SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Scarlet Letter, Arkansas’ largest craft producer of alcoholic beverages, announced today that it has acquired the intellectual property and brand assets of Black Apple, one of the state’s most recognized and iconic cider brands.
Founded in Springdale in 2015, Black Apple quickly became a standout in Arkansas’ emerging cider category with signature flavors including Hibiscus, Blackberry, Peach, and Strawberry. The brand has earned national and international recognition for its ciders, receiving multiple Gold, Double Gold, and Platinum medals from competitions including GLINTCAP, the Great American Cider Competition, the U.S. Open Cider Championships, and other major industry events.
The acquisition marks another step in Scarlet Letter’s strategy to build a scaled, Arkansas-based craft beverage platform capable of supporting and expanding distinctive brands through increased production capacity and broader distribution.
Under the agreement, Scarlet Letter will produce Black Apple cider through its production network, including its Springdale facility, which produced more than 24,000 barrels of beverages in 2025, along with additional partner facilities as needed to support growth, and will distribute the brand through its established retail and distributor relationships.
Black Apple currently sells approximately 2,500–3,000 barrels annually. Scarlet Letter expects to expand the brand by leveraging its production capacity, distribution footprint, and retail partnerships throughout the region. The acquisition also positions the company to capitalize on continued consumer demand in the growing U.S. hard cider category.
“Black Apple built a strong following and a fantastic product,” said Jesse Core, CEO of Scarlet Letter. “Our job now is to scale that success. With our production capabilities and distribution relationships, we believe Black Apple has tremendous opportunity to reach more customers while staying true to what made it special.”
“This partnership keeps Black Apple rooted in Springdale while giving the brand the infrastructure to grow,” said Leo Orpin, co-founder of Black Apple. “Scarlet Letter has the scale, relationships, and vision to bring the cider to new audiences across Arkansas.”
For Core, the acquisition reflects a long-term commitment to the future of Arkansas’ craft beverage industry.
“As a seventh-generation Arkansan, I care deeply about the people building great businesses in our state,” Core said. “Arkansas has incredible beverage entrepreneurs and brands. When we have the opportunity to support one and help it grow, we’re proud to do it.”
Scarlet Letter plans to relaunch Black Apple across bars, restaurants, and retail accounts in the coming months.
About Scarlet Letter Beverage Co.
Scarlet Letter is Arkansas’ largest craft producer of alcoholic beverages, based in Springdale, Arkansas. The company produces a growing portfolio of beverages including hard seltzers, hard teas, hard lemonades, craft beer, and other ready-to-drink products, distributed throughout Arkansas and neighboring markets.
