All posts by Charles McGonegal

Single Barrel Series : Philosophical Cider

Every year we plan some production space for special batches.  We let the orchard have its own voice in these batches.  We set a side a reserve of apples that developed outstanding character. Or a blend of apples that arose Cyser together in history. Or that the cidermaker Appely thinks are www.chicagobearsjerseyspop.com especially nifty.

These batches are produced with a minimalist approach. That means they are all light, dry, subtle and still.  The most authentic taste Football of the orchard we make.

We know they aren’t for every taste der – so we make a single barrel of each.  It comes out to just over 20 cases.   Each Perry batch is an ephemeral glimpse of orchard character, like scents on the wind:  tart, bitter, grass, Appely wood, The spice, blossom, fruit.  And when it’s gone, it’s gone.   In some future year, the orchard might whisper something similar in the cidermaker’s ear – but it won’t be exactly the same.

Here are Label some examples of Single Barrel Ciders that have come and gone.

Appely Brut

Champagne Method ‘Hard’ Cider
Really dry, crisp, mineral, austere

  • Body: Medium
  • Sweetness: 0
  • Tartess: 4
  • Alcohol: 7
  • Apples: Gold Del, Jonathan, Russets
  • Pairings: Grilled Shrimp, Regiano, Gorgonzola

Appely Brut was the first product we made, back in 2001.  It’s made with the traditional champagne method – a refermentation in the bottle to make the sparkle, then turning the bottles upside down and ‘riddling’ the yeast into the neck, ending with ‘disgorging’ the yeast out of the bottle.