That crisp fall air is no joke. Sure, the leaves are pretty and the approaching holidays are nice, but that air has a bite. If you’re looking for a drink with some warming comfort that’s a little, ahem, stronger than your spiced latte, you may find that in these fall-themed ciders. Feel free to squirrel away as many as you want — there’s no judgement here.
Northeast
Stowe Cider | Vermont Grown Blueberry Maple | Stowe, Vt.
Few things say “Vermont” like blueberries and maple syrup. Cider, too. Stowe Cider brings it all together with their Vermont Grown Blueberry Maple. Made with locally grown blueberries and maple syrup, this cider is good anytime — perhaps even with a side of bacon for breakfast.
North Country Hard Cider | Squashed | Rollinsford, Maine
Pumpkins aren’t the only fall squashes out there. North Country Hard Cider’s Squashed shines the spotlight on kabocha squash. This cider features the fire-roasted squash along with sprinklings of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. You’ll see deviating from tradition isn’t so bad.
Midwest
Blake’s Hard Cider Co. | Apple Lantern | Armada, Mich.
Nothing is more fall than apples and pumpkins. Blake’s Hard Cider gets the best of both flavors — plus a little spice — in a can of Apple Lantern. Add a cozy sweater and you’ll find all that’s missing is a stroll through the leaves.
Wild State Cider | Apple Pie | Duluth, Minn.
It’s not the holiday season without an apple pie. But who really wants to go through the trouble of making that pie crust perfectly flakey? With Wild State Cider’s Apple Pie, there’s no need to fret. You still get those yummy pie flavors — with a little extra black pepper spice — without the worry of a soggy crust. Sounds like a win.
Southeast
Castle Hill Cider | Terrestrial | Keswick, Va.
Get the taste of the fall harvest in your glass with Castle Hill Cider’s Terrestrial. With delicate hints of fig and raisin, this cider will pair well with your roasted holiday bird and hard cheese boards.
Noble Cider | Journeyman | Asheville, N.C.
It’s getting hot in here — and it’s not because of the fireplace in the corner. Packed with cranberries, oranges and habanero, it’s safe to say Noble Cider’s Journeyman packs some heat. You may even find yourself removing your scarf by the last drop.
West
Two Broads Ciderworks | Arkansas Black | San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Sometimes less is more — and the Arkansas Black cider from Two Broads Ciderworks is proof in itself. For three months, this single varietal cider is barrel-fermented and aged in French oak that once contained red wine. While this cider appears simple on the surface, its complexities lie in the whispers of fall flavors such as vanilla, orange peel and nutmeg.
Seattle Cider Co. | Pumpkin Spice | Seattle
This wouldn’t be a fall cider lineup without the inclusion of pumpkin spice. Seattle Cider Co.’s Pumpkin Spice is anything but basic. Festive in its own coppery color, with the addition of a little warming spice and pumpkin, this cider is autumn in a glass.
Southwest
Stoic Cider | Meditations | Prescott, Ariz.
If a drink can be sexy, Stoic Cider’s Mediations is exactly that. This cider has whispers of oak, vanilla and leather that derives from its time spent in bourbon barrels. A great addition to those low-light dinners.
Bishop Cider | Pecan Pie | Dallas
If pecan pie is Texas’ state pie, would that make Bishop Cider’s Pecan Pie the state’s official drink? This semi-sweet cider made with Texas-grown pecans is a true Southern treat. To get a taste of the unofficial state drink, you’ll need to make a trip to Texas, as it can only be found in the tasting room and nearby stores.
