What grows in nature can often be affected by the weather, terrain and growing practices. These occurrences can result in changing fruit availability and taste differences in produce. Cottonwood Cider House views these unpredictable happenings as an opportunity to create a truly distinctive cider from year to year. “Our goal is not to recreate last year’s cider. Our goal is to make amazing cider that is unique to the time that it was crafted.”
Our ciders are made from apples, hops, and other fruit grown for us by Cottonwood Farm. Cottonwood Farm’s orchard has over 40 different apple varieties. Some of these cultivars are antique types like Campfield and Roxbury Russet; other varieties are more common such as Honeycrisp and Haralson.
To meet demand and to compliment Cottonwood Farm’s apples, sometimes we use apples we call “found” apples. These are apples we harvest from our family, friends, and neighbors’ trees. In addition to these apples, Cottonwood Cider House sometimes brings in the best possible quality juice from nearby states.
We are cider nuts that drink a lot of cider from all over the world.
We’ve traveled from coast to coast and everywhere in between on our quest to learn how to make awesome cider. Our hope is that you will enjoy our cider and become a cider nut too.
Kuban Kevin
Semi Sweet cider done Mojito-Style
He’s a lover and a fighter, that
kool kat kuban kevin.
He’s full of sass and sweeping swank, that
kool kat kuban kevin.
He’ll charm you with a whiskered hum,
then stab you with a cunning claw, that
kool kat kuban kevin.
He’s a Lover and a fighter, that
kool kat kuban kevin.
Earthy and tart black currant with cooling mint
and lime tang. Semi Sweet cider done Mojito-Style.
ABV 6.9% SEMI-SWEET
Friendly Bees
These bugs are THUGS!
Drinking cider by the JUGS.
These bugs are THUGS!
Loafing in our hot tub-cider drinking-bad boy LUGS
These bugs are THUGS!
Watch out Ben you better run or they will sting
you in your JUGS.
These bugs are THUGS!
But we luv ‘em these bad boy Bugs! Peace out.
Friendly Bees, a semi sweet cider, is sweetened with local honey and with honey from our Bee Keeper, Ben Myhre, Dan’s high-school buddy, food blogger and recipe developer extraordinaire. Each batch has some added crab apples for extra character and tartness to complement the honey.
ABV 6.9%
Pear of the North
Semi-Sweet Craft Cider
Spot on pear flavor and aroma with highlights of vanilla and nutmeg. This cider is semi-sweet with a juicy pear finish. We’ve made this cider by selecting the perfect ND apples to intensify the classic pear taste.
“Pear of the North, crafted with a note of quirkiness, adventure and a few well laid plans.”
ABV 6.9% SEMI-SWEET
Ayr Mule
Spicy ginger, a splash of lime, and a little something extra. Ayr Mule is a spin on the Moscow Mule, using our ND cider to bring on that extra fizz and sparkle.
“Not too sweet with a touch of added zing.”
ABV 6.9% SEMI-DRY
Pepper Berry
Pepper Berry is semi-dry and is made by using our ND apple cider apple blend.
“You asked. We listened.” Pepper Berry is our answer to all of those requests to make a heat infused cider. This cider has an upfront tang and aroma from raspberries layered with the earthy grape-like flavor of elderberries. Cayenne Peppers are added to give a sneaky heat sensation you’ll feel in the back of your throat. Pepper Berry is semi-dry and is made by using our ND apple cider apple blend.
ABV 6.9%
The Action
Semi-Sweet Craft Cider
One of our most requested ciders. The Action is a semi-sweet cider that doesn’t disappoint those looking for a little extra sugar. This cider is never too sweet and has a tangy green apple bite.
We named this cider after Chuck Nelson, one of our most valued team members and driving force behind Cottonwood Cider House and Cottonwood Farm.
His favorite saying, “There’s nothing to it but to do it” always helped us stay the course and move forward.
Chuck was given the nickname Action in high school because of his ability to make things happen and get the job done.
“Here’s to The Action!”
ABV 6.9%
The Birdie
Tart Cherry Craft Cider
The Birdie is a semi-sweet cider that delivers a big sour cherry punch, an allusion of spice, and a fresh apple flavor. We make this cider with our blend of ND apples and the reddest juiciest tart cherries. The Birdie has the best aroma and an eye catching red hue. A real treat for your senses!
