I’ll Take Mine Hard: CiderFest NC

Beer/ Wine Tastings, Live Music, Local Joints, Local Produce, Things to Do, West Asheville

07 Nov 2014

What’s better on a beautifully sunny, but Cold Sunday in November than to bundle up, get out, and attend a local fundraising event that focuses on tasting regional Hard Ciders? And you get to do all this with a bunch of your friends and the whole thing is pretty much Gluten-Free?!! Count Me in!! In my world: sounds like a perfect Fall Sunday! Right?

The second annual CiderFest NC was held this past Sunday, Nov. 2nd at the WNC Farmers Mkt. as a benefit for the non-profit Western North Carolina Green Builders Council. Nestled in a portion of the Market’s lower wholesale area the venue was effectively roped off as a ticketed event . In addition to the plentiful Cider Maker’s booths, the event also showcased Local live music, apple growers, Art & Craft vendors, Artisan food, and both the Gypsy Queen Cuisine and the lowdown Food Trucks. Carpooling and Uber taxi service were encouraged by the promoters, including a promo discount for Uber.

Hundreds of us local hard cider lovers tasted the delicious and tangy offerings from over 17 ~mostly~ regional cider makers. From York, SC to Nellysford, Va. to Whitakers, NC; Cideries from across the area came to Asheville, set up and started to Pour. Ciders were served from bottles and others from taps and I was truly impressed at the selection and variety of brews. We indulged in the different flavors: sweet, sour, fruity, tart, dry, hopped, spicy ( YES Habenaro!) and even a cider brewed with black tea. Cider Makers were there to educate us on the nuances of their brews, how to properly enjoy such varieties, where to locally find/purchase their elixirs, and answer our abundant questions. As samples were tipped, sipped, and emptied; festival tasting glasses were continually being thrust towards the taps for another “try.”

CiderFest NC 2014 West Asheville Bottoms UP

Eyes closed and pinkies UP: a proper way to savor the flavors…..

Plus, on top of having such a fun time, you actually came away with a greater knowledge and appreciation of not only our local apple production ( as many Cideries use Henderson County apples, ) but also the true craft of making and developing of a unique Hard Cider. With all the buzz about the beer brewing industry in Asheville and the growth of production facilities in the area, small batch beer alternatives are being a bit overshadowed. For example, our own Haywood Rd. Urban Orchard Cider Company is the only Cider bar in the region and Noble Cider was the first Cidery to open in Asheville. I also spoke with one Vendor- Bold Rock- out of Va. -That informed me that they will be developing another cider facility in Henderson County and have already purchased property in Mills River. < For more info: check out Ashvegas’ article. >

Now, let’s just talk about just the Cider. Personally, I like my hard ciders to have a bit more fizz – carbonation that is – and not overly sweet. And my favorite picks will reflect my palate.

Here are some of my favorites / stand outs from the Festival:

Naked Apples’ Wicked Peel: a nicely carbonated, sweet, crisp apple cider.

Windy Hill’s Ginger Gold: mild carbonation, delicate notes of ginger, and not too sweet.

Bold Rock’s Carolina Apple: this one has medium fizz, a crisp apple flavor and light on the sweetness. Delicate and highly enjoyable
Urban Orchards’ The Village Tart: I had to try it just for name alone! It is delicious, more tart than sweet. Tastes like fresh tart cherries.
Blake’s El Chavo: Yup! A habenero and mango cider – for those who love Heat -deliciously sweet and Spicy!