There’s something about the crispness of fall that calls for a sentimental brew; something that blends the sweetness of summer’s end with the bittersweet start of fall. Cue the hard cider! With New Hampshire’s official state beverage being apple cider, it’s no surprise that hard cider has gained in popularity over the years. This autumn, why not give the state’s homegrown cideries a whirl, travelling to cider mills and tasting rooms nestled in idyllic apple groves, or simply grabbing a NH-made cider at one of countless statewide retailers to enjoy wherever you are!
Bradford Bear, Bradford
This small family-owned cidery is big on making a robust line of ciders, that depict delightful flavor variations that introduce the element of surprise to traditional cider. From the tantalizing flavor of their Original Bear cider to the sweetness of Ruby Bear made from blueberries and maple syrup. Then there’s Spice Bear and Caramel Apple Bear, and many more! All are made with as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. Sample the flavor options at an
upcoming tasting or find Bradford Bear ciders in
local stores and on tap at restaurants across the state.
Butternut Farm Cider House, Farmington
Visit Butternut Farm on a crisp fall afternoon to explore the orchard of blooming apple trees that fuels their onsite production of fresh cider. The neighborhood cidery houses their production room in the basement and guests will find both an indoor and outdoor tasting area. From dry to sweet, there’s a perfect batch to suit anyone’s tastes. Not sure which side of the spectrum you fall in? Sip your way through a cider flight and discover the sweet and tangy, or dry and flavorful nuances of Butternut Farm’s outstanding ciders!
Contoocook Cider Company, Contoocook
Stop by Contoocook Cider this fall for a flight of their award-winning cider to sip while enjoying incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Located at Gould Hill Farm, this tree to glass cidery uses a combination of the Farm’s heirloom apple varieties to produce deliciously bold cider. From ginger, cranberry and blueberry, to fireside maple, and many more unique options all available in the tasting room, along with food, including their new sweet heat peach pizza! Pair cider with their cider doughnuts available for an autumn treat, while listening to live music on the patio!
Crucial 10 Craft Cider, Thornton
Located in the heart of the White Mountains, Crucial 10 Craft Cider is made from locally sourced fruit and is packed with a whole lot of natural apple flavor. And just in time for fall, their seasonal cider: Baked Apple Crisp is back on tap! Or choose from a New England Hazy Ciders, Blueberry Cider, or dry ciders. Stop by the taproom to try this award-winning cider, anytime between Thursday – Monday. Crucial 10 Craft Cider will soon be distributed around the state so be on the lookout for this cider to your favorite stores and restaurants!
Farnum Hill Ciders, Lebanon
Farnum Hill’s ciders are irresistibly dynamic, crafted from a specially grown selection of unique apple varieties that produce radically distinctive tastes. If you cringe at the idea of overly sweet, syrupy ciders—then you’ll love Farnum Hill’s extra dry, aromatic ferments! Their golden cider comes in sparkly or still, extra dry and off dry to cater to anyone’s tastes. Stop by Poverty Lane Orchard to explore the apple groves that fuel Farnum Hill Cider,
order online or find them in one of many
brick-and-mortar retailers.
North Country Hard Cider, Rollinsford
Celebrating a decade of crafting all-natural, preservative-free cider, this Seacoast cidery celebrates its 10th year in business this fall. North Country Hard Cider opened in 2014, when three friends, Silas and Ivan Gordon and Ron Dixon set out on a mission to make the purest cider on the planet. Stop by the tasting room in Dover and check out the rotating list of 18+ handcrafted ciders on tap every day. Enjoy a flight, fill up a growler, or grab cans to go!
Rhythm Handcrafted Beverages, Lincoln
Rhythm Cider is a hard cider, crafted naturally at Seven Birches Winery in the White Mountains. Rhythm Tap & Grille, their new upscale American grill, offers the full selection of their award-winning cider on tap, along with a thoughtful menu of creative cuisine. Build in a little extra time and take a tour of the cidery during cider season this fall. Tours are typically offered most Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you can’t make it to the Tap & Grille in person be sure to look for Rhythm Cider in stores around the White Mountains Region.