After seeing their products take a back seat to beer and wine for many years, hard cider makers are now enjoying the fruits of their labor as their products surge in popularity.
As the number of available options in top-notch cider has ballooned dramatically, Ohio manufacturers have been among the contributors to the trend.
Though cider was once the New World’s most popular alcoholic beverage, consumption dropped dramatically when the Industrial Revolution made it far easier to brew beer. After disappearing almost completely with prohibition in the 1920s, cider did not re-emerge on the scene until about 60 years later. It’s only in recent years that the beverages have really picked up steam; cider sales tripled from 2007 to 2012.
Your best option for locally-made cider is Legend Valley Cider, located in St. Louisville in Licking County. Legend Valley, which just opened this year, offers crisp, sweet and sour apple ciders, as well as a cranberry cider and an ice cider.
“It’s a unique drink, and it’s becoming more popular and re-emerging,” says David Fayerweather, Legend Valley owner. “Everyone’s just enjoying the craft.”
Up north in Westlake, a suburb of Cleveland, is a veteran in the Ohio cider scene: Griffin Cider Works, which specializes in English-style beverages. In addition to its Original (crisp) and Burley Man (farmhouse-style) apple ciders, it serves up Strong Woman, a cider finished with cherries; Honey Oak, made with four varieties of Ohio honey; and Lemon Blues, a shandy. That’s on top of some stronger, wine-style ciders.
“We use all Ohio apples, and our cider is made from 100 percent apple juice,” says owner and cider-master Richard Read. “We have eight to 15 apple varieties, we’re very proud of a lot of different styles and the blend I’ve found … hasn’t
been copied.”
Legend Valley also uses all Ohio apples for its products.
The versatility of cider contributes to its popularity, as do characteristics that make it a little easier to drink, Read says.
It’s naturally gluten-free, which is a big deal,” he says. “It’s a good option if you’re conscious about your health. It’s lighter than beer, yet it still packs the same kind of punch.”
Other Ohio cider producers include Angry Orchard in Cincinnati, Barrel Run Crossing Winery in Rootstown, Meier’s Wine Cellars (manufacturers of Kentucky Pete’s cider) in Cincinnati, Tom’s Foolery in Chagrin Falls and West End Cider House in Athens. Locally, North High Brewing makes hard cider in late summer and fall.
Corinne Murphy is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
