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!
Golden Russet + Columbia Crab
Reserve Series | Batch 10.20
This one-off blend marries varying profiles from two of our favorites, expressing quince, peach preserve, apricot ripe citrus and herbal notes. Barrel-aging helped soften the Columbia's tart edges, while adding a touch of butter on the nose.
Core Club 2020 Q4 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
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
Major Hewes
Reserve Series | Batch 07.20
A blend of a classic British cider apple (Major) and one of the most storied American cider apples (Hewe's Crab). Aged to perfection with a small amount of keeved cider added at bottling. Starchy apple and quince flavors with peaty earth, mild bittersweet funk and medium tannins. Bottled still, this one’s especially bright in the glass, showing notable viscosity.
Core Club 2020 Q3 Selection
Kingston Black
Reserve Series | Batch 06.20
Notoriously hard to grow, Kingston Black is nonetheless the world’s most renown cider apple, presenting an ideal balance of flavor, tannins and acidity. Baked apple and dried fruit flavors over white pepper, caramel and oaky notes; medium tannins. Delicious!
Core Club 2020 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
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
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