When you hear Adirondack Winery what do you think of? Delicious wine? Adirondack Wine and Food Festival? Did you know that if you’re not thinking about cider, too, you’re missing out?
I don’t hide that Adirondack Winery is one of my favorite local businesses. Nothing beats one of their chilly sweet whites on a hot summer day. That’s when the bottle feels less full than usual, or maybe it’s so delicious I’m not noticing the bottle disappearing. Speaking of sweet chilled and light, if your mouth is watering as you read this, you need to try their Extreme Heights Cider.
The story behind the cider is really awesome. The owners have a daughter named Ella who became a 46er at 15 years old! As part of YMCA Camp Chingachgook’s annual intensive backpacking “adventure,” Pardy, five other campers and two counselors submitted all 46 high peaks. Collectively all 46 peaks add up to roughly 295 miles and ascend 70,000 feet in elevation. Can you imagine doing that in a month?
As a celebration of the “extreme heights” that Ella reached, ADK Winery named their new cider after the experience. “We are so proud of our daughter, Ella, as she is tough as nails. Just the fact that she was not only willing and able, but wanted to hike 46 peaks in 5 weeks, in the rain and muck, sleeping on the ground and among wildlife is amazing to us! Ella has always had a strong work ethic, been brave and independent. We can’t wait to see the Extreme Height she goes to next!” said Sasha Pardy to the Glens Falls Chronicle.
ADK Winery has five different kinds of cider and if you need to try before you buy, get a flight of four of them before taking a four pack home.
- Mt. Marcy, original: Semi-sweet and crisp with the delicious taste of ripe apples. Mt. Marcy is the tallest peak out of the 46ers.
- Algonquin, cranberry ginger: As you sip this cider, you will taste tart cranberries and subtle warm ginger flavors.
- Haystack, pumpkin pie: Get those delicious cinnamon spices with pumpkin and a subtle hint of graham cracker.
- Esther, hibiscus: Indulge in the invigorating taste of a crisp and revitalizing cider that is filled with the zesty and tangy notes of lime, perfectly balanced with the delicate and floral essence of hibiscus.
- Skylight, tropical: Skylight is a tropical cider boasting flavors of orange, passion fruit, and guava.
I have to say that my favorite was Mt. Marcy but with cider I don’t usually like too many frills. The Algonquin was delicious, but as a ginger it’s hard for me to not like the bite of ginger root. What surprised me was the Haystack. I’m not usually a fan of pumpkin-flavored things but you really get that hint of graham cracker- it’s crazy! So, head to the tasting room in Queensbury and try them all for yourself!