Fall Brews for You!

If you're like us and beer is not for you, we've got a solution to enjoy some Fall adult beverages--ciders! Of course we highly recommend the usual blends from Harpoon, Angry Orchard, Downeast, Woodchuck and Bantam. However, there are some new cider creators out there who are brewing up different recipes including pumpkin ciders (so you're not feeling left out of the Fall fun). Check out some of the ciders we can't wait to try!

Far From the Tree Cider was started in Salem by Denise and Al Snape. The pair spent time in England studying ciders to develop their recipe. They brew a variety of ciders, including a oaked maple cider called Cord and a dry hopped mint cider called Sprig. We're interested in how the mint will taste!

Stormalong Cider was founded when Shannon Edgar left the music industry and Los Angeles to move to a farm in Sherborn, Massachusetts to make cider. Quite the career change! The company produces two varieties: Legendary Dry and Dry Hop.

North Country Hard Cider in Rollinsford, New Hampshire, was opened last year by brothers Ivan and Silas Gordon and head cider-maker Ron Dixon. The company’s creative brews—like Wild Blue, a cider made with Maine blueberries—contain no preservatives. Healthy and delicious!

Headwater Cider, started by Peter Mithcell, is brewed at the same orchard in Hawley, Massachusetts that supplies its apples. The style of cider they produce each year depends on the types of apples that did well that season. We've never even heard of Hawley before but now we want to visit!

 

Shacksbury Cider was founded by David Dolginow and Colin Davis and makes cider with apples from England, Spain, and Vermont. They use what they call “lost apples” to achieve an original cider taste. Bringing the variety in apples definitely gives Shacksbury some leverage amongst their competition.

 

Stowe Cider is a family-run business that launched in 2010, using local ingredients whenever possible. They have three, year-round offerings and six seasonal/limited releases, which include Five Pepper and Bourbon Barrel Aged. Next time we snowboard we're going to treat ourselves after to some of these brews!

 

Farnum Hill Ciders in Lebanon, New Hampshire, uses apples from Lebanon’s Poverty Orchards that are grown specifically for cider making. Among the cidery’s special offerings is Kingston Black Reserve, which is made from the “bittersharp” Kingston Black apple variety. We love how their bottles resemble wine bottles!

Carr’s Ciderhouse in Hadley, located on the slope of Mount Warner, makes hard cider, cider vinegar, and cider syrup. They offer several hard ciders, like the Pommeau—fresh-pressed apple juice with apple brandy aged in oak for six or more months. No need to add your own brandy, Carr's Ciderhouse is one step ahead!

The Artifact Cider Project of Springfield launched its first cider in June 2014. The company uses fresh apples, grown in Massachusetts, to make four varieties, including Buzzworthy, a bone-dry honey cider. We love how successful they've been in just a year and can't wait to try one!
We have a feeling that by the end of Fall we'll have a few more favorite ciders. Can't wait to visit some of these breweries and taste test these devour the detail-worthy drinks!