After crushing another epic day hiking through one of the most breathtaking, colorful landscapes on Earth, it's definitely time to treat yourself. But what’s the perfect beverage to recuperate? In summer, we personally want something ice cold with a dash of the tropics. And in fall? Something that warms you up from the inside out! Whether in beer form or caffeinated form, the flavors of autumn are unmistakable: pumpkin spice, cardamom, vanilla … rich spices that just ooze sunny days, crisp nights, and cozy sweaters.
But while PSLs are doing their best to take over the seasonal coffee flavor world, we'd like to argue that the humble apple is as quintessentially fall as it gets. What's more, a refreshing hard cider that’s as crisp as the mountain air and as vibrant as the views is exactly what the doctor ordered, regardless of the season! Enter Farmstead Cider in Jackson, Wyoming: your new go-to for liquid gold. This isn’t just any cider; it’s an experience that pairs adventure with a side of eco-friendly vibes and a dash of local flair. Buckle up, because we’re diving into what makes this spot a must-visit for all apple-loving aficionados!
The mountains may be what beckon travelers from across the country, but Jackson Hole isn’t just a pretty backdrop; it’s a playground for thrill-seekers and foodies alike. Whether you’re shredding powder in the winter or hitting the backcountry in the summer, there’s always something to get your adrenaline pumping and your stomach rumbling.
After a day of conquering the great outdoors, Farmstead Cider on the outskirts of Jackson is the perfect place to kick back and relax. With its unique cider bar and jaw-dropping mountain views, you’ll find yourself in cider heaven, ready to recharge for your next adventure.
But this is not your mother's cidery.
Farmstead Cider came to be when a couple of locals realized that unpicked apples all around the region were attracting a host of wildlife and causing some major people-wildlife conflicts. Rather than see Wyoming's resident bear populations bite off more than they could chew, Jackson Hole's first cidery was born, utilizing regional apple harvests.
The result? You get a refreshing glass of hard cider made with fresh, local crab apples and resident bears are safe from the boozy and dangerous consequences of becoming too friendly with their human counterparts. It's a win-win!
Typically, the tart crab apple doesn't get much love, as far as apple varieties go, but they make some spectacular cider. Add a little fermentation, some science-y magic, and plenty of love and you've got a seriously refreshing taste of the wild!
Every bottle of hard cider at Farmstead is hand-crafted in small batches, each delicious flavor pressed and bottled right here in Jackson.
A little history lesson if you're not quite up-to-date on your beverage history: hard cider may not be as popular as other brewed beverages these days, but that wasn't always the case. Cider was, in many regards, the original libation of choice up until Prohibition, and crab apples were cultivated specifically for the purpose of fermentation.
With this process, a little sweetness goes a long way toward making these underappreciated fruits a joy to imbibe in liquid form. Fortunately, the Jackson area is uniquely home to a few still-standing crab apple orchards, when many others around the country were cut down during Prohibition, or alternately, remain standing, but are underutilized.
Farmstead's dry hard ciders have bagged more accolades than your average overachiever, and it’s easy to see why. Each sip is like a mini celebration on your palate. From bright and tangy to delightfully sweet, their flavors dance with the essence of local apples, meticulously crafted to highlight the unique terroir of Wyoming. You’re not just enjoying a drink; you’re savoring a forgotten slice of Jackson Hole itself.
Of course, while crab apples are the mainstay, Farmstead crafts unique cider blends that feature other fruit varieties as well. There's a little something for everyone here! From the volcanically pure Yellowstone to the award-winning Bitter Local to the French-inspired Teton Pét-Nat.
Johnny Appleseed would be proud.
Each Farmstead creation is delicious, but what's even cooler is the sustainability aspect of this unique cidery. Apples that would otherwise sit on the ground and fall victim to rot or attract unwanted visitors are used in the coolest way. Even frostbite can't hold Farmstead Cider back! They've finely honed their craft, tasting and understanding every flavor nuance you can imagine, including how an unexpected freeze can concentrate the flavors and create a refreshingly sweet final product.
But Farmstead isn’t just keeping this liquid treasure to themselves; their ciders are flowing into restaurants and shops across the region, making waves and winning hearts. Their mission? To connect people through the joy of hard cider while celebrating the local culinary scene and even partnering with local businesses and youth programs.
Check out their full lineup, where they're on tap, and shop both cans and bottles online. And, if you happen to have some extra fruit lying around, let them know.
The next time you're in Jackson, pop in and have a glass or two. For a true taste of fall, this apple-loving hotspot is an absolute treasure, so cheers to good times, great cider, and unforgettable memories at Farmstead Cider!
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