Cider was once a staple of the early American diet. New laws promoting craft beverages is creating a cider renaissance in New York State, the second largest producers of apples in the United States.
On the north fork long island wine country, a couple of wineries bottle cider and a couple of cider houses opened showcasing cider made from local and New York State apples.
Lieb Cellars 13050 Oregon Road, Cutchogue. The tasting room is in a converted barn.
Rumor Mill sparkling cider: Made from east end apples, yellow with tints with green apples and mowed grass on the nose.
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Woodside Orchard 729 Main Road, Aquebogue. Not only do they make hard cider but pies and doughnuts as well.
Traditional Cider: Pale yellow, fizzy when poured with greenish tints, crisp off dry with tart apple and ginger notes.
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Riverhead Cider House 2711 Sound Avenue Calverton. New place that opened recently. On a slow superbowl Sunday they had a good crowd. Large room with entertainment and a deli. Large selection of local beer and cider.
Prickly Pear Rosé Cider: I asked for the driest cider and this is what they poured me, amber in color, cotton candy on the nose, off dry with cherry candy notes on the fruit.
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