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!
Black Twig
Reserve Series | Batch 5.22
A classic “Southern Heirloom”, Black Twig apples were first introduced in 1830s Tennessee - known then (as now) as highly flavorful, “keeper” apples. Notes include black cherry, plum, tangerine dried apricot and white pepper.
Core Club 2022 Q2 Selection
Esopus Spitzenburg
Reserve Series | Batch 4.22
Discovered near Esopus NY in the late 1700s, many believe Spitzenburg apples are the finest of all American Heirloom varietals. Bottled in “Pét Nat” style, this one expresses quince, green apple, pear and white pepper notes.
Core Club 2022 Q2 Selection
Crimson Gold
Reserve Series | Batch 3.22
Close cousin to the Etter-developed Wickson, plum-sized Crimson Gold crabapples offer honeysuckle and tropical aromas; this example presents Meyer lemon, ripe pineapple, apricot and custard on the tongue, underlaid with soft tannins and hints of allspice.
Core Club 2022 Q1 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
Wickson Crab
Reserve Series | Batch 1.22
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 delicious cider exhibits a balance of green apple, white grape, honeysuckle and dried apricot notes.
Core Club 2022 Q1 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
Cidermaker's Blend
Reserve Series | Batch 09.21
Stoke Red apples are one of very few bittersharp apples deemed worthy of "vintage" classification. A tiny 2020 crop prompted this marriage with Brown's Apples – another classic bittersharp. Aged in neutral oak, this cider expresses strong pomme fruit, burnt caramel and spicy notes atop a tannic base. Tasty!
Core Club 2021 Q4 Selection
Fillabarrel
Reserve Series | Batch 08.21
Grown for us at Bishops' Orchard in Garfield WA, Fillabarrel apples are a rare bittersweet (UK) varietal typically used in blends. Wild-fermented and aged nine months a neutral oak barrel, this offering expresses green peach, apple skin, oak and mild herbal flavors atop a tannic base.
Core Club 2021 Q3 Selection