Cider Review: Seminary Hill Cider's SHOC Estate Reserve and some experimentation

I’m writing a bit early this week, because I’ll be traveling soon. I’m so excited to be headed for New Orleans for the first time since the 1990s! I like to take a Winter trip when I can, and I’ve longed to go back to New Orleans for a very long time. It should be a walking-heavy blend of food, spooky stuff, great food, and lots of relaxing in *fingers crossed* better weather than the end of February in upstate New York. 

This is my third entry about Seminary Hill Cider out of Callicoon, New York. This small independent cidery has been making beautiful ciders and doing tastings and events at a gorgeous environmentally focused cidery in the Catskills. Check out my earlier review and roundup to learn more about this boutique destination cidery.

Round up, in which I share short thoughts on the 2021 Beechwoods, Nicksen,  2020 Semi-Sweet Cackling Hen, Tom’s Beard, and Spy Who Came in From the Cold: https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/10/cider-review-seminary-hill-cider-roundup.html

Delaware Dry (my #8 favorite cider of 2023): https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/12/cider-review-seminary-hill-ciders.html

I recommend going to the Seminar Hill Cidery website to learn more about this Catskills Cidery and all of the ciders and events there: https://www.seminaryhill.co/

Appearance: brilliant, bubbly, intense nectarine

What a lovely cider. I appreciate the bubbles dancing from the bottom of my glass and ringing the liquid. The SHOC Estate Reserve delivers an intense color that reminds me of nectarine flesh. 

Aromas: peaches, ripe apples, pineapple, golden flower petals

This cider smells deliciously like peaches, pineapples, and ripe apples. Secondarily, I get a whiff of clean spring green and something connotes golden petals.

Sweetness/Dryness: Off Dry

This is a beautifully balanced off dry cider. It has enough sweetness to keep fruit to the forefront of the experience, but it’s remarkably restrained.

Flavors and drinking experience: Off dry, zingy, peachy, structured, creamy, perfumed finish

The SHOC Estate Reserve maintains its off-dry balance with off-the-charts acid, substantial tannins, and plentiful fruit notes. It comes across first as zingy and peachy. The cider develops in its midpalate into a full creamy body that remains structured by the tannins. As a potentially strange metaphor, I would say this cider lifts weights! 

I also note lots of vinous flavors and a bit of inviting earthiness. What I think I love most is how concentrated flavor remains from start to finish.  The small active bubbles and perfumed finish complete an utterly delightful beverage. This is one I’d be proud to place at the important meals of my life, but I’m also thrilled that I got to enjoy it with a simple supper the day before my trip. Good cider is for special occasions, but it’s also for everyday life. 

One last little preview of what’s to come. I’ve been doing this blog for more than ten years now, and I’ve developed a regular posting schedule and a bit of a template for posts. In the next few months, I will experiment with how Along Came a Cider shares. I’ll be posting twice a month rather than weekly. That’s so I can possibly share some original recipes using cider, write more posts about cider out in the world, my experiences at cider events, and try out some other things. I want to keep myself on my toes; suggestions are welcome.

Top 10 Favorite Ciders in 2023

The Winter Solstice has come and gone but we’re still in the dark days of the year but hopefully accompanied by good friends and festive meals with delicious ciders. I can scarcely believe that this is my 11th year of sharing a list of my favorite ten ciders to celebrate the coming of a new year. No matter what sort of year it’s been, I do enjoy settling in to think about the ciders that have delighted and surprised me the most. 

Here are all of my earlier gatherings of favorite ciders, year by year.

2022: https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2022/12/

2021 Top 5: https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2021/12/my-favorite-5-ciders-of-

2021.html

2021: My 10-5 countdown: https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2021/12/5-of-my-favorite-10-ciders-of-2021.html

2020: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2020/12/my-10-favorite-ciders-of-2020.html

2019: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2019/12/my-10-favourite-ciders-of-2019.html

2018: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2018/12/my-favourite-10-ciders-of-2018.html

2017: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2017/12/my-10-favorite-ciders-of-2017.html

2016: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2016/12/my-10-favorite-ciders-of-2016.html

2015: https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2015/12/my-10-favorite-ciders-of-2015.html

2014: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2014/12/my-10-favorite-ciders-of-2014.html

And the one that started it all, 2013: http://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-10-favorite-ciders-of-2013.html

Here’s a short recap of how it works. I only choose one cider per company, because my tastes are consistent enough that there would be many fewer cideries celebrated otherwise. I’m only human! My tastes belong to me, and I don’t think everyone would make the same choices. Still I want to spread the love to as many different cideries each year as I can. I can choose any cider I’ve reviewed in 2023. Lastly, I’ll quote from last year, “I want to reiterate that these are my favorites; these are just ten ciders that wowed me the most this past year.”  

