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Raise a Glass at Nine Pin Cider Works, New York’s First Farm Cidery

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2019-09-12 19:24:00

A s the weather starts getting cooler and the leaves begin to change, Upstate New Yorkers know it’s time for one thing: Apple season. New York State is known for being one of the best places in the country to find fresh, delicious apples, often picked straight off the tree, along with all the drinks and desserts that go with them.   


And since craft beverages in general have seen a huge outpouring of support and popularity over the last few years, there’s no better way to experience one of fall’s iconic flavors with a kick by sitting down with a pint of hard apple cider. If that sounds appealing, it’s worth a stop at Nine Pin Cider Works. This Capital Region cidery boasts the distinction of being the first farm cidery in New York State, and it’s definitely worth a taste.


Nine Pin’s tasting room is located in downtown Albany, and while they sell their product all over the Empire State, its’ worth a trip to try the latest in the rotation of exclusive small-batch ciders they keep on tap, as well as the gourmet pizza and cheeseboards they serve. There are also several New York State crafts beers on tap and cider-based cocktails to sip in the tasting room, for those who are looking for something a little different. Special events take place there throughout the year, as well, from food truck and popup restaurant nights to trivia and live music, and the fun warehouse atmosphere of the place lends it a laid-back, cool vibe.


If some of the hard ciders you’ve tried have been a little too sweet for your tastes, don’t worry; Nine Pin focuses on off-dry varieties, which are