The best cider in Ohio can be found at various cideries and breweries across the state, each offering a unique blend of flavors and styles.
I have had the pleasure of visiting many cideries in Ohio, and I’ve come to appreciate the wide range of ciders this state has to offer.
Here are the 10 best hard cider places in Ohio in my opinion:
- Arsenal Cider House (Cleveland) – Arsenal Cider House offers a variety of ciders in Cleveland. You can find more information on their website: Arsenal Cider House.
- Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard (Rootstown) – This winery and vineyard in Rootstown also produces cider. Check out their offerings on their website: Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard.
- Bent Ladder (Doylestown) – Bent Ladder is a cider house located in Doylestown. Learn more about their ciders at: Bent Ladder.
- Hellbranch Hard Cider (Columbus) – Located in Columbus, Hellbranch Hard Cider offers a selection of ciders. You can find out more on their website: Hellbranch Hard Cider.
- Griffin Cider Works (Westlake) – Griffin Cider Works in Westlake is another great place to enjoy hard cider. Visit their website for more details: Griffin Cider Works.
- FigLeaf Brewing Company (Middletown) – While mainly a brewing company, FigLeaf also offers craft ciders in Middletown. Check out their website: FigLeaf Brewing Company.
- Gnarly Pippin Cider House (Cleveland Heights) – Gnarly Pippin Cider House in Cleveland Heights offers a variety of ciders. Learn more on their website: Gnarly Pippin Cider House.
- Mad Moon Craft Cidery (Columbus) – Mad Moon Craft Cidery in Columbus serves a range of craft ciders. For more information, visit their website: Mad Moon Craft Cidery.
- Magis Cider Co. (Cleveland) – Magis Cider Co. is a cider house located in Cleveland. Explore their offerings on their website: Magis Cider Co..
- March First Brewing (Cincinnati) – While primarily a brewery, March First Brewing also produces cider. You can find out more on their website: March First Brewing.
If you are specifically looking for the best cider place in Columbus, OH, based on a review from Yelp, a husband-and-wife-run cidery producing fascinating flavored ciders with a range of ABVs around 6% is recommended.
The cider brewed with tea is particularly praised and worth trying out. You can read more about it on Yelp: Yelp Review for the Cidery in Columbus.
Remember to check each venue’s website or contact them directly for their operating hours, availability, and any other details you may need before planning your visit.
In this blog post, I will share my personal favorites and recommendations for the best cider in Ohio, including a variety of styles and flavors to suit every palate.
Enjoy your cider exploration in Ohio!
Reviews of Top 5 Hard Cider Places in Ohio
1. Arsenal Cider House (Cleveland)
I had the pleasure of visiting Arsenal Cider House in Cleveland, and it was an absolute delight! The ambiance was cozy and inviting, perfect for enjoying a glass of cider. The variety of ciders they offer is impressive, and I decided to try their “Spiced Blackberry” cider.
Let me tell you, it was a unique experience. The combination of blackberry flavors with a hint of warm spices created a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
It was unlike any cider I had tasted before, and I instantly fell in love with it. The friendly staff added to the overall great experience, and I can’t wait to go back and explore more of their cider offerings.
2. Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard (Rootstown)
Visiting Barrel Run Crossing Winery & Vineyard was a delightful experience. While primarily a winery, they also produce some excellent ciders. I opted for their “Honeycrisp Hard Cider” and was blown away by its crisp and refreshing taste.
The natural sweetness from the honeycrisp apples made it incredibly enjoyable. The picturesque vineyard setting added to the charm, and I enjoyed sipping my cider while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
I highly recommend this place to all cider enthusiasts, as they offer a unique blend of wine and cider experiences.
3. Bent Ladder (Doylestown)
Bent Ladder was a fantastic discovery in Doylestown. Their cider selection was impressive, and I decided to try their “Raspberry Cider” as raspberries are one of my favorite fruits.
The cider had a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, with a delightful raspberry aroma. It felt like sipping on liquid sunshine!
The staff was knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, making the tasting experience even more enjoyable. I left with a few bottles of their Raspberry Cider to enjoy at home. If you’re a fan of fruity ciders, Bent Ladder is a must-visit!
4. Hellbranch Hard Cider (Columbus)
My visit to Hellbranch Hard Cider in Columbus was nothing short of amazing. The rustic ambiance and friendly atmosphere made it a perfect spot to unwind with friends.
