Five locations for enjoying a variety of flavors in cider tastings
Quebec Cider Scene: Where Artisan Craft and Innovation Meet
Just a stone's throw away from the renowned vineyards of Quebec, a wave of talented cidermakers are turning heads with their unique approach to apple gold. Ready to quench even the most selective of palates, this burgeoning industry is teeming with confidence and creativity.
Peeping into the World of Aura Mediocritas
A block-size cidery nestled in Frelighsburg, Aura Mediocritas is part of the ever-growing apple industry in the province. Without an orchard of their own, this team scours the countryside for prime landowners, sourcing wild apples that flourish in the Breton and Normandy territory. Their signature move? Harvesting the clarified must that forms under the ice, known as the "brown cap." This slow fermentation process allows the cider's complexity to shine through, granting it a lactic side and notes of white flowers.
- Star Products: Pommette 2023 (carbonic maceration of Dolgo pommettes) and Sauvage 2023 (made from wild apples).
The Time Capsule: Cider Evolved
Matthieu Quinn and his team at The Time Capsule in Franklin are revolutionizing cider-making, treating it as a sophisticated beverage, not just a summertime sipper. With state-of-the-art cooling tanks, they preserve the cider from oxidation, creating versatile drinks that can cater to all occasions.
- Star Products: Ode to Summer (apples and pears with a stunning texture and smooth tannins) and Hopped Cider (cold infusion of hops, evoking the scent of roses and lychees).
Equinoxe Cider Farm: A Rich Tasting Experience
Marc-Antoine Arsenault-Chiasson, co-owner of Equinoxe Cider Farm, is no stranger to the apple-orchard scene. He believes in creating ciders in harmony with nature, using fruits from his own farm and experimenting with pairings such as honey and pears. The result? A dry still cider and a sparkling cider that's aged on grape skins, perfect for complementing rich dishes like roasted meats and duck breast.
- Star Products: Eclipse Ice Cider (maceration with grape skins) and Ballade (maceration with strawberries from Ferme La Ricardiere).
Jus sec: Small-Batch, High-Impact Ciders
In the midst of the pandemic, Jus sec stumbled upon the apple-blueprint for a robust, innovative cider scene. Their small 800-square foot workshop allows them to experiment with different techniques, resulting in a lineup of barrel-aged ciders fermented spontaneously.
- Star Products: Barbara (rhubarb-infused cider) and Incarnat (rye whiskey barrel-aged cider macerated with raspberries).
Bilodeau Orchard Cidery: Pioneering Pioneers
Established nearly 30 years ago, Bilodeau Orchard Cidery on Orléans Island is a trailblazer in the Quebec cider community, leading the charge in creating hard ciders with alcohol content. Their beverages, including a pomme and maple syrup aperitif and a new autumn-inspired gin, prove that the Bilodeau family's expertise has only grown stronger with time.
- Star Products: L'Effervescent (sparkling cider with cassis and apple notes) and Ice Cider Special Cuvée (aged in barrels for over three years, boasting ripe apple flavors).
Though these cidermakers keep their secrets close to the vest, the tantalizing taste of their creations is never too far away. Who knows? One sip just might open the door to a whole new world of apple delight. So, raise your glass, and join the celebration of Quebec's invigorating cider scene! 🍏🍾
- Aura Mediocritas, located in Frelighsburg, takes a unique approach to cider production by sourcing wild apples in the Breton and Normandy territory and utilizing the slow fermentation process to create complex ciders, especially the Pommette 2023 and Sauvage 2023.
- The Time Capsule in Franklin is redefining the cider industry by treating cider as a sophisticated beverage, with standout products like Ode to Summer and Hopped Cider that cater to various lifestyles and occasions.
- Equinoxe Cider Farm, founded by Marc-Antoine Arsenault-Chiasson, creates ciders in harmony with nature, offering a dry still cider and a sparkling cider aged on grape skins that complement rich dishes such as roasted meats and duck breast.
- Jus sec's small-batch, innovative ciders, like Barbara (rhubarb-infused cider) and Incarnat (rye whiskey barrel-aged cider macerated with raspberries), have emerged during the pandemic, showcasing their dedication to experimentation and barrel-aging techniques.
In the scenic landscape of Quebec, these artisan cidermakers showcase a biodiverse environment and have a profound impact on the food-and-drink and home-and-garden sectors.
