Seed and Stone Cider Reviews
October 13, 2020
Affy Tapple Beer Collab with Phase 3 Brewing
October 19, 2020
Recently, we wrote an article announcing Peak Light Cider’s launch. As a refresher, Peak Light Cider is a brand new family owned cidery from Sauvie Island! Hailing from a farm just outside of Portland, they thrive off of their motto, “We drink what we farm”, and man, I like drinking what they farm!
Currently, there are 4 ciders in the lineup and they’re the perfect “peak” treat. Along with their striking blend of ombré cider labels, as I learn more about ciders and apples, I really enjoy being able to see what kind of apples are blended into each cider on the label.
Orchard Reserve Red Cider (6.9% ABV)
made with red apples from the Niedzwetzkyana family, the red tinted beverage holds true to its name. The cider holds an almost cherry vanilla aroma to it, but it’s 100% apple in this cider! The cider is a lightly carbonated full bodied red that is semi-sweet. I drank it paired with a baked potato soup bread bowl by recommendation from Peak Light’s website, and they didn’t steer me wrong! They say it pairs well with hearty soups and casseroles, and that it does!
Field Run Dry Cider (6.4% ABV)
Field Run blends early and late season apples to make a crisp dry cider. It is a pale tinted cider with aromas of oak and apple that is lightly carbonated, acid neutral, and has a nice sharp, dry flavor. This was the first cider the makers recommended me to try while out on the road. Settled in Olympic National Park for the evening, with the advice of Peak Light, I decided to pair this with grilled flank steak and truffle Parmesan fresh-cut fries for dinner. Anyone that knows me knows I strive to elevate my camping experiences with fresh-made food and a good, crisp cider!
Field Run Semi-Dry Cider (6% ABV)
Field Run is utilizing mid-season maturing apples to create a subtle sweetness. With a golden tint, this cider holds fruity aromas of apple with a subtle hint of lemon. It has a light carbonation that helps bring out its sweeter side. Continuing following Peak Light’s advice, I paired this cider with a crunchy egg roll salad made with cucumber, iceberg lettuce, tomato, a Granny Smith apple, bean sprouts, peanuts, and sweet and sour sauce topped with chopped crunchy egg rolls I fried in my air fryer. The light tastes of the vegetables in the salad brought out the sweeter side of the cider. Mmm…delicious!!
Orchard Reserve Quince Cider (6% ABV)
Orchard Reserve Quince is blending varieties of quince apples that produce a botanical flavor. Another pale tinted cider with a light botanical aroma, this cider has a semi-sweet, yet full-bodied taste with floral notes and aftertaste. It honestly pairs well with just about anything, but I followed the makers recommendations and enjoyed it with fresh foraged Olympic-coastal blackberries and some sprouted Dave’s Killer bread with peanut butter and jelly.
Peak Light has a cider club, Cider Circle, and an online store where you can order to pick up your ciders locally or have them shipped to you! I would recommend starting with their sampler pack to get a full bottle of each cider at a discount! No regrets in trying each one, they’re worth it! They can ship to a variety of states, so check out their shop on their website to see if it’s available to you! Happy drinking!
