Tasty Tastings
After spending the day exploring and enjoying the Stowe playground, the best way to relax and unwind is to stop by one of the many local restaurants or breweries. The art of craft beer, craft cider, and even craft distillers has taken the nation by storm within the last few years, and Vermont and specifically Stowe has so many for you to fall in love with! Whether your ideal brew is more Cider than an IPA, or bourbon to gin, there’s a perfect brewery, tasting room, or restaurant waiting for you here.
STOWE CIDER
Stowe Cider Gets Creative in More Ways Than One
The town of Stowe, Vermont has its fair share of breweries, but when in search of hard cider, everyone knows Stowe Cider is the place to go. Now more than ever it is important to note that they have much more to offer than just hard cider itself. We were lucky enough to sit down with Devin Quinn, the Marketing Project Manager of Stowe Cider, and learn the ins and outs of what is offered now and what is to come.
Whether you live in Vermont or are just visiting, a huge part of the culture is immersing yourself in the products made by the local craftsman. Stowe Cider is unique as it sits on 17 Town Farm LN right outside of town. Many people have grown to love not only the cider but the atmosphere it provides as well. Throughout the summer, fall, and winter Stowe Cider has found ways to stay open safely, while providing an experience true to who they are. In doing so, they have been able to create an environment that supports the community of Stowe and beyond.
All of the Stowe Cider products are made, canned, and packaged right in Stowe at their cidery. During pre-covid times, friends, families, and strangers had been able to listen to live music while enjoying one of Stowe Cider’s headliner cans: High and Dry, Tips Up, or Safety Meeting. Now fast forward to dealing with the “new normal,” Stowe Cider has found many ways to stay open, stay safe, and follow the state guidelines. They continue to push the boundaries on what cider could and should be - dry and all-natural with no added sugars to keep it pure and refreshing. Additionally, they give back by contributing 1% of all headliner sales to the local Good Neighbor Community Fund.
Finding ways to stay open and safe is an element that Stowe Cider has down to a T. During the summer months, they were able to open up the garden area and create an experience where they were able to keep live music going. It was a great place to gather and stay safe while being socially distanced. Now that summer is over, the outside space looks a bit different. They are currently offering outdoor tastings with “fireside flights”. It is very easy to make a reservation online, and guests can try up to four different ciders with the purpose of deciding which ones to take home. The fire pits can be rented up to thirty minutes, ready and stoked while your drinks are brought to you to enjoy.
Now, not only is outdoor seating offered, but indoor is as well. All the tables are spaced out and allow for groups of up to six people. Along with this, The Barrel Room is now offering live stream performances every Friday while offering selective seating for a one-hour show. This is a great way to safely listen to and support local Musicians. Of course, Stowe Cider asks that everyone who comes follows the Vermont State Travel Guidelines.
Collaborating with local musicians is just one way Stowe Cider supports the community and those beyond it. The town of Stowe has been introduced to a lot of talented musicians through Stowe Cider. While one gets to listen to great music, they also get to be surrounded by incredible artwork, offering a place where local artists can showcase their work. The newest featured artist, Kimberlee Forney, will have her artwork on display inside and for the next few months, all of her work on the walls will be for sale.
Stowe Cider has also reached audiences outside of Stowe, by working with the “Black is Beautiful” campaign, which was started by Weathered Souls brewery in Texas. Stowe Cider is one of 1,200 breweries and cideries participating in the campaign All of the proceeds that Stowe Cider raises will go directly to their charity of choice, Black Perspective Vermont, located right in Burlington. They were given a general recipe to follow and then gave a spin of their own to create a unique Cider that helps a great cause.
Stowe Cider has made themselves a viable option for those in the community and those visiting to enjoy a piece of Vermont culture. As Stowe Cider continues to create delicious cider, it is important to ask ourselves how we can support them in return. As Devin stated; “When the community supports Stowe Cider, we then get to find ways to give back to the community.”
This can be done in simple ways, such as coming in and trying their ciders, buying their products directly from them, checking out their merchandise, becoming a part of the “Golden Apple Club,” and by checking out their live stream music. As the winter months roll on no one can be sure what is to come, but one aspect is certain, Stowe Cider will continue to push the boundaries of creativity and their cider will be available for those to enjoy.
Written by Olivia Slade @oslade16@gmail.com
