Keepsake River Valley Reserve
Jeremy Pryes, founder and head brewer, Pryes Brewing in Minneapolis
“Visiting Keepsake Cidery in Minnesota is always a treat. Surrounded by 50-plus types of apples, it’s a tranquil escape. River Valley Reserve is a blend of Ellis Bitter, Chisel Jersey, and Keepsake apples, and it offers a balanced mix of acidity and tannin with tropical and stone-fruit flavors, alongside hints of smoke, leather, and hayloft. It’s a fusion of English and Minnesota styles, made through spontaneous fermentation with no additives—just pure cider, crafted over time.”
Eden Heirloom Blend
James Naeger, director of special projects, Schramm’s Mead in Ferndale, Michigan
“This is an ice cider that sets the bar for cidermakers around the world. At Schramm’s Orchards, we grow over 50 varieties of heirloom cider apples, and every time I drink a cider from Eden it makes me want to quit. How can you compete with perfection? Every Eden cider is a master class in a bottle, with an insanely high [quality-price ratio]. Don’t tell anyone—buy as much as you can get your hands on.”
Eve’s Ciders 2022 Sparkling Perry
Khris Johnson, head brewer and co-owner, Green Bench in St. Petersburg, Florida
“One of my favorite ferments that I tried this year. ... Spritzy, clean, and so fresh, this perry is extremely fruity with incredible peach and refreshing smacked mint. There’s such a nice minerality, almost slate and fresh river water. A wonderful expression of summer hikes and a gentle gulf-side breeze.”
Son of Man Sagardo
David Coyne, cofounder, Obelisk Beer in Astoria, Oregon
“I think Sagardo, Son of Man’s flagship cider, is the best. It’s a Basque-style cider that’s spontaneously fermented and aged in oak foeders. It’s just funky enough and just hard enough. It’s super-dry, but it’s still full of apple and other fruit flavors. It’s just great.”
Alma Cider Perry
Monique Tribble, head cidermaker, Yonder Cider in Wenatchee, Washington
“Alma Cider holds a special place in my heart. Led by owner and passionate head cidermaker Dave [Klawer], their dedication to both the orchard and the art of cidermaking really shines through in everything they make. Spotting Alma at festivals is always exciting because I know they will be showcasing something exceptional. And while they make many great ciders, the Perry made with 100 percent perry pears is a real showstopper.”