Ciders

Woodchuck Cheeky Cherry Joins Limb Series

Woodchuck Cheeky Cherry is the lastest release to join the cider’s Out on a Limb Series. Out on a Limb is a rotating six-pack that features some of Woodchuck’s most creative cider varieties. Cheeky Cherry features tart cherries, giving the cider Continue Reading →

Posted in Don't Miss This, New Releases, Woodchuck Cider

Woodchuck Cheeky Cherry Joins Limb Series

Woodchuck Cheeky Cherry is the lastest release to join the cider’s Out on a Limb Series. Out on a Limb is a rotating six-pack that features some of Woodchuck’s most creative cider varieties. Cheeky Cherry features tart cherries, giving the cider a puckering finish.

Cheeky Cherry is created using a mix of culinary and bittersweet apples. Michigan Tart Cherries are added following fermentation to provide a deep red color and a tart, sweet finish.

The packaging for the Out on a Limb Series doesn’t change, but the bottle art does. Woodchuck Cheeky Cherry is available in 12oz bottles for a limited time.

Style: Cider (w/ Cherries)
Availability: 12oz Bottles, Draft.
Release: January, 2015

5.5% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News, Don't Miss This, Woodchuck Cider

Barrel Aged Woodchuck Spitter Splinter Cider Joins Limb Series

The next offering in Woodchuck Cider’s Out on a Limb Series is Spitter Splinter, a barrel aged cider.

“Spitter” refers to European bittersweet apples used in this release, known for their tart and acidic nature. The fermented juice is aged in bourbon barrels, giving the cider vanilla and oaky notes.

The Out on a Limb Series is a rotating selection of one-off, experimental ciders. The packaging stays the same, but the ciders change every 45-60 days.

Style: Ciders (Barrel Aged. Bourbon)
Availability: 12oz Bottles. Limited release.
Arrival: December, 2014

5.5% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Headlines, Short's Brewing, Starcut Ciders

Short’s Brewing Introduces Starcut Cider Division

Short’s Brewing Company (Bellaire, MI) has announced a new division of their company – Starcut Ciders. The pressed hard ciders are designed to showcase the beauty and fruits of Northern Michigan.

Short’s head brewer Tony Hanson has taken lead on the project, who has a history with cider-making.

 “I saw a lot of potential in those fruit trees and I felt compelled to transform that fruit into something valuable.  I still feel that way when I look at all of the orchards we have here in Antrim county,” said Hansen.

What’s in a name? Starcut refers to the star shape you’ll see when you cut across the middle of an apple. If you are familiar with Short’s beers, the seeds of an apple provide another metaphor as interesting as their beer lineup. Apple seeds, when planted, don’t always grow the same apple tree variety from which the seeds were borne. Each cider from Starcut is sure to be unique. 

The first ciders will begin pouring at the Bellaire pub, starting November 14th.

Read more: http://starcutciders.com

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Beer News, Headlines, Short's Brewing

Budweiser To Launch Tequila Flavored Offering “Oculto”

Anheuser-Busch has announced they will launch new tequila-flavored beer Oculto in spring, 2015.

Oculto is brewed with blue agave, then blended with beer aged in tequila barrels. The launch is designed to attract younger drinker demographic (those who have just turned 21) that aren’t drinking hard liquor yet, along with capturing some of the Mexican beer sales. Oculto has no tequila in it.

The label feature a skull with the Oculto name etched into it. The eyes will glow when the bottle is cold.

Oculto will be 6% ABV, and will be competing with Heineken USA’s recently launched Desperados, another tequila flavored offering.

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Don't Miss This, New Releases, Woodchuck Cider

Woodchuck Introduces “Out on a Limb” Rotating 6 Pack

Woodchuck Hard Cider (Middlebury, VT) is introducing a new rotating six pack, Out on a Limb.

The package art will remain the same through the year, but the liquid will change every couple of months. The first release is Woodchuck Chocolate Raspberry, a cider infused with cacao nibs and raspberries that offset the apple notes.

“As the leading craft cider in the country we take pride in pushing the boundaries of what is being done in the category and living ‘out on a limb’,” said Woodchuck Communications Manager, Nate Formalarie. “Truly unique ciders are crafted at Woodchuck’s cidery each day.  All of these ciders are handcrafted with creative artistry.  Out on a Limb represents those that we think the world is ready for.”

Woodchuck Out on a Limb six packs will have an estimated retail price of $10.99. Look for them to launch in October, 2014.

Style: Cider (w/ Cocoa Nibs, Raspberries)
Availability: 12oz bottles. Rotating release

?? ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Don't Miss This, New Releases

Thatcher’s Cider Will Launch in the U.S. with Innis & Gunn

Scottish craft brewery Innis & Gunn has inked a deal that will brewing the cider stateside. The cider maker is in their 110th year of operation.

The three year deal that begins this month will launch Thatcher’s Gold cider in 20 states that Innis & Gunn is currently distributed.

Dougal Sharp, founder and CEO of Innis & Gunn said: “Thatchers Gold is regarded as being one of the best ciders in the world. Thatchers’ commitment to crafting the highest-quality and best-tasting cider means that they are the perfect complement to the position that Innis & Gunn has established in the US beer market

Initially, Thatcher’s Gold Cider will be available in 330ml bottles, 500ml bottles. Draft will arrive in the U.S. in early 2015.

Thatcher’s Cider is based at Myrtle Farm, in Sandford, Somerset, England

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in New Releases, Woodchuck Cider

Woodchuck Releases Cellar Series Ginger

Woodchuck’s Cellar Series has a new entry – Ginger. (The spice, not the one marooned on an island.)

The cidery used organic yellow ginger from a farm in Peru. The ginger come from a farm called La Grama, and is grown, harvest, and packaged in the Peruvian rainforest.

Woodchuck Cellar Series Ginger will be available in 22oz bombers now through July, 2014.

Style: Cider (w/ Ginger)
Availability: 22oz Bombers. June-July, 2014

?? ABV

Read More: Ciders

by Reid Ramsay