Exploring the Local Cider Scene in Austin
A Guide to Top Producers and Tasting Experiences
Austin, Texas, is not just a hub for live music and barbecue; it's also gaining recognition for its diverse craft cider scene. With local producers like Texas Keeper Cider using regional apples to create rustic and barrel-aged beverages, enthusiasts can experience unique flavors that reflect the local terroir. The creativity and passion of these cider makers enhance Austin's burgeoning craft beverage scene.
Cidercade, located on E Riverside Drive, offers a perfect blend of fun and refreshment, transforming cider tasting into an engaging activity. Visitors to Austin will find an array of delicious selections from different producers, making the local cider scene a must-explore for both enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
Another gem in the Austin cider landscape includes Fairweather Cider Co., situated downtown with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. With establishments like Argus Cidery introducing variety through small batches made from diverse apple types, Austin is becoming an essential destination for craft cider fans nationwide. The city’s vibrant cider scene awaits those ready to discover and enjoy its flavorful offerings.
The Rise of Cideries in Austin
Austin has emerged as a hotspot for cideries, driven by a blend of tradition and modern craft beverage innovation. With the rising trend of gluten-free options and unique flavor profiles, Austin offers a diverse and vibrant cider scene.
Understanding Craft Cider
Craft cider in Austin stands out due to its dedication to quality and creativity. Cider makers prioritize using high-quality apples, including both local and heritage varieties, to create distinct flavors.
The emphasis on small-batch production allows for a wide range of cider styles, from dry and traditional to sweet and experimental blends.
Cider is naturally gluten-free, appealing to those seeking alternatives to beer. This has contributed to its growing popularity. Austin’s cideries produce both local and international styles, ensuring a comprehensive tasting experience.
Austin's Role in the Cider Movement
Austin plays a pivotal role in the cider movement with prominent cideries such as Austin Eastciders, Texas Keeper Cidery, and Argus Cidery. Each of these establishments brings a unique touch to the city's cider landscape.
Austin Eastciders, for instance, combines historic apple varieties with modern techniques to produce innovative ciders.
Texas Keeper Cidery emphasizes traditional methods and a commitment to quality, while Argus Cidery excels in creating farmhouse-style ciders that resonate with artisanal authenticity.
Cidercade, a new addition, merges the enjoyment of arcade games with a diverse selection of house-made ciders, enhancing the local cider culture.
Top Cideries to Visit
Austin's cider scene offers a diverse range of options for enthusiasts. From well-established cideries to unique tasting experiences, the city provides both variety and rich flavor profiles.
Austin Eastciders and The Collaboratory
Austin Eastciders is a staple in the local cider community known for its diverse array of flavors. The Collaboratory, their dedicated space for experimentation located on Springdale Road, offers visitors a chance to try rotating small-batch ciders that you won't find anywhere else. Each visit might present a new seasonal flavor or a barrel-aged specialty.
The cozy tasting room encourages socializing and learning about the cider-making process. Their use of high-quality, hand-picked apples ensures robust and complex flavors. It’s a must-visit for those looking to explore innovative and bold cider flavors.
Texas Keeper Cider
Located a short drive from central Austin in the picturesque Hill Country, Texas Keeper Cider emphasizes traditional techniques blended with modern twists. They create elegant and dry ciders that cater to a sophisticated palate. Many of their ciders undergo a lengthy barrel-aging process, offering rich and layered flavors.
Visitors can enjoy the serene environment in their tasting room, soaking in views of the surrounding countryside. This cidery often features limited-release blends, making each visit unique. The knowledgeable staff is keen to share insights into their meticulous process and the story behind each cider.
Argus Cidery
Argus Cidery, situated at the edge of Austin’s Hill Country, prides itself on producing complex, small-batch ciders. The cidery sources apples from the Pacific Northwest and Texas, creating a diverse flavor portfolio. They focus heavily on traditional dry ciders with no added sugars or sweeteners, emphasizing the pure apple essence.
Their tasting room, an intimate and rustic setting, allows for relaxed and informal tastings. Argus’s commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a popular spot for cider purists. Their offerings often include unique barrel-aged ciders, reflecting their devotion to craftsmanship.
Fairweather Cider Co.
Fairweather Cider Co. stands out with its emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and creative blends. Located on Metric Boulevard, this cidery produces vibrant and flavorful ciders that often incorporate local fruits and botanicals. Fairweather’s innovative approach results in a range of ciders that vary from refreshingly light to boldly complex.
