Gravenstein Apple Sparkling Hard Cider, Sebastopol, CA
Tasting Notes
Dry. Crisp. Refreshing.
Our estate grown cider is very dry, with a Champagne-like flavor. It is very finely carbonated with a light and refreshing after taste. A striking taste of the Gravenstein Apple at its finest!
Small batch, sparkling cider, made from hand-picked, heirloom Gravenstein apples grown on the Maloney Family Orchard in Sonoma County, California.
The Maloney’s have been sustainably cultivating apples for nearly three decades.
Specs
Bottle Size: 22 oz.
Alcohol: 6.2%
Varietal: 100% Gravenstein Apple
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
6x Gravenstein Apple Sparkling Hard Cider, Sebastopol, CA
Case:
12x Gravenstein Apple Sparkling Hard Cider, Sebastopol, CA
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $120/case MSRP
About The Winery
Winery: Father John Winery
Owner: Nicholas Maloney
Founded: 2010
Location: Sebastopol, California
Father John is made in honor of the life of the late Reverend John Weaver, a renowned Episcopalian priest. Father John was extremely influential on those who were lucky enough to share their time with him. He was dedicated to a life of honesty and reverence and was committed to living in peace.
In 2010, Father John was started with the idea that each wine should be true to its provenance. That is to say, each vineyard should express its own distinct character. Our wines are able to fully express their specific site and local microclimates, yet are distinctive in their structural balances and individual flavors. All of our vineyard sites have strong Pacific coast influences.
Owner, Nicholas Maloney, started Father John during his stay in France which included work in Haute Savoie, Margaux, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Pernand Vergelesses and Chablis. His experiences in France influenced his philosophy of creating wines that age gracefully and are suited to accompany fine cuisine.
Oh Happy Day!
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
An unexpected, wine-shaped box! Good thing we got back from our camping trip in time. (Last time a box arrived, we were out of town and weren’t able to fulfill our duties) Hmm, that’s not a cork - what could it be?
A cider! I love cider, with a strong preference for dry ones. From Waterhouse Cider Company, Gravenstein Apple Sparkling Cider. I don’t think I’ve had a Gravenstein apple, but a quick search tells me it’s crisp and tart so I’m hopeful. Finally checked my email, and it looks like I have to drink this today. It’s going to be hot, so throwing this in the fridge and it’ll be perfect for later.
Pop and pour. Smells like applesauce. Slightly cloudy golden color, as you can see from the photo (why is the photo sideways? I don’t know how to fix it) . Dry, yay! Crisp and tart, no traces of sweetness, just the kind of cider I like. Refreshing and tasty - and more flavor, less sour than other dry ciders I like. I shared this with the husband (who says he likes it) and the bottle went down quickly. If you’re a dry cider fan, this is for you! (I now need to try a Gravenstein apple)
I’ve not seen a cider on here before, so feeling lucky to be chosen as lab rat for it. This will add nicely to my quarantine stash.
@sallliu let me know when you do find a gravenstein apple. I’ve been to a dozen orchards in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota with nary a gravenstein (or any old cider apple variety, for that matter) to be seen. I’ve read that they’re mushy, astringent, ripen in July/August and do not keep well. Wonder why no one around here grows 'em?
Note to self: it’s clearly been too long since I’ve made a Casemates order! Just about the time I learned that there was something special coming my way, I realized that the box would be headed to my workplace address where I haven’t been in months… Thankfully, with the help of Alice at WCC, my surprise delivery was rerouted and received with ease. My home office address is now updated so I can receive the good stuff right to my residence on future purchases. Anyway, I appreciate you reading this nonsense, so let’s get to the review.
Gravenstein. Cider. Sebastapol. What else do you need? How about a few people to taste it—one experienced cider drinker and one who gives the general response of “eh” when presented with anything that’s not a Bush, Coors Banquet or Miller High Life on a summer day in the Midwest.
For the cider aficionado, this bottle presented as a mellow, straightforward option with carbonation reminiscent of a sparkling wine. The typical “apple” flavor commonly found in mass-market ciders takes a back seat to a more nuanced flavor that is subtle, but brings in the aroma and taste of green fruit and (maybe?) a hint of apricot. The overall opinion is that this a fine option but more of a “’crisp” flavor profile would be a welcome addition.
The second sampler found the carbonation style equally enjoyable, with a mild flavor and a finish reminiscent of a quality sour beer from your local biergarten. Good and dry. The Gravenstein apple is tart, but not at all off-putting. At 6.2%, you might not choose to drink it all day in the sun but it could certainly be a companion for a backyard picnic on a hot afternoon.
Final verdict: it would easy to pick up a case of these bombers, but there’s not enough wow-factor here to break the SICBM that is currently in place.
22oz is 625ml according to google for those non imperialists. interesting the apples are from California. I don’t know anything about growing apples but wouldnt associate them with california.