Let's start with something different. For the first time, I want to give an Honorable Mention to Portland Cider Co.'s Cranberry Mule.

https://www.portlandcider.com/

https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/12/cider-review-portland-cider-cos.html

This cider got edged out of my top ten, but just barely. It’s also really different from the profiles I tend to like most consistently. The Cranberry Mule marries ginger spice, apple fruitiness, cranberry zing, with just a kick of lime. This is a fun seasonal that I highly recommend! 

10. Western Cider’s Dry and Dandy

https://westerncider.com/

https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/10/cider-review-western-cider-cos-dry-and.html

The Dry and Dandy had me excited from the first whiff of aroma. I loved it’s floral bitterness, complexity, and green wood finish. 

9. Alde Cider from Hardanger

https://www.aldesider.no/

https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/07/yesterday-i-weeded-in-garden.html

What a treat, trying two ciders from Norway! The Alde Cider from Hardanger was sweet without being simple, and I found it totally beguiling with it’s tropical fruit notes and creamy mouthfeel. 

8. Seminary Hill: Delaware Dry

https://www.seminaryhill.co/

https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/12/cider-review-seminary-hill-ciders.html

Seminary Hill Cider has found a fan in me. I love the style of restrained, tannic, high acid ciders that come from this place. The Delaware Dry was utterly fantastic with it’s austere minerality and edge of bitterness. I can’t wait to taste more.

7.Aga Sideri’s Bøddel Sider

https://www.agasideri.no/

https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/05/cider-review-sider-aga-boddel.html

My Norwegian battle axe cider! This felt like one of the biggest unknowns when I reached for this cider and yet it was completely rewarding. It was part of our rescue from an unexpectedly snowy cold night on our visit along with Norwegian pizza. The cider brought awesome dryness, fresh fun acidity, and some complex tannins into the mix. I think this cider would be a big hit here! 

6. Big Fish Cider Co.’s Monterey Maple

https://www.bigfishcider.com/

https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/02/cider-review-big-fish-cider-cos.html

This cider was part of my winter holiday celebrations with the Tall One and my father last year. I think it’s my favorite maple cider ever. It utilizes apple brandy barrels as well as maple to beautiful effect. I loved the hints of apple butter and baking spice as well as the aromas contributed by the maple and barrel.  

5. Runcible Cider's Idyll Acres

https://www.runciblecider.com/

https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/05/cider-revew-runcible-ciders-idyll-acres.html

The Idyll Acres was a barrel-aged beauty I tasted this Summer. It was refreshingly dry while still managing to brim over with ripe fruit notes. Check out the full review to see the amazing list of apples that made up this sophisticated and delicious cider. 

4. Snow Capped Cider’s Dabinett

https://snowcappedcider.com/

https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/02/cider-review-snow-capped-ciders-dabinett.html

This semi-sweet cider brought gorgeous overripe apple and yeast notes to my glass and just enough funk to keep things interesting. I loved the leathery finish and high acidity.  It was a real treat with takeout Ethiopian food, but would pair well with a lot of spicy dishes!

3. Haykin Family Cider’s Method Ancestrale Jonathan 2018

https://www.haykinfamilycider.com/

https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/10/cider-review-haykin-family-ciders.html

This is Haykin Family Cider’s second time landing a third place spot in my favorites list, but this time it’s for their Method Ancenstrale Jonathan cider from 2018. This cider was all about acidity, ripe apple, and floral notes. It reminded me of citrus and honey in the best possible ways. Delish!

2. Troddenvale’s Countryside Farm (100% Harrison)

https://www.troddenvale.com/

https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/02/cider-review-troddenvales-countryside.html

My dearest brought me this cider (I am so lucky), because it uses 100% Harrison apples. The scent was powerfully woody and enticing. It had a full mouthfeel, subtle barrel character, and beautiful phenolics. I guess I should stop second-guessing single varietal ciders!

1. Albemarle Ciderworks’ Brut D’Albemarle Hewes Crab

https://www.albemarleciderworks.com/

https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/09/cider-review-albemarle-ciderworks-brut.html

What a cider! I knew when I tasted it in September that it would be on this list, and I’m not surprised that it remained unsurpassed for the final months of the year. Ths cider managed to bring gorgeous fruitiness, tannins, and perfect bubbles together in a way that simply sang. It was a complete winner in every regard. I loved it. There is nothing like the concentration of beautiful flavor possible with skillful fermentation of crabapples! 