To harvest the cherries used to make this cider, we climb up into the netted trees and snip off the cherries with scissors, one cluster at a time. To protect the cherries from birds, the trees are netted, all except for a few. We’ve been told, “The birds have to eat too!” Thank goodness the well-fed orchard birds leave some cherries for us.
To give a nod to the birds, we’ve named this cider after our feathered friends and our very own Birdie.
ABV 6.9%
Cider Greg
Semi-Dry Craft Cider
Cider Greg Semi-dry cider created from a revolving mix of apple varieties. This cider is lightly sweeter with a fresh green apple flavor that will not fail those who like a dry cider yet will please those who want a hint of sweetness.
Cider Greg is a hairy mammal with a gigantic tongue, often spotted gallivanting in Cottonwood Farm’s orchard. He devours sizeable amounts apples. If you see him, approach with caution. Cider Greg is notorious for pouncing without warning and will demand that you hand over your apples.
“Yes we named this cider after Greg the Orchard Dog.”
ABV 6.9%
Peach Me
Apple-Peach Cider
We are big fans and longtime patrons of our local peach delivery truck. Inspired by these peachy balls of juicy goodness, we couldn’t resist combining our two loves.
Peaches + our cider = Peach Me!
Peach Me is a semi-dry cider created from our ND apple blend and a pinch of tangy peaches. This cider has an unmistakable peach aroma.
Peach Me is a cider for people who adore peaches.
ABV 6.9%
College Try
Anything Goes!
Wild fermented, unfiltered, with no added yeasts or sulfites. This cider is dryer with an ever-changing personality that’s always unpredictable in taste and aroma.
College Try is a small batch cider created from Cottonwood Farm (Ayr, ND) and other local “found” apples. After the pressing, the juice has to dig deep and perform the difficult task of fermenting on its natural yeasts. All we do is pat the tank and say a cheer of encouragement. The end result is a unique untamed cider tasting experience. So go ahead and give it your best shot.
“Give this cider “The Ol’ College Try.”
ABV Varies
Strawberry Rhubarb
A blend of Strawberry, Rhubarb and Apples
This cider is semi-sweet, tart and tangy, with a strawberry aroma and just the right amount of rhubarb bite.
Made from locally harvested rhubarb, strawberries and our ND blend of apples, Strawberry Rhubarb will make you think you are eating your favorite summertime pie.
“Ice cream not included.”
ABV 6.9%
Hedgerow Hopped
Dry Cider Infused with Hops
To protect our prairie apple orchard from the North Dakota wind, we came up with the idea to plant a hedgerow of hops around the orchard.
Our hops, along with other locally sourced hops, are then dry hopped in a multi-apple cider blend, resulting in an excellent balance of apple and citrusy hop flavor.
Hedgerow Hopped is a dry cider with a pleasant hop aroma and tart apple taste. This cider is a favorite of both beer and cider drinkers.
ABV 6.9%
Post Apple
Dry Craft Cider
Dry and crisp with a refreshingly clean finish. This cider is all about the apples.
Crafted from an ever-changing mix of culinary and cider apple varieties, Post Apple has no added sweetness. If you are into dry ciders, this one is for you.
When we aren’t working in the cidery or out in the orchard, this cider is the one that we enjoy most when we kick back and put our feet up.
For us, Post Apple tastes like an accomplishment in a bottle!
ABV 6.9%
Apple Cinnamon
Semi-Sweet with a hint of cinnamon
Semi-sweet with a hint of cinnamon and tart apples in both aroma and taste. Apple Cinnamon, a small batch seasonal cider, nicely melds the flavor of spicy cinnamon with our ND apple blend.
Apple Cinnamon is perfect for festive gatherings with friends and family, or just when you want to feel warm and cozy and sit by the fire.
ABV 6.9%
The CBB
Chamomile flowers and blueberries
Whole chamomile flowers soaked in semi dry blueberry infused cider made from ND grown apples. This cider has a pretty purple hue and a slight tang finish.
Adding these little chamomile daisies to the cider helps to take chilling to the next level. So, sit back. Kick your feet up. Take a relaxing deep breath and enjoy The CCB.
ABV 6.9%
Stacy Nelson-Heising
Orchard Manager
701-866-9913
Daniel Heising
Cider House Manager
701-866-9168
Cottonwood Ciderhouse
14481 25 Street Southeast
Ayr, ND 58007