How long can these survive in a cellar? Or a garage for that matter. Not that I’m trying to age them, just not sure how quickly I would be able to drink them.
@Pufferfishy The two orders is because Pitney Bowes is a giant poop.
My first Pasta Drop I sent to myself. I got 40 pounds one day and then 4 days later I got another 60.
My second Pasta Drop went to a friend and he got 100 pounds in one delivery. He doesn’t know it yet but there is a second drop coming to him.
@Twich22 They actually stated that Pasta Drop wasn’t about profit. It was more of a way to help out when everything was closed. I am pretty sure the warehouse of pasta they bought helped the people that owned that warehouse. I thought it was pretty funny from my side. A few co-workers are having some good laughs at my friend getting so much pasta and since he works here too the laughs will last for years.
@yakkoTDI
I don’t mind the dry, but don’t care for the sparkling, prefer my apple juice (snicker, both kinds) still.
or made into ice (style) wine
but haven’t seen that but the once and it was out of BC. It was YUMMY
Have not really haever had a sparkling cider before. Closest i have had is the graton ridge apple wine, which i liked. Got this to try it out. To me it tastes like someone put lemon juice in urine water. Not my thing.
@Twich22 yick! that would be a terrible experience. I’ve never had them taste that bad, but they can be very different from a sweet, syrupy apple ice wine. How did you serve it?
I rather like this, especially for summer time. Wish I would have gotten a case instead of six. Fortunately I am not getting “lemon juice in urine water!” As mentioned in the lab rat post I like that it is dry.
I like it but am not elated by my purchase. It’ll go down easy though. There isn’t a lot there, I think because of the kind of apple. I like it better than the cider I got at the farmers market 2 weeks ago that I found funky.
Opened my first bottle tonight. It has a kick of bitter apple after a flavor of tart apple candy. I’m very happy with the buy since I’m not usually a sweet cider person.
Gravenstein Apple Sparkling Hard Cider, Sebastopol, CA
Tasting Notes
Specs
Included in the Box
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $120/case MSRP
About The Winery
Winery: Father John Winery
Owner: Nicholas Maloney
Founded: 2010
Location: Sebastopol, California
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, July 23rd - Monday, July 27th
Waterhouse Hard Cider
6 bottles for $39.99 $6.67/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $79.99 $6.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Mmmmm, not much discount to be found here (on the case)…
Wow. Expected delivery isn’t for a whole month from now?!
@toddlamp …or about 2 wks., plus there’s a holiday in there somewhere
@toddlamp @ttboy23 still moving 2 day when it goes.
An unexpected, wine-shaped box! Good thing we got back from our camping trip in time. (Last time a box arrived, we were out of town and weren’t able to fulfill our duties) Hmm, that’s not a cork - what could it be?
A cider! I love cider, with a strong preference for dry ones. From Waterhouse Cider Company, Gravenstein Apple Sparkling Cider. I don’t think I’ve had a Gravenstein apple, but a quick search tells me it’s crisp and tart so I’m hopeful. Finally checked my email, and it looks like I have to drink this today. It’s going to be hot, so throwing this in the fridge and it’ll be perfect for later.
Pop and pour. Smells like applesauce. Slightly cloudy golden color, as you can see from the photo (why is the photo sideways? I don’t know how to fix it) . Dry, yay! Crisp and tart, no traces of sweetness, just the kind of cider I like. Refreshing and tasty - and more flavor, less sour than other dry ciders I like. I shared this with the husband (who says he likes it) and the bottle went down quickly. If you’re a dry cider fan, this is for you! (I now need to try a Gravenstein apple)
I’ve not seen a cider on here before, so feeling lucky to be chosen as lab rat for it. This will add nicely to my quarantine stash.
@sallliu let me know when you do find a gravenstein apple. I’ve been to a dozen orchards in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota with nary a gravenstein (or any old cider apple variety, for that matter) to be seen. I’ve read that they’re mushy, astringent, ripen in July/August and do not keep well. Wonder why no one around here grows 'em?
@sallliu Thanks for the report. Sounds like a summer refresher.
I’ll bite…in for 6. Gotta change things up every once in a while.
Woo my first case mates order!
@DrunkCat good work!
@DrunkCat Welcome to the sickness.
@DrunkCat Welcome aboard!
@WCCWineGirl @WreckDiver @Winedavid49 Thank you!
!!
Note to self: it’s clearly been too long since I’ve made a Casemates order! Just about the time I learned that there was something special coming my way, I realized that the box would be headed to my workplace address where I haven’t been in months… Thankfully, with the help of Alice at WCC, my surprise delivery was rerouted and received with ease. My home office address is now updated so I can receive the good stuff right to my residence on future purchases. Anyway, I appreciate you reading this nonsense, so let’s get to the review.
Gravenstein. Cider. Sebastapol. What else do you need? How about a few people to taste it—one experienced cider drinker and one who gives the general response of “eh” when presented with anything that’s not a Bush, Coors Banquet or Miller High Life on a summer day in the Midwest.