Looking back, this is an astonishingly strong line up. Two Virginia single-varietals at the top of my list! That tells me I might be overdue for a trip to explore Virginia cider country.

Thanks so so much, cider friends! I didn’t get to see nearly enough of you in person this year, but know that I’m so grateful for everyone in our little corner of the world. May your Winters be peaceful with time for rest and may Spring come gently this year. I hope our paths can cross in 2024. Until next time, cheers!

Cider Review: Seminary Hill Cider's Delaware Dry

It’s wet, chilly, and blustery outside. I am so glad to be home and warm. Not only that, I have a plate of delicious pizza and a cider that I’m very excited to review. Tonight, I’m sharing my thoughts on Seminary Hill Cider's Delaware Dry. I can feel the number of times I’ve ensconced myself and whatever writing machine I’m using for exactly this sort of evening. What a familiar sort of contentment. I love the nights when I know that I’ll be opening a very tasty cider indeed. 

Seminary Hill Cider comes to us from the Catskills region of New York. The cidery was founded in 2012, but I only got to experience the place and the cider for the first time earlier this year. 

Round up of several Seminary Hill ciders including, 2021 Beechwoods, Nicksen,  2020 Semi-Sweet Cackling Hen, Tom’s Beard,  Spy Who Came in From the Cold: https://alongcameacider.blogspot.com/2023/10/cider-review-seminary-hill-cider-roundup.html

Here’s how to find the cidery, restaurant, and hotel online: https://www.seminaryhill.co/

Tonight I’m sharing about the Delaware Dry. Here’s all the info about this cider available from Seminary Hill’s website. 

2020 Delaware Dry

Silver Medal GLINTCAP

Alcohol 8.2%

pH 3.76

Titratable Acidity (TA) 7.47 g/L

Bottling Date 6.22.21

Bone dry, floral, spice, mild bitterness, medium body, good acid

Blend: Chisel Jersey 42%, Baldwin 26% Golden Russet 20% Northern Spy 12%

Appearance: brilliant, intense popcorn yellow, few visible bubbles

This cider brings absolute ferocity of color. It reminds me of popcorn kernels tonight, but the warm toned yellow can be found all over autumn.

Aromas: Lemon peel, candied orange, minerals

The Delaware Dry smells amazing and delectable. I get notes of lemon peel, candied orange, and minerals. 

Dryness/sweetness: Dry

This is absolutely a dry cider. It needs no sweetness to be absolutely flavorful and completely itself. 

Flavors and drinking experience: Dry, bubbly, tannic, high acid, vivid, citrus and minerals

Whoa. The Delaware Dry tastes so vivid and minerally, it’s almost savory. Specifically I get notes of slate. This dry cider has a clean edge of bitterness, but the bubbly high acid carry it. I find it totally delicious. I’m so grateful for the clean fermentation. The fruitiness is present but restrained; I’m reminded of beautifully ripe grapefruit.

I had this tonight with pineapple pizza, but I remember enjoying with the ripest of late-season tomatoes and perfect sourdough bread. Both are incredible. I'd also serve it with a creamy chowder. There are so many good options for such a delightful food-friendly cider. 

Cider Review: Seminary Hill Cider Roundup

I had the opportunity to partner with Seminary Hill Cider last week and visit the Callicoon, New York cidery. They hosted the tall one and me for two nights at The Boarding House, shared a beautiful pairing meal (with vegetarian options), and showed us a complete behind-the-scenes tour of the growing orchard, production facility, and tasting room. And it wasn’t going to be the full experience without tasting a few more of the ciders. Luckily, we had far more sunshine than we expected and really got to see the Catskills at their autumnal finest. If you're curious, check out my Instagram to see the visual storytelling.

For full disclosure, I was hosted beautifully and treated to a wonderful time by Stuart, Chef Jack and the kind folks at Seminary Hill in exchange for some social media coverage of the experience. Nothing about the blog was part of the arrangement. I’m choosing to share a few notes on a select few of the ciders we tasted, because they were most certainly the cider highlight of my week. For this roundup, I choose to include five ciders that left big impressions. Other ciders might appear later in individual reviews, but here’s a fun smattering of what can be found at the Seminar Hill Cidery Tasting Room.

First, here’s the website that includes info on the ciders, Restaurant, Boarding House and Tasting room: https://www.seminaryhill.co/

For each of these, I’ll include the official description and a quick summayr of what the Tall one and I thought. 