The tasting room offers a welcoming atmosphere to sample their varied offerings. Their friendly staff is knowledgeable and engaging, providing context and background for each cider on tap. This cidery is ideal for those looking to experience the local twist on traditional cider-making.
Moontower Cider Company
Moontower Cider Company is known for creating approachable and easy-drinking ciders. Their flagship cidery on Springdale Road features a variety of ciders that highlight different apple varieties and experimental blends. Moontower emphasizes bright and crisp ciders designed for everyday enjoyment.
Visitors can enjoy their modern tasting room or take advantage of the outdoor seating area. The selection often includes seasonal specialities, ensuring there’s always something new to try. Their commitment to producing high-quality ciders with a relaxed vibe makes it a hit among locals and visitors alike.
Cider Varieties and Tasting Notes
Exploring the local cider scene in Austin reveals a spectrum of tastes, from the dry and crisp to the sweet and fruity, along with unique offerings that have been aged in barrels for added complexity.
Flavor Profiles: From Dry to Sweet
Ciders can vary widely in taste, ranging from dry to sweet. Traditional apple ciders typically offer a balanced profile, with a delicate interplay between acidity and sweetness.
Hopped ciders introduce a floral aroma and bitterness that complements the fruit's natural sugars. This variety can appeal to IPA lovers seeking familiar notes in a different format.
Perry ciders, made from pears, often have a softer and more fragrant profile, providing a pleasant alternative for those who prefer lighter, more aromatic beverages.
The Art of Barrel-Aged Cider
Barrel-aged ciders are a niche but growing segment, combining traditional cider-making techniques with the influence of oak barrels. These ciders may boast rustic and barrel-aged flavors, with hints of vanilla, spice, and caramel from the wood.
In Austin, heirloom apple varieties are often used in this process to produce a rich, multifaceted drink. The influence of yeast and extended aging periods can result in unique flavors that can't be replicated by standard fermentation alone.
Selecting a barrel-aged cider allows enthusiasts to experience the depth and character akin to fine wines, making it a must-try for anyone keen on exploring the full potential of cider.
Cider Production: Behind the Scenes
Understanding how cider is made and the innovations driving it forward can deepen appreciation for this craft. This section explores the steps involved in the cider making process and highlights the inventive methods used by modern cideries in Austin.
The Cider Making Process
Craft cider production begins with the careful selection of apples. In Austin, many cideries prioritize using locally sourced apples to support regional agriculture. The apples are washed, ground, and pressed to extract juice.
Next, fermentation is a critical stage. Yeast is added to the fresh apple juice, converting sugars into alcohol. The type of yeast used can significantly affect the cider's flavor. Some cideries may use unique strains to create distinctive products like Original Dry or Cider Noir.
After fermentation, the cider is aged, which can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the desired flavor profile. Filtration and carbonation follow before the cider is finally bottled or kegged.
Innovation in Cider Production
Innovation in cider production keeps Austin’s cider scene dynamic. Some producers experiment with unusual apple varieties or innovative fermentation techniques.
For instance, blending methods from winemaking can add complexity to the cider. Barrel aging in whiskey or wine barrels is common to impart unique flavors.
Austin’s cideries often explore hybrid flavors and new ingredients, such as hops or fruits. This creativity means offerings like Cider Noir, which may incorporate dark fruits or spices.
Additionally, sustainability practices are increasingly prioritized, with some cideries focusing on eco-friendly packaging and reduced waste.
These innovations ensure that the craft of cider-making continues to evolve, offering cider enthusiasts fresh and exciting beverages.
Austin's Cider Scene and Community
Austin boasts a vibrant cider scene with diverse tasting rooms, engaging tours, and numerous community events that bring cider enthusiasts together. Key spots like Austin Eastciders and Cidercade offer unique experiences in both taste and atmosphere.
Tasting Rooms and Tours
Austin Eastciders is a standout in the local cider scene, known for its flagship East Austin Tasting Room. Situated at 979 Springdale Rd, it provides an inviting space where visitors can savor a wide range of ciders. The staff offers insightful tours, detailing the cider-making process from start to finish.
Cidercade, located at 600 E Riverside Dr, is another popular destination. This venue is unique as it combines a vast selection of house-made Bishop ciders with a fun arcade environment. Guests can enjoy over 24 flavors while playing classic arcade games, making it a hit for both cider lovers and gamers.
