We've talked before on the blog about the rich history behind cider in the pre-Prohibition era United States. The Cliff's notes version is that the first settlers to the US from Europe brought along cider apple trees with them and quickly planted them across the country. Because water wasn't always safe to drink, the settlers made cider and drank that, both because it's delicious and fermentation kills any bugs.
It's with this history of cider being the US's first beverage that the United States Association of Cider Makers has launched the Pick Cider campaign, which is a movement focused on making cider the official beverage of Thanksgiving - kind of like Champagne is the official beverage of New Year's Eve and beer is the go-to for the 4th of July.
One reason for the choice is the historical significance. Another is that cider pairs really well with food, particularly the kinds of foods that American's eat on Thanksgiving.
We're celebrating Thanksgiving and embracing the Pick Cider campaign by releasing a bottled cider that we think would pair well with Thanksgiving dinner. If you come by our tasting room, we have a new seasonal on draft called Fieldstone, which is a semi-sweet, light-bodied farmhouse-style cider with hints of lemon, hay, and fresh apple. We've made a 'Reserve' version of Fieldstone that is slightly drier, oak-aged, and a bit funkier that would be a perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner.
The pre-labeled Fieldstone Reserve.
When you buy a bottle of Fieldstone Reserve, you'll also get a few traditional Thanksgiving recipes that use our ciders as ingredients, like our Sunset Tart Cherry Spiked Cranberry Sauce or Dry Cider Turkey Gravy.
We're excited to highlight how well cider goes with food, and how it can be used in a variety of recipes to add depth of flavor and subtle sweetness.
Happy Thanksgiving, and thanks for being a part of the Pick Cider Movement!