Originally published in the Product Spotlight section of Volume 5, Issue 3 of Alcoholmanac Magazine

By Daniel Downes

Indiana University law professor William Oliver started Oliver Winery in the 1960s as a hobby in his basement. That hobby, though, has grown into a commercial winery that now distributes to 14 states and sells nearly 300,000 cases every year. In the summer of 2010, they began a line of ciders that quickly sold out. This year, they ramped up production and even introduced a few new flavors including raspberry, peach and strawberry.

Apple on the nose, this is a cider on the drier end of the spectrum. Not terribly sweet, people that enjoy brut champagne (like myself) would definitely feel comfortable with this. Of all the flavored varieties, peach was the runaway favorite. The sweetness of the fresh peaches are a complement to the dryness of the base cider and serves as the perfect patio drink. You’ve heard of lawnmower beer? Well, this is lawnmower cider!