38 FLOURISH • FALL/WINTER 2014
varieties. This "big field blend" is the first
California cider to win a gold medal at the
international GLINTCAP cider competi-
tion. Cidre Noir is a dry, charismatic blend
of five different "black" apple varietals. Its
bright acidity and tannin make for a crisp
beverage with a rich concentrated flavor.
AppleGarden Farm Cider
For Jan Lee, becoming a cidermaker is
a story of reinvention in retirement. A vet-
eran civil construction engineer with more
than twenty-five years in commercial proj-
ect management, she
and her husband Louis
moved to West Marin
in 1990, where they
eventually retired and
built their farm on 3.5
acres near Tomales.
"For us, retirement
has been about seek-
ing a simpler lifestyle,
growing much of our
own food, and finding
a way to make it all
work," says Jan. They promptly planted
two acres of organic "old cider" heirloom
apple trees with an eye toward making
a small-batch artisan cider that would
off-set the expense of maintaining their
orchard.
Five years and several "experimental"
batches later, their signature AppleGarden
Farm cider is described as the perfect
"picnic drink" with delicious tart notes
and a lush mouthfeel that compliments
all kinds of food. Jan's pale gold, hand-
crafted farmstead beverage is dry and still
with enough acidity to give the impres-
sion of effervescence. Available in limited
release, AppleGarden Farm organic cider
can be found at select local venues.
All of these local craft ciders are
surprisingly versatile and food friendly
which makes them ideal for drinking
year round. The full body, structure,
and tannin of the
fermented juice brings
out nuanced flavors
in a variety of foods
and provides balance
for richer dishes. Try
pairing them with
artisan cheeses, fresh
shellfish (particularly
oysters) and hearty
meats as a unique
compliment to your
holiday celebration.
Above all, don't be afraid to experiment.
With so much to offer, cider will surprise
and delight even the most sophisticated
palate. Cheers!
For more information and a list of retail
sales outlets, visit tiltedshed.com, devoto-
cider.com, and applegardenfarm.com.
Jan Lee and her husband, Louis, pressing apples.
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Photo courtesy of Jessica Layton
