Flag Hill Farm Sapsucker Extra Dry Sparkling Cider Vermont

Like Flag Hill’s Dry Cyder, Sapsucker is made from organic apples grown in the estate’s high elevation orchard in Vershire, Vermont. Dozens of varieties go into the blend, which is fermented with wild cultures and bottle-conditioned, finished with a crown cap.

The pour is misty amber gold and animated by a pearly bead. Sapsucker offers more pronounced fruit aromas than the Cyder, suffused as it is with an autumnal scent of yellow and russet apple, plus red grapefruit and its peel. The crackling dry palate continues the fruit notes, but the cider’s milky lees give it heft and creamy mouthfeel while balancing the tannin and acidity. The finish is dry and bracing, suggesting crunchy autumn leaves blowing in the wind, but flavors of grapefruit and tree fruits persist. A friendly, accessible cider, great for picnics.