The Growler Bar, located in North Austin on Metric Blvd, offers a cozy atmosphere complemented by a diverse selection of local and international ciders. It’s a favored spot for those wanting an intimate tasting experience.
Events and Gatherings
Austin's cideries frequently host events to engage the community. Cidercade is well-known for its lively gatherings, often featuring local bands, food trucks, and themed nights. These events offer an excellent opportunity for locals and tourists alike to enjoy cider while partaking in community activities.
Austin Cider regularly organizes cider festivals and tasting events at their Barton Springs location. These gatherings provide a platform for both novice and experienced cider drinkers to explore new flavors and meet fellow enthusiasts.
Meridian Hive, although more known for their mead, also participates in the cider community by hosting joint events with cideries. These collaborative events foster a sense of unity and shared passion within Austin’s fermented beverage scene. They are an excellent way for the community to come together and celebrate their love for craft beverages.
Pairing Cider with Food
Pairing cider with food can elevate your taste experience, bringing out the best flavors in both the drink and the dish. Knowing which foods complement cider and how to use cider as an ingredient can enhance your culinary adventures.
Best Food Companions for Cider
Cider's versatility makes it an excellent companion for a variety of foods. Tex-Mex cuisine, such as tacos or enchiladas, pairs well with a crisp apple cider, balancing out the spices. Cheese boards, featuring sharp Cheddar or creamy Brie, find a natural partner in dry or semi-sweet ciders. For those enjoying barbecue, a smoky pulled pork sandwich aligns beautifully with the tartness of a hard cider, cutting through the richness with its refreshing acidity.
Seafood dishes, like grilled shrimp or crab cakes, benefit from the light and fruity notes of cider. When considering desserts, think of pairing a sweet apple cider with a spiced apple pie or a cinnamon-laden dish. The harmonious flavors create a comforting and gratifying experience.
Cider as an Ingredient in Culinary Creations
Cider can also be utilized as a dynamic ingredient in kitchen creations. Use cider to marinate meats, adding a fruity depth to dishes like pork chops or chicken breasts. Cider can be reduced to create glazes or sauces; an apple cider glaze on grilled vegetables or roasted meats introduces a sweet, tangy accent.
For those who enjoy baking, incorporate cider into cakes or muffins to enhance moisture and provide a subtle apple flavor. It can also be a surprising addition to soup recipes, such as a butternut squash soup, offering a delicate sweetness that complements the savory aspects.
Playing with cider in the kitchen opens up new layers of flavor, showing that cider is not just a drink but a versatile ingredient capable of transforming a wide range of dishes.
Planning Your Cider Experience
Planning a cider experience in Austin means knowing the best cideries to visit, their specific characteristics, and the optimal times for tours and tastings.
Cider Tasting Itineraries
To enjoy Austin’s vibrant cider scene, start with a visit to Meridian Hive at 8120 Exchange Dr, #400. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 2 pm to 8 pm, it offers a mix of modern and traditional ciders including Wildfire and Discovery.
Next, head to Austin Eastciders located at 979 Springdale Rd, Ste. 130. This East Austin favorite operates from Monday 3-10 pm, Tuesday to Saturday 1-10 pm, and Sunday 12-7 pm. Their taproom also features food options from Dipping Springs Tender Co., enhancing the tasting experience.
For a unique blend of fun and flavor, try Cidercade at 600 E Riverside Dr. This location combines a diverse selection of Bishop ciders with a full arcade of classic games, providing an entertaining break between tastings.
Lastly, don't miss Moontower Cider Company at 1916 Tillery St. Known for its high-quality craft ciders, it offers a cozy taproom perfect for winding down your tours. Including a variety of options from each venue ensures a rich and rounded cider experience.
Cider in the Digital World
The digital world has significantly impacted how cider producers in Austin reach and engage with their audience. Social media platforms, like Instagram and Pinterest, have become crucial in shaping consumer preferences and driving engagement.
Social Media Influence and Engagement
Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, play a vital role in promoting local cideries. They use visual content to showcase their products, behind-the-scenes processes, and upcoming events. High-quality images and engaging stories help create a connection between the cidery and potential customers.
In addition to Instagram, cideries often maintain a comprehensive website to provide detailed information about their offerings, locations, and events. Websites are essential for covering information that can't be adequately conveyed through social media alone.
Pinterest provides another valuable platform, especially for those interested in the aesthetic aspects of cider presentation and cider-based recipes. By sharing visually appealing pins, cideries can attract a wider audience and inspire new ways to enjoy their products.
