On the sunny banks of the East River, from the producers of Pig Island, the NYC Hot Sauce Expo and Brisket King (and Queen) of NYC, came Ciderfeast! The event featured select regional, national and European ciders from more than a dozen brewers pouring over 30 beverages. The sweet summer refreshments were also paired with tons of hot dogs and live folk music.
The alcoholic libation, made from the fermented juice of apples, is most popular in the United Kingdom, but has been having a bit of resurgence in the states! (I say resurgence because our founding father, John Adams, began his days with a draft of hard cider. A common habit among Colonial America.)
Everyone knows the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While the factuality of this statement could stand some prodding, it is true that cider has some research-backed health benefits from its high level of antioxidants. So, perhaps I went to Ciderfeast for my health? How responsible.
The real reason I loved going to Ciderfeast (while pregnant and unable to sample the wares, nonetheless) is because my husband is gluten-intolerant. For those with a sensitivity to gluten, Hashimoto’s disease or celiac disease, cider is one of the most delicious drink options out there. From dry to sweet, sparkling to flat, most of the brews are wheat, barley and hops free!
We sampled:
- Unlimited dogs from Copenhagen Street Dogs, The Piggery, and the award-winning Starwurst Bratwurst.
- Citizen Cider – VT – Northern Spy
- Moa – New Zealand – Apple and Kiwi
- Titled Shed Ciderworks – CA – Graviva!
- Descendant Cider – NY – Succession Cider
- Shacksbury – VT – Lost and Found (a blend of foraged apples and cider apples from Vermont and New Hampshire, wild fermented and bottle conditioned)