For the cider aficionado, this bottle presented as a mellow, straightforward option with carbonation reminiscent of a sparkling wine. The typical “apple” flavor commonly found in mass-market ciders takes a back seat to a more nuanced flavor that is subtle, but brings in the aroma and taste of green fruit and (maybe?) a hint of apricot. The overall opinion is that this a fine option but more of a “’crisp” flavor profile would be a welcome addition.
The second sampler found the carbonation style equally enjoyable, with a mild flavor and a finish reminiscent of a quality sour beer from your local biergarten. Good and dry. The Gravenstein apple is tart, but not at all off-putting. At 6.2%, you might not choose to drink it all day in the sun but it could certainly be a companion for a backyard picnic on a hot afternoon.
Final verdict: it would easy to pick up a case of these bombers, but there’s not enough wow-factor here to break the SICBM that is currently in place.
Cheers, all! Stay healthy out there.
@Aureliano Thanks for reporting. love the 2 takes. And I really like the label.
22oz is 625ml according to google for those non imperialists. interesting the apples are from California. I don’t know anything about growing apples but wouldnt associate them with california.
How long can these survive in a cellar? Or a garage for that matter. Not that I’m trying to age them, just not sure how quickly I would be able to drink them.
@Twich22 Huh? You can grow pretty much anything you can think of in California. Apples are a huge business for them…
@Pufferfishy @Twich22 yeah, California is a agricultural paradise that grows most of everything. It’s even the largest milk producer.
@Pufferfishy @Twich22 Gravenstein are a big deal in Sebastopol: https://www.gravensteinapplefair.com/
@Twich22 I’m wondering how long they’ll cellar too. I’m not looking for years or anything. Breaking out a cider isn’t an everyday thing for me.
@GunnorTheRed @Twich22
if you’re even in so cal in the fall, take a trip up to Oak Glen
Especially if you like fresh unsweetened apple butter.
Cider = WOOHOO
Pasta Drop coupon = WOOHOO
VMP Shipping = WOOHOO
Dry** = You can keep that crap.
**I hate my stupid taste buds.
@yakkoTDI Well, other than PastaDrop being out of business
@Pufferfishy @yakkoTDI I’m surprised they ever went into business. It was never a very good business idea imo. No offense to anyone.
@Twich22 @yakkoTDI Honestly I think it was just a fun way to move a warehouse full of pasta without it being a complete loss…
I sent one to my neighbor. She got 40 pounds. And then a week later another 60… lol. Dunno if they just decided to send her a “bonus” or not…
@Pufferfishy The two orders is because Pitney Bowes is a giant poop.
My first Pasta Drop I sent to myself. I got 40 pounds one day and then 4 days later I got another 60.
My second Pasta Drop went to a friend and he got 100 pounds in one delivery. He doesn’t know it yet but there is a second drop coming to him.
@Twich22 They actually stated that Pasta Drop wasn’t about profit. It was more of a way to help out when everything was closed. I am pretty sure the warehouse of pasta they bought helped the people that owned that warehouse. I thought it was pretty funny from my side. A few co-workers are having some good laughs at my friend getting so much pasta and since he works here too the laughs will last for years.
@yakkoTDI
I don’t mind the dry, but don’t care for the sparkling, prefer my apple juice (snicker, both kinds) still.
or made into ice (style) wine
but haven’t seen that but the once and it was out of BC. It was YUMMY
@Cerridwyn @yakkoTDI Apple icewine is excellent. They make some in Ontario as well. K&L used to have some.
@Cerridwyn @klezman @yakkoTDI I have been adding cider into my “fruit smoothies “ to consume “under the radar”
100% Gravenstein All Day
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Waterhouse Hard Cider - $0 = 0.00%
Darn I missed it!
Have not really haever had a sparkling cider before. Closest i have had is the graton ridge apple wine, which i liked. Got this to try it out. To me it tastes like someone put lemon juice in urine water. Not my thing.
@Twich22 yick! that would be a terrible experience. I’ve never had them taste that bad, but they can be very different from a sweet, syrupy apple ice wine. How did you serve it?
I rather like this, especially for summer time. Wish I would have gotten a case instead of six. Fortunately I am not getting “lemon juice in urine water!” As mentioned in the lab rat post I like that it is dry.
I like it but am not elated by my purchase. It’ll go down easy though. There isn’t a lot there, I think because of the kind of apple. I like it better than the cider I got at the farmers market 2 weeks ago that I found funky.
Opened my first bottle tonight. It has a kick of bitter apple after a flavor of tart apple candy. I’m very happy with the buy since I’m not usually a sweet cider person.
@radiolysis yea, it’s a great summer sipper IMO.
@radiolysis @Winedavid49
I threw a few in the fridge…hoping I remember to open one tomorrow!