Cidery Spotlight: Kekionga Cider

The Midwest is full of great cideries scattered across the plains, but there lies an area that is more sparse — Indiana.  The region of Fort Wayne, in the North Eastern area of Indiana, was particularly in need of a cider revolution.  That is where longtime friends Tyler and Logan came in.  After years of making cider themselves post-college, they decided to open up Kekionga Cider Company in the Geoglein Mill.  Fort Wayne is rich with native American and colonial history due to its location, triangulated between three rivers. 

The area was actually named Kekionga, the inspiration for the cider companies name.  If we love anything here at CiderScene it is the mix of history and cider culture.  We were lucky enough to try their products and have compiled some tasting notes below to get a sense of their delicious ciders.

Crisp – 5% ABV – Sweet

This cider is made with a majority of Honeycrisp apples which accentuates and showcases the sweeter flavors of the cider.  Being apple forward, there is a light apple sweetness on the nose and a clear, straw color.  The taste comes with a familiar apple tartness which quickly dissipates into a sweet finish.  Easily a cider for someone new to drinking the beverage with familiar flavors and a small amount of yeast/ferment on the nose.   

Old Bicorne – 5.5% ABV – Semi-Sweet

This cider is the O.G. for Kekionga and likely their most recognizable in the region.  This is made entirely from delicious Northern Spy apples, making this a single varietal in a can.  It pours a light straw color with mild carbonation and apple skin scent.  The taste is crisp and refreshing with a small amount of sweetness left, allowing the punchy acid to come through.  Unlike some other ciders, the tart acid flavors stay on the tongue to make a very pleasant drinking experience.  The flavors can seem a bit one noted but one should expect and enjoy that aspect of a single varietal cider.  There is a slight bitterness and tropical fruit vibes coming from the cider, which paired well with a cheese board we had at home.  If you enjoy a tart apple or an acid forward cider this is a must try!

Juice Box Rose – 4.5% ABV – Cider with Concord Grapes

If you are looking for a fun and delicious cider, Juice Box Rose is there for you.  The cider is sweet with the familiar flavor of the concord grape.  It is reminiscent of childhood lunch eating grapes and apples slices but with a small alcohol kick.  Grapes make the cider a purple hue and the sweetness makes this crushable on a hot summer day.  The flavor and packaging are fun and would surely bring anyone who likes some sweeter ciders on board.

Distinct Design

Now you have a sense of what Kekionga brings to the table: class and fun at the same time.  We also have to note the distinct and eye catching can design.  The logo for Kekionga includes the original map of the area during the native times and creates a great backdrop for the can wraps.  The brand is on point! We’ll telling you if you try their products you will not be disappointed.  As of now, they are mostly in Northwest Indiana with plans to ship directly in the near future. To find more information about Kekionga Cider Company follow the link below.