2021 Beechwoods

Alcohol 7.7% - pH 3.86 - Titratable Acidity (TA) 3.5 g/L g/L - Bottling Date 7/21/22

Still, Dry, Unfiltered

A relatively low-acid, soft, round, tannic cider. Perhaps the dry cider equivalent of comfort food.

Bronze and lightly cloudy.

Nose: Apricot, Jasmine

Palate: velvety with mild acid, apricot, peach, and Minneola. Finish: Medium bitterness and generous astringency.

Blend:Chisel Jersey 44%, Dabinett 35%, Wickson17%, Porter's Perfection 4%

Bronze Medal GLINTCAP

To us, the Beechwoods smelled immediately like ripe apples, golden raisins, and when we tasted the primary impression was one of deep soft ripeness. This cider needs to be still, all the better for it to express the smooth worn wood, softened leather, with good tannic bitterness.  I appreciated the dried apricot notes along with papery tannins.

Nicksen 

Alcohol 7% - Titratable Acidity (TA) 5.23 g/L - Bottling Date 12/6/22

Blend: Dabinett 37%, Harry master’s Jersey 29%, Baldwin 13%, Wickson 5%, Puget Spice 5%, Zaubergau Reinette 4%, GoldRush 4%, Yarlington Mill 3%.

RS 1.5% TA 5.2 g/L

Brilliant Gold Petillant

Nose: Fresh. Apple, spice, deeply floral, toffee, mineral water

Palate: Sweet fresh apple and spice hit you first. Then the spice becomes more herbal and woodsy (is there a hint of wintergreen?) and the astringency kicks in. Full of flavor, but moderate on acid. Very easy drinking.

This cider makes me think of dust in the sunlight from the first sniff through tasting. Alex found it redolent of dried leaves and dark chocolate; I don’t disagree. The cider feels sweet, perhaps even a bit sweeter than its residual sugar because the acid isn’t angular and powerful. The cider tastes dark rather than bright, with a fruity red bell pepper finish. 

2020 Semi-Sweet Cackling Hen 

Alcohol 7% - Titratable Acidity (TA) 6.3 g/L g/L - Bottling Date 10.5.21

A lightly carbonated semi-sweet cider. A layered experience with lots of fruit. Concord grape, cherry, wood resin.

Residual Sugar 1.4%

Blend: Yarlington Mill 32%, Ellis Bitter 29%, Northern Spy 19%, Tremlett’s Bitter 12%, Newtown Pippin 6%, Chisel Jersey 2%

Zing! This cider rings like a struck cymbal. Though it’s still got some sweetness, the impression is more that of an austere acid bomb. The cider is sophisticated and restrained with notes of lemon and Bing Cherry. We noticed the official descriptions use of the word resin; that captures something important.

Tom’s Beard

Alcohol 7.5% - Titratable Acidity (TA) 8.4 g/L - Bottling Date 1/6/23

A Semi-Dry New World cider with tropical fruit notes and bright acidity. Great with food but also wonderful on its own.

Silver Medal GLINTCAP

Blend: Golden Russet 62%, Newtown Pippin 20%, Wickson 13%, Northern Spy 5%

Nose: Citrus, passion fruit, mango

Palate: Bright acidity, citrus, passion fruit, citrus pith.

RS 1.6% Malic acid 8.4g/L

For folks who want a bit of funk in their cider, start here! It has a smoky phenolic smell but the flavors are dazzlingly intense with tropical fruit. Yes that acid makes it very much a New World/East Coast cider. It’s very juicy and apple-y with a golden ribbon of pineapple as well. I imagine this one's a crowd pleaser. It’s sweet, big, rich, and thick.

Spy Who Came in From the Cold

I don’t have all of the information on this one, but this is a lightly petillant dessert cider.

I was immediately impressed by it’s delightful high acid. This one oozes golden raisins but is sharped up with a strong flavor of Crab apples. What a wonderful treat to find a petillant dessert cider that’s not too thick in mouthfeel. The overall impression is a sweet cider that’s blooming and exciting but not too boozy. Secondarily I get notes of  red currant, shortbread, and the tiniest hint of funk. Single varietal Northern Spy.

I think I’d like to go back to Seminary Hill on my own for a self-directed writer’s retreat, maybe to catch the beauty of another season in this gorgeous spot. It's quiet and peaceful. The farm and landscape certainly offer inspiration aplenty; I kept thinking of Grimm’s fairy tales when I peeked across the well- cared-for-orchards into the forest beyond.