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!
Wakota
Reserve Series | Batch 7.23
Here's our first real trial of "Wakota", an new red-fleshed apple bred specifically for cider (and for us) by master grower Bill Howell in Prosser WA. Lovely apple, cherry and wild rose aromatics lead creamy pinapple, banana and strawberry/cranberry flavor notes. Think Sangria – but from one remarkable apple!
Core Club 2023 Prime Selection
Golden Russet
American Singles | Batch 1.23
Golden Russets may resemble potatoes (due to their bronze-hued, russeted skins), but they’re one of America’s best cider apples. This richly-flavored offering expresses tropical jackfruit, ripe pear, butterscotch and nutmeg notes. Crazy-high ABV courtesy lots of Yakima Valley sunshine!
General Release
Virginia Crab
American Singles | Batch 1.22
Virginia Crab (a.k.a. Hewe’s Crab) is a true American classic, borne of native crabapples and an undetermined European varietal. This richly-flavored offering expresses tropical honeydew, ripe tangerine, peach pit and cobbler flavors. Crazy-high ABV courtesy lots of Yakima Valley sunshine!
General Release
Golden Russet
American Singles | Batch 1.22
Golden Russets may resemble potatoes (due to their bronze-hued, russeted skins), but they’re one of America’s best cider apples. This richly-flavored offering expresses tropical jackfruit, nutmeg, medlar, tobacco and butterscotch flavors. Crazy-high ABV courtesy lots of Yakima Valley sunshine!
General Release
Wickson Crab
American Singles Series | Batch 1.22
Patented in 1944 by famed pomologist Albert Etter, Wickson Crabapples are among a very few cider varietals developed in post-Prohibition America. This stellar example presents grape, pineapple, lychee and honey notes, with a white pepper and mildly tannic finish.
General Release
Blackstrap
Reserve Series | Batch 6.22
A "New England" style cider inspired by colonial-age recipes. Harrison and Virginia varietals, co-fermented with raisins, local Juneberries and molasses. Markedly different than last year's version, this cider offers notes of pear, quince, tobacco and molasses, backed by plenty of chewy tannins.
Core Club 2022 Q3 Selection
Wickson Crabapple
Reserve Series | Batch 05.20
One of pomologist Albert Etter's finest creations, Wickson crabapples (introduced in 1944) were developed with west coast conditions in mind. True to form, this cider exhibits a bright, spicy character with green apple, nectarine, lemongrass and stone fruit notes.
Core Club 2020 Q3 Selection