Our Saint Nicholas of Myra (c.270-343 AD) Ciders and one cyser, Ephphatha Cyser, were made from blending pressings of more than 28 different apple varieties, nearly all of which are North American or European heirlooms and/or cider apples.  Our cyser is made with organic* honey from our own bees.  

     The three main kinds of Saint Nicholas Cider are: Felicity, Perpetua, and Tabitha.  Each has different amounts of tannins, sugars, acids (tartness), and effervescence.   Each has a related but discernibly different flavor.  Each is available as a sparkling beverage, but  Tabitha also comes in a still version for any who like to compare it to its sparkling version or to compare it to white wine to better understand their differences.  Felicity is still maturing, but Perpetua & Tabitha are available for purchase now.

       All the ciders are delicious with spicy foods such as Dragon’s Breath Chili;** some stir frys & Asian noodle salads with black or apple cider vinegar and sesame oil; strong cheeses (such as Gorgonzola or Stilton); or dishes with creamy sauces (try shiitake and portobello mushrooms over Sfoglini Porcini pasta, in a good Alfredo sauce**).  They are also delicious on their own, during holiday gatherings, and throughout the year.

Felicity (c.182-203 AD)

Sparkling

ABV 8.08%

(Presently, Felicity is still maturing, but we expect to release it within 2-4 months.)

 

Perpetua (c. 182-203 AD) 

Sparkling

ABV 8.67%

Perpetua has a strong flavor and strong apple aroma, is moderately tannic, and, of the three Saint Nicholas Ciders, is most effervescent.  It was made from 10 heirloom apple varieties and 2 modern ones.  

Tabitha (first century AD)

Sparkling & Still

ABV 9.72%

     Tabitha has strong apple aromas and is the most tannic.  It was made from 19 heirloom and 1 modern variety of apples, and comes in a sparkling and still version.  The still version is the easiest to compare to white wine to understand their differences, and Tabitha's two versions also allow anyone to compare still and sparkling versions of the same cider. 

 

          We recommend Ephphatha Cyser as an aperitif, digestif, in a cocktail, or at other times as you might use a dry Sauternes, port, sherry or liqueur.  It is more viscous than ciders, being more like an ice cider in consistency for any who have had them.  But it is dry rather than sweet, and seems to be getting smoother and rounder with age.  We have heard reliable sources claim that mead takes at least 6-8 years to mature.  Apples for this cyser were harvested in the falls of 2015-17, so we think it is well on its way to maturity; but also believe it can be kept for a year or more to its advantage.  It is very aromatic and is a clear, golden-orange amber color with a 12.72% ABV.  Unfortunately, we are sold out of this cyser but include it's description here to presage other cysers that will be released in future years.

 

*Organic honey is a problematic term since it depends on knowing where a honey bee forages for nectar and food and she may forage several miles from her home.  But honey bees are very efficient feeders and will always gather food closer to their colonies than further away, as long as there is good food near their homes.  We do our best to make sure, throughout our woodlands, orchards and elsewhere, that there is.  

**Ask us for recipes or more information.

NB:  Please note that there is a 10% discount by case (12 bottles), and that all prices listed include a mandatory 8% State wine tax.