Double Mountain Brewery has a new line of reserve ciders out now, specialty ciders crafted to showcase old world cider traditions and specialty apple varietals. As part of the rollout, the brewery sent me a bottle of Irene Rosé Red Fleshed Cider to sample.

Details from the press release:

Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery invites cider fans to embark on a journey of taste and craftsmanship with its Reserve Cider Lineup. These ciders were chosen to be included in the Reserve Line for highlighting time-honored old world traditions of cider making. Each cider in this collection embodies the essence of craftsmanship, utilizing nature and natural fermentation methods to create a taste of timeless traditions.

To showcase the beauty of these exceptional ciders, Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery purposefully packages them in clear glass bottles. This choice allows the stunning colors of the ciders to shine through, inviting consumers to appreciate the visual allure that complements the exquisite flavors within. Double Mountain encourages drinkers to return these bottles for reuse.

The artwork on these bottles are the works of creative talent Audrey Mae (@audreymaeart), a local Hood River artist, who has beautifully captured the essence of the Reserve Cider Lineup through her original artwork. Her artistic vision brings a visual representation to the exceptional flavors and technique found in each cider of this series, while adding a feminine and delicate touch.

One standout cider in the lineup is the Little Spy Pet-Nat Style Cider. This cider exemplifies the art of Petillant Naturel, or “Pet-Nat,” a traditional and artisanal method of sparkling cider production. In the Pet-Nat process, the cider undergoes a wild fermentation, meaning that the natural yeast present on the apple skins initiates the fermentation process. The cider is bottled before fermentation is complete, capturing the remaining carbon dioxide produced by the yeast. This results in a naturally effervescent cider with delicate flavors and a distinct texture. By employing this centuries-old technique, Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery pays homage to the simplicity and authenticity of traditional cider making.

Another remarkable cider in the Reserve Line is the Little Martha Old World Perry. Crafting a true Old World Perry cider involves using traditional English Perry pears, which are known for their high tannin levels and limited edibility. These pears contribute to the cider’s unique flavor profile, offering aromas of cherry blossom, wildflower, and fresh apple wood. The cider making process for Old World Perry often involves careful blending and aging to achieve the desired balance of flavors. Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery’s commitment to preserving the authenticity of this centuries-old cider style ensures that each sip of Little Martha Old World Perry delivers a genuine taste of heritage.

Elevate your cider collection and join us in celebrating the artistry and passion that went into creating these remarkable ciders.

Iris Ice Cider
11% ABV | 1.7% RS
Dry and complex with hints of fresh green apple and ripe honeydew. Made with local, golden russets and Wickson crab apples that we froze solid during the 2022 Christmas deep freeze, thus concentrating the sugars to perfection.

Little Martha Old World Perry
6.4% ABV | 1.1% RS
Aromas of cherry blossom, wildflower, and fresh apple wood, rounded out with dry citrus and Meyer lemon flavors. Traditional English Perry pears, grown in Parkdale that are barely edible due to their tannic acid, make up this bright and clean pear cider.

Irene Rosé Red Fleshed Cider
5.9% ABV | 0.3 % RS
Perceived sweetness rounds out the mouth feel of this lightly tart cider, with delicate aromas of grapefruit and strawberry. Red-fleshed Mountain Rose and Pink Pearl apples from Hood River Valley create an alluring pink hue.

Little Spy Pet-Nat Style Cider
7.5% ABV | 1.0% RS
Delicate aromas of citron and ripe pear that reflect the Hood River Valley terroir. Utilizing old world cider methods, this is a skin contact Pet Nat-style cider with wild fermentation. A true ode to Occam in how it’s made- simplicity wins in the end.