I opted for their “Caramel Apple Cider,” and oh boy, it was a treat! The sweet and creamy notes of caramel perfectly complemented the apple cider, giving it a delightful autumnal touch. It felt like drinking a caramel apple in liquid form.
I also appreciated the variety of other ciders they had on offer, showcasing the creativity of their cider-making process.
5. Griffin Cider Works (Westlake)
Griffin Cider Works in Westlake was a hidden gem that I’m glad I found. The cozy tasting room had a warm and inviting vibe, making it an ideal place to try their ciders.
I decided to go for their “Cherry Blossom Cider” and was pleasantly surprised by its floral and fruity notes. The infusion of cherry blossoms added a unique and delicate touch to the cider, making it stand out from the rest.
The friendly staff were eager to share their cider knowledge, which enhanced the tasting experience. I left Griffin Cider Works with a newfound appreciation for floral-infused ciders.
Overall, my cider journey in Ohio was exceptional, and these five cider places left a lasting impression on me. Each offered a distinct and memorable cider experience, making Ohio a fantastic destination for cider enthusiasts like me!
Other breweries offering cider in Ohio worth considering:
Swine City Brewing
Located in Fairfield, Ohio, Swine City Brewing has a diverse selection of ciders that cater to different tastes. Their flagship cider, Justa Cider, is a semi-dry, crisp, and refreshing drink perfect for any occasion. For those who prefer a sweeter option, their Cherry Pie cider, which is infused with cherry and vanilla flavors, is a delightful treat.
My personal favorite: Justa Cider
MadTree Brewing Company
MadTree Brewing Company in Cincinnati is well-known for its craft beers, but they also produce an impressive line of ciders. Their Happy Amber cider is a must-try, with its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The cider is fermented with a unique blend of apples, which gives it a rich and complex taste.
My personal favorite: Happy Amber
Rhinegeist Brewery
Rhinegeist Brewery, located in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, is another fantastic spot to enjoy some of the best cider in Ohio. Their Cidergeist lineup features a variety of unique and delicious ciders, such as the semi-dry Bubbles, which is infused with peach and cranberry flavors, and the sweet and tart Swizzle, which has a delightful mix of lemongrass and ginger.
My personal favorite: Bubbles
March First Brewing
Located in Cincinnati, March First Brewing is dedicated to producing high-quality craft ciders that are both innovative and delicious. Their flagship cider, Hopped Cider, is a unique and refreshing option for hop lovers, as it’s infused with Citra hops. Their Bourbon Barrel Aged Cider is another standout, offering a rich and complex flavor profile that is perfect for sipping on a cool autumn evening.
My personal favorite: Bourbon Barrel Aged Cider
The BottleHouse Brewery & Meadery
Located in Cleveland Heights, The BottleHouse Brewery & Meadery offers a unique range of ciders, meads, and beers. Their ciders are created with locally sourced apples and honey, and they often experiment with unique flavor combinations. Their ApreCot cider, which is a blend of apricot, honey, and cinnamon, is a perfect example of their innovative approach to crafting ciders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best cider in Ohio can be found at a variety of cideries and breweries, each offering unique and delicious options. Some of my personal favorites include:
1. Swine City Brewing’s Justa Cider
2. MadTree Brewing Company’s Happy Amber
3. Rhinegeist Brewery’s Bubbles
4. March First Brewing’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Cider
5. Griffin Cider Works’ Burley Man Dry Cider
6. The BottleHouse Brewery & Meadery’s ApreCot
7. Urban Artifact’s Finn
Whether you prefer a classic dry cider, a fruity and sweet option, or a unique flavor combination, there is a cider for everyone in Ohio. So go ahead, grab a glass, and enjoy some of the best cider the Buckeye State has to offer.
FAQs
Where is apple cider most common?
Apple cider is most commonly found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, where it is a popular fall and winter beverage. It is also consumed in some parts of Europe, such as the United Kingdom and France.
Which cider has more alcohol?
The alcohol content of cider can vary greatly depending on the brand and style, so it is difficult to make a general statement. However, in general, ciders labeled as “hard” or “fermented” tend to have higher alcohol content than non-alcoholic or low-alcohol ciders. It is always important to check the label or ask the manufacturer for the specific alcohol content of a particular cider.
What’s a good cider apple?
A good cider apple is one that has a high tannin and acid content, such as the Dabinett, Kingston Black, or Yarlington Mill varieties.