2023 Eve’s Cidery ‘Golden Russet’ Dry Sparkling Cider, New York

Pre-order item. Expected to land early May 2025.

Primary fermentation in neutral oak with wild yeast. Secondary fermentation in the bottle. Dry, traditional method sparkling. 8% abv. Label art by Leila. 25 cases made.

Last year we had the opportunity to work with Golden Russet fruit from several different farms and this release includes two Golden Russet single varietal ciders which highlight the spectrum of flavors found in this variety. The apples from this bottling came from Enders Fruition Farm in Sodus, NY. At the end of the season we got a call from Peter, who owns Bird Dog Cider saying his dad had some extra Golden Russets to sell. We thought it would be interesting to compare this variety grown in different locations so we said yes. Right off the bat I could see these apples were smaller and a little less ripe. I think this, combined with differences in soil and climate contributed to a more austere expression. This cider comes across almost like a Gruner Vetlinerminerially, crisp, savory. It has a petrol or tar like element which I have periodically seen coming through in cider made from our own Golden Russets. It makes for a really fun blending component and I have come to think of it as one of the signature Golden Russet flavors.