New Hard Cider is Well-Received!
Von Stiehl’s inaugural hard cider release, Apfel Hard Cider, was awarded a Double Gold medal at the 25th annual Indy International Wine Competition. As if that prestigious award wasn’t enough, the cider then received Best of Class in the Apple Hard Cider division.
This competition receives more than 29,000 entries from around the world, the largest independent wine contest in the United States. The event seeks to blend history and culture with modern science.The participants range from small private winemakers to large commercial wineries. It is held at Purdue University in West Lafayette by the Purdue Wine Grape Team.
The Purdue Wine Grape Team is a collaboration between the Purdue University Departments of Food Science and Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, and the Indiana Wine Grape Council. Read more about the program on their website.
Our 2015 Apfel hard apple cider is created from five carefully selected varieties of apples. They are blended to produce a crisp, smooth and refreshing hard cider with just a hint of sweetness for balance.
Apple fermentation requires a bit more finesse and attention to detail than most other fruits. Yeast has a tough time with apple. 49 years in the apple wine fermentation business has its advantages, though. We take extra steps to ensure that the cider yeast gets all of its nutrients. Temperature is regulated and monitored closely. The finest apples are sourced in a specific blend from Hillside Apples.
The first batch of cider sold out in the beginning of August. Look for it to be back in stock by August 24. Apfel hard cider is offered in 750-milliliter bottles in the tasting room only. As production increases, it will be rolled out in twelve-ounce bottles.
