Johnny Appleseed became a legend for planting apple trees across the good old U.S. of A.. However, back in the day, most people didn't eat the fruits of his labor, but instead used them to make hard cider.
So we appeal to your patriotism (and your discerning palate) to try Crispin, a Minnesota label that's crafting the tastiest, fizzy (our favorite!) cider we've ever had.
The Johnny and Janey Appleseed of the 21st century are Joe and Lesley Heron. They previously founded Airforce Nutrisoda -- so they're quite familiar with the world of beverages.
In 2008, they launched Crispin with three ciders: Light (our favorite, perfect with lemon), Original (also delicious) and Brut (the "champagne of ciders").
The budding company has recently added a touch of sweetness to their latest concoction -- Honey Crisp. It's unfiltered (or "cloudy") and sweetened with organic honey. The apple juice is naturally fermented without adding malt or anything else.
Served over ice, the flavor is sweet, tangy and clean (it doesn't leave any of that cider-y aftertaste that you've experienced from lesser apple beverages). The same goes for all of the Crispins, which also happen to be gluten-free.
An apple a day? Absolutely! But we'll take ours Appleseed-style.
Crispin Honey Crisp Natural Hard Apple Cider, $4.50 for a 22 oz. bottle, available at Surdyk's (303 East Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-379-3232), Byerly's Wines & Spirits and many other local liquor stores and bars.
FIZZY FREEBIE
Starting at noon today, the first five subscribers to stop in at Surdyk's and mention PopFizzDaily.com to a cashier will get a free bottle of Crispin Honey Crisp. The next six readers/name-droppers will score a four-pack of Crispin Light. It's a really good way to start off the weekend.
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