Yankee Cider Company
Yankee Cider Company launched its first cider (New England Dry, 5.5% ABV) in October 2017 in partnership with Staehly Farm Winery. The farm and winery grow many unique varieties of heritage apples but also focus on crafting unique non-grape wines. The Cider Company is a natural outgrowth of that craft, with a focus on creating hard ciders in a traditional New England style.
The tap room, which is under renovation and nearing completion (expected opening of May 2019), resides within a beautiful old barn dating back to the 1920s. The fields around the barn have been reclaimed and turned into orchard, making for a beautiful setting for the new taproom.
The farm grows many different apple varieties. Slated for future production are single-varietal cider made from Winesap as well as Freedom and Liberty apples. But by growing more than just apples, additional fruited ciders are also in the works. A blueberry cider (Captain Coit, 6.9% ABV) debuted in July of 2018 and red raspberry hard cider (unnamed as of writing) is scheduled for release in October 2018. Peach and sour cherry ciders are on the schedule for production and release once the taproom is open.
Using high-quality ingredients and yeast strains, the ciders are done in small batches and bottled in a 22 ounce size. Although Yankee Cider Company has also recently begun offering growler fills as well. While the taproom undergoes its renovations at 23 Petticoat Lane in East Haddam, all of Yankee Cider Company's ciders are available both for tastings and bottles sales just around the corner at the Staehly Farm Winery tasting room at 278 Town Street.
