Apples to Apples
Local makers meet and pour at cider soirée
By Virginia B. Wood, 12:30PM, Wed. Oct. 29, 2014
America's oldest fermented beverage all but died out with Prohibition, but apple cider is experiencing a renaissance nationally and thriving in Austin. As part of Austin Beer Week, local cider artisans will gather on the patio at East End Wines today to share samples of their wares and chat with consumers.
Englishman Ed Gibson of Austin Eastciders (979 Springdale) will introduce Small Batch No. 1 – his first small batch cider made from 100% Winesap apples grown in the Texas Panhandle. Be sure to ask him about his newly opened production facility and tasting room.
Wes Mickel of Argus Cidery (12345 Pauls Valley Rd) will present his new Tepache Especial, a fermented pineapple beverage with a crisp tropical finish, along with previews of his 2013 Perennial and 2014 Ozark Ciderkin.
Texas Keeper (12521 Twin Creeks Rd) partner Nick Doughty will offer their inaugural release, the lightly effervescent blend of heirloom varietals, Texas Keeper No. 1, plus samples of their as-yet-unreleased GoldRush single varietal and dry-spiced Ciderweizen.
To round out the party, apple researcher Will McClatchey of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas will be on hand to discuss the challenges of growing apples in Texas. Delicious cider-friendly foods from chef Raymond Tatum's 3 Little Pigs trailer will be available for purchase. RSVP via Facebook.
Cider Soirée at East End Wines
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 5-8pm
1209 Rosewood
A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
Austin Cider Soiree, East End Wines, Austin Craft Beer Week, Argus Cidery, Wes Mickel, Austin Eastciders, Ed Gibson, Texas Keep Cider, Nick Doughty, 3 Little Pigs, Raymond Tatum