On a lark I grabbed a can of Ginger Beard Man, a product of DC’s own Supreme Core Cider, at Total Wine (while I’m not usually fond of hard cider, if having this site isn’t an excuse to try new things then nothing is). And I’m glad I did. While I can’t say I loved it, that’s only because of my natural preference for other alcoholic beverages. Judged on its own, this was awesome.
First impressions: it was bubbly and effervescent, with some seasonal notes jumping to and fro — some cinnamon and orange peel particularly. After a sip or two I noticed more of a mulling spice taste. I can’t believe I’m saying this because I appreciate how not-sweet this is — but I could have gone for more spice and more sweetness. But what do I know, I just bought it and drank it — I didn’t pour my heart and soul into making it.
One of the great joys of being of my age and generation – aching knees, 9/11, and pandemic aside – has been the explosion in craft beer, local wine, and the growth of new and innovative shops like Supreme Core. The owners describe Supreme Core as “cider for beer drinkers†— here’s from a Washingtonian interview a couple of years ago:
“It’s the beer side of cider that Will Sullivan and Kyle Crosby channeled when founding Supreme Core Cider two years ago … Crosby, a home brewer, started making cider for his sister who has celiac disease. (Cider is naturally gluten-free.) Eventually, the friends quit their respective consulting jobs and became certified cider-makers at Cornell University. … Part of what appeals to the friends about fusing aspects of the craft beer and cider movements is the creativity … The duo source all of their apples from three small family farms in Virginia, and then get playful in blending fruit and different strains of yeast.â€
If you like cider, think you could, or just want to try something tasty and different, give Ginger Beard Man or one of their other products a roll, give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram, or check out their tasting room in NE DC. I can’t wait to do so myself, post-pandemic.
- Would I get it again? I wouldn’t not buy it again; you should pick it up if you like cider.
- Would I drink it if someone gave it to me? Absolutely.
- Would I drink more than one? One is likely my limit for any cider.
- Would I recommend you try it? Again, do you like cider? Then you owe it to yourself to try this promptly.
- Good while __: Pondering why the national capital region is incapable of handling snow when it snows here every year. And listening to Hozier.
Supreme Core Cider Ginger Beard Man
2020
Washington, DC
Find It!
