Cider Lyfe

Cider Name: Cider Tree

Brewer: Hazlitt’s Orchard & Cider Crafters (a wholly owned subsidiary of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards)

About the Brewer from the Brewer: Hazlitt’s Orchard & Cider Crafters (a wholly owned subsidiary of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards) produces locally grown hard ciders in the heart of Naples, New York using select apple varieties grown in our own backyard. Our carefully crafted premium hard ciders are pure, crisp, and naturally gluten free.  The glass, the packaging, and the cider, everything we use is proudly made in the great state of New York.  American Authentic.  Honest to the Core.Hazlitt’s Orchard & Cider Crafters (a wholly owned subsidiary of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards) produces locally grown hard ciders in the heart of Naples, New York using select apple varieties grown in our own backyard. Our carefully crafted premium hard ciders are pure, crisp, and naturally gluten free.  The glass, the packaging, and the cider, everything we use is proudly made in the great state of New York.  American Authentic.  Honest to the Core.

Draft, can or bottle?:  12 ounce bottle

ABV: 6.6%

Color: Clear gold

Available at: Local Wine Shop

Manufacturer’s Description: With a medium-dry finish; this crisp, refreshing  hard cider is a bounty of flavor from locally sourced apples. This sparkling cider is made from 100% NY state apples with a medium dry finish. Apples are late ripening varieties sourced from Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva, NY.

Our review:  I discovered this cider at a local wine shop at a First Friday event in my hometown’s downtown. I am a very big fan of New York state ciders as I have relatives there. This cider comes from the Finger Lakes region in a town of Naples. The area has a rich history of grape growing with the fruit first planted in the 1860’s, led to the modern grape and wine industry of the town. They even hold an annual grape festival which began in 1961. In 1985, Jerry and Elaine Hazlitt founded Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards. They have been in the business of making award-winning wines. I don’t have an exact time, but they have recently begun producing hard cider.

Enough of grapes and wine! Let’s get into the good stuff. This cider has a dry, strong, citrus aroma. It’s champagne yeast gives a great amount amount of bubbles. At first taste, a slight bit of tartness hits my palate, then a crisp, refreshing moment then finishing with a dry, lingering taste.

I am liking what wineries are bringing to the table with ciders. The dry, wine like flavors they are bringing are giving commercial and other cideries a run for their money. Highly recommend!

-Ryan T.