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
Bradford bear makes a robust line of ciders, with 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 their Honey Bear, Caramel Apple Bear or Midas Bear ciders—you’ll never get bored experimenting with new options. Sample their varieties at an
upcoming tasting, while dining at
Moments at The Rosewood in Bradford, or find it in
local stores and on tap at other local places 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 Cider House is where the real magic happens, with production in the basement and a charming tasting room on the first floor. From dry to sweet, there’s a perfect batch to suit anyone’s tastes. Not sure which side of the spectrum you fall in?
Chase Hill Cider, Albany
The Chase family has farmed the rolling slopes of Chase Hill since the 1890’s, so each hearty crop of apples comes with a heavy dose of heritage. Chase Hill Cider, pressed from apples grown right on the family farm, blends over 18 estate grown apple varieties to create a signature taste exclusive to the brand. Their one-of-a-kind cider delivers a refreshingly dry and flavorful cider that cuts right to the chase. Their signature Orchard Blend Hard Cider has a light sparkle and a delicious taste that lets the apple flavor really shine. Order online for pickup at the farm or find a bottle at one of many
local retailers!
Contoocook Cider Company, Contoocook
Contoocook Cider Company is a tree to glass cidery, using a combination of heirloom apple varieties from Gould Hill Farm to press deliciously bold cider. Home to a host of award-winning brews, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a flavor that doesn’t impress! Think ginger, cranberry, fireside maple, and many more uniquely irresistible ciders that are all available to try in their welcoming tasting room, or outdoors on their patio with a view. Or pick up your favorite blend at
local stores throughout the state.
Crucial 10 Craft Cider, Thornton
Head to the heart of the White Mountains to sip and sample the creatively crafted cider on tap at Crucial 10. Each cider, made from locally sourced fruit, is packed with a whole lot of natural apple flavor. Pick from New England Hazy Ciders, Shandy Ciders, Dry Ciders, even a dessert cider! Enjoy a flight while listening to local, live music most weekends. Conveniently located near Peaked Hill Pond Trailhead, it’s the perfect way to cap off a day of hiking!
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
A quest of three friends searching for an all-natural, preservative-free cider inspired the idea of North Country Hard Cider, established in 2012 by Silas and Ivan Gordon and Ron Dixon. Today, the cidery has gained national recognition, even landing among USA Today’s
top ten best cideries. Stop by the tasting room in Dover where there’s a rotating list of 18+ handcrafted ciders on tap every day. Enjoy a flight, fill up a growler, or grab cans to go!
Old Settlers Cider, Gilsum
Old Settlers Cider does things differently. Their cider is pressed in small batches from 100% unsprayed, local apples the traditional way, using whatever varieties are ripe that week. That means their ciders are certified local, all-natural, and 100% delicious. Dry cider lovers can savor the satisfying tartness of Old Settlers’ artisanal batches, since sugar is never added to the process. Cheers to that! Visit their home base on Main Street in Gilsum on Fridays 3-7pm for flight tastings, growler fills, and bottle purchasing!
Rhythm Handcrafted Beverages, Lincoln
Rhythm Ciders evolved out of
Seven Birches Winery, when the owner & winemaker started experimenting with the fermenting of other beverages. Their line of ciders is crafted with locally sourced premium fruits, to create a delicious, fresh, and natural taste. Stop by the tasting room, Rhythm Studio, a place where you can smell, taste and sample their original ciders as well as new works in progress, some of which will never make it to store shelves. A unique experience in helping decide what works and what doesn’t!