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!
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
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
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
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
Splintercat
Reserve series | Batch 1.23
Our latest cyser – a cider/mead hybrid – expresses a dual nature, balancing honey notes with a tart crabapple finish. This example presents floral aromatics with assertive tropical pineapple, meyer lemon and wildflower honey notes.
Core Club 2023 Q1 Selection
Harrison
Reserve series | Batch 8.22
Once thought "lost" but rediscovered in 1989, Harrison apples were considered among America's finest cider varietals. Happily, they seem to love the PNW – and so we're working to include them more often. This example presents a balance of flavor cues, including cling peach, lychee and apricot.
Core Club 2023 Q1 Selection