Welcome back to another episode of Keystone Eats! This week we taste some delicious ciders from Big Hill Ciderworks! Big Hill is a cidery located out in Adams County, Gardners PA and they specialize in making locally grown cider from apples out of their own orchards! Check out their website here - Link
In this episode, we obtained six different ciders to try from Big Hill's website and had them shipped to us. As well as tasting and giving our thoughts on these, we had the opportunity to chat with founders Ben and Troy through email about what they do! Listen to our episode to hear more about what these guys are doing to put out an amazing product for all to enjoy.
"Big Hill Ciderworks was founded in 2013 by Ben Kishbaugh and his business partner Troy Lehman. Ben and Troy both previously held jobs in the auto service industry and both decided to pursue our dreams of farming. They met in a dealership in 2006 and started talking about this project in 2011. Troy is the mastermind behind the cider from apples, blends, pressing and fermentation techniques and more while Ben manages the bookwork, packaging and a lot of the sourcing."
In the episode, we try six different ciders, as follows:
- Standard - Medium-sweet cider with no added sugar - 5.5% abv
"This cider sets the standard with a bright, fruit forward flavor profile and a medium sweetness. No added sugars or flavors, just carefully selected apple varieties that are grown, pressed and fermented here at Big Hill."
- Little Round Hop - Medium-sweet cider with hops & lemongrass - 5.5% abv
"To elevate this cider’s bright, citrusy personality, we’ve dry-hopped it, using a blend of whole leaf Columbus, Centennial & Cascade hops – the legendary “three C’s.” Organic lemongrass focuses the hop overtones and adds a citrusy finish to this light and effervescent cider."
- Michaux Mule - Medium-sweet cider with ginger & lime - 5.5% abv
"Our take on a Moscow Mule, this cider has been steeped with organic ginger that warms on the finish. Fresh lime zest also lends a refreshing citrus notes, making it perfect for any weather. We’ve back-sweetened with just a touch of fresh apple cider for a smooth apple character."
- Manchurian - Cider made from 100% Manchurian crabapples. This cider packs a tart punch, pair it with a meal or use it in a cocktail - 8.2% abv
Manchurian Crabapples by themselves pack a very acidic punch, even with their high brix content. We’ve blended a bit of Winchester cider to round out the flavor and add some subtle tannins. Both are barrel aged for one year prior to blending for a smooth vanilla and oak characteristic.
- Farmhouse - Wild-fermented cider that's reminiscent of an old-world basque style cider - 7.0% abv
This is our take on a wild fermented cider using a yeast strain native to our orchards. We’ve harnessed the wildbacteria and microflora from our farms to create Farmhouse, a rustic traditional cider that’s mildly funky with citrusy notes.
- Barrel Aged Reserve - Dry cider made from traditional bittersweet/bittersharp cider apple varieties - 8.4% abv
"Our Barrel Aged Reserve Cider is a unique blend of bittersweet & bittersharp apples varieties grown right here in our orchards. A complex, tart and tannic flavor profile will pairs well with cheese, pork, shellfish and much more."
Check out their website for more information and to purchase and have these delicious cider's shipped directly to your door! - Link
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