERIES | BATCH 2.22
Porter’s Perfection apples are a favorite UK bittersharp apple, regularly used in blends or as a stand-alone. Mild bittersweet funk on the nose, leading to dried pear, ginger spice and woody notes. Mild volatile acidity with a strong tannic finish.
Core Club 2022 Q1 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
Porter's Perfection
Reserve Series | Batch 09.20
Porter’s Perfection apples are a favorite bittersharp apple, regularly used in blends or as a stand-alone. Mild bittersweet funk on the nose, leading to dried pear, ginger spice and grassy notes plus a strong tannic finish.
Core Club 2020 Q4 Selection