Guide to New York Cider Week 2014

The popularity of cider has continued to grow by leaps and bounds over the past few years, to the point that there are practically as many varieties of fermented apple juice on bar menus nowadays, as there are of beer and wine.  And not only that, but cider actually has an annual celebration all its own called New York Cider Week; which is being held from October 24th to November 2nd this year.  So here are a few apple-centric events you simply wont want to miss, from a cider pairing dinner at The Queens Kickshaw to an all-out jubilee in the Astor Center.

Oct. 29th, The Queens Kickshaw Cider Dinner: Known for having one of the most extensive cider selections in New York City, this Astoria restaurant is strutting their stuff with a five-course cider pairing dinner for $65 per person.  Chef Kenji Hurlbut has conceived the menu, which will include an Endive Salad with tarragon vinaigrette, accompanied by pours from Descendant Pomegranate, Yukon Gold Lyonnaise with beluga lentils and apples, served with glasses of Farnum Hill’s “Dooryard,” Mushroom Ravioli with parsnip puree, paired with Eve’s “Sow the Seeds,” a Cheese Course with two cider tastings —Virtue’s “Lapinette Firkin” and Millstone’s “Hopvine,” and finally, Aebleskiver (puffy Danish donuts) cloaked in caramel and crème anglaise for dessert, along with Eden’s refreshing “Heirloom Ice Cider.”

Oct. 30th, Applepalooza 2014: Cider is just the tip of the iceberg at this joyful applefest.  They’ll be pouring a number of apple and pear-based libations, including Calvados, Applejack and Brandy, and as it’s the height of apple-picking season, a number of interesting and unusual varieties will be available for tasting as well.  And what would an autumn harvest party be without plenty of delectable apple-tizers?

Oct. 31st, Halloween and Farnum Hill Ciders: You won’t have to bob for these apples during Halloween — because they’ve already been transformed into Farnum Hill’s fabulous Old English-style Ciders.  Frankly Wines will play host to this holiday tasting event (costumes optional), where you’ll get to pair plenty candy with not-too-sweet selections from the New Hampshire-based Farnum Hill, made with apples from their very own orchard.

Nov. 1st, Nine Pin Cider Tasting: Visit one of Brooklyn’s most beloved craft beer shops, Bierkraft, as they make a foray into ciders, during a sampling event with Nine Pin.  Located in downtown Albany (and using apples sourced exclusively from New York), this super-local cider maker will offer tastings of a number of their products, including their sparkling, signature blend, a version infused with ginger and orange, and a creamy Belgian-style beverage, made with Abbey Ale yeast.

Nov. 2nd, Global Cider Tasting and Demo: Cap off an exciting Cider Week on Sunday with a backyard demo and tasting at Covenhoven, Prospect Heights’ brand new bottle shop, tap room and beer garden.  For only $20 per person, this event showcases Rowan Imports’ internationally respected portfolio of hard ciders (such as Castanon, Cortina, El Gobernador and Valveran), through an in-depth guided tasting, traditional long pour demonstration and conversation lead by their head educator, Jeff Russell.