Four must-try NC ciderworks

Following in the footsteps of the winery and brewery trends, ciderworks are now on the rise in North Carolina and the crisp, refreshing drink is seriously catching on.

We’ve highlighted a few ciders in the Tar Heel State that are definitely worth a try.

Bull City Ciderworks, the first cider bar in the Triangle region, offers patrons a wide variety of cider flavors using N.C. apples and other local ingredients.

Cool off with Bull City’s Off Main cider that’s light and refreshing without too much bite. For something really unique and perfect for front porch sitting, order the Steep South, a cold cider steeped with black tea and honey. In the winter you can warm up with the Sweet Mullet mulled cider that’s served hot.

Bull City offers a number of seasonal and small batch ciders, as well as selections you have can find on tap year round. website

>> A guide to Charlotte-area breweries

Red Clay Ciderworks is the first cidery to open in Charlotte and offers everything from a traditional crisp cider, The Queen City Common, to their Bootleggin' Bourbon Barrel that has a smooth, smoky finish. website

Black Mountain Ciderworks located in the heart of Black Mountain, serves mainly dry ciders, making a point to avoid using sugars and corn syrup in their products. Instead, the ciderworks relies on fresh herbs, real fruit and spices to give their drinks an extra oomph!

As, another twist, they also blend their ciders with Meade to create one-of-a-kind flavors you won't find anywhere else. website

Noble Cider, located in Asheville, was the first hard cider in Western N.C. Their flagship cider, The Standard Bearer, is clean, crisp and dry. The Village Tart selection packed more of a punch using tart apples and cherries.

They also make a special pumpkin cider, seasonally.

Noble's cider bar is located in the center of their manufacturing facility so when you visit you might catch sight of raw apples arriving for pressing, fresh apple juice being pumped into tanks ready for fermentation or the finished product being put into kegs or bottles. They offer 20 taps featuring their own line-up of hard ciders, along with other regional hard ciders and craft beers. They also fill growlers, and offer sample flights so you can explore a world of cider. website

>> North Carolina wineries perfect for outdoor sipping

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