Awestruck Ciders #129
At Awestruck Ciders, their name is their mission - they want you to be, well, AWESTRUCK!
Awestruck Ciders is fanatical about crafting transcendent, awe-inspiring liquid. That’s why they put it right on their labels!
The Awestruck team believes in good work, good times and good cider. They are devoted to crafting complex, delicious hard ciders by blending fresh-pressed New York State apples with natural herbs, spices, and a dash of ingenuity. At Awestruck they focus on innovation and creativity in crafting ciders that are more than just a drink – they strive to create a flavor experience!
Co-Founders Casey Vitti and Patti Wilcox spent years as vagabond globe-trotters before Awestruck was even a spark of an idea. On these journeys they discovered a great deal: the profound delightfulness of fermented fruit juices; the fine art of sleeping in hammocks; and that human beings are at their core, mostly very good. In tasting different regional drinks and foods they also learned that what really makes something good is how it makes you feel. This sparked their mission to create a product that would captivate people, stop them in their tracks and show them a glimpse of fun and discovery. With each and every cider they make they aim to do just that.
An Authentically New York Product
All Awestruck ciders are made from 100% fresh pressed New York State apple juice – straight from the orchard, never from concentrate! They use a special blend of the Empire State’s finest eating apples – MacIntosh, Mutsu, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, 20 Ouncers, Braeburn, Winesap, Idared, Cameo, Lady, and more! This is fermented with a unique blend of champagne yeasts, white wine yeasts, and cider yeasts to enhance specific traits from their apple selection. Certain ciders are spiced and flavored with all-natural and unique ingredients to provide layers of sensation in every glass!
Visit the Awestruck Taprooms!
Visitors are welcome in the cidery’s two locations! The taprooms function as innovation hubs, where each week they release three new flavors for guests to taste and share their feedback on! Guests can also enjoy unique foods each night, prepared by a rotating selection of local chefs, ranging from locally-sourced flatbread pizzas to grass-fed angus beef burgers, and freshly handmade mozzarella cheese.
Their first taproom is located within their main production facility in Sidney, NY. Guests are invited to sit in a cozy curated space adjacent to the production floor, where they can seek all of the cidery’s equipment. Or, they can sit aboard the 1973 Blue Bird School bus, situated across from the bar!
In September 2021, they launched their second location – Awestruck MIll – in Walton, NY. They Mill offers a local marketplace atmosphere, with bi-weekly farmer’s markets and a retail shop with all of Awestruck’s ciders along with a selection of local craft beers, wines, and spirits.
Reviews
My friends took me here while on a visit to the area. The outside looks like a typical brewery in an industrial area: Picnic tables set up in the parking lot- and excellent food truck. I walked inside and stopped dead in my tracks by the interior. This is one of the most interesting, beautiful, hip, and dare I say a bit fancy cider houses I’ve been to. Between the lounge vibe lighting, the mini bus private seating and the wall of pallets (but used in a real chic clean way) the interior was a stark difference from the outdoor seating area. Immediately I turned to my friend and said “ugh I would love to see this space for events it’s stunning”. Now I believe only the outdoors is dog friendly- if you travel solo it means leaving your four legged pal alone while you use the rest rooms. I’d say that’s the only downside, especially since the outdoors was buggy- but that’s bound to happen when you’re drinking- bug love sugar & alcohol.
The cider was really excellent- not overly dry or super boozy with a lot of interesting flavors and styles. They also had an impressive can/bottle selection. Price I found to be average to most breweries and cider houses around me (long island). Highly recommend.
First off the atmosphere alone is worth going, even just to look around. My goodness. The bus so cool! It’s a great place for a first date or even just a night away with a hint of romance. The Cider is to die for and their weekly summer flavors have all been amazing. Good pricing and tasty food. This is one of my favorite places in the area and some of the best Cider I’ve ever had! ❤
Fun, eclectic tasting room with comfy seating and a nice bar. Attentive, knowledgeable staff and awesome ciders on tap. A must-see if you are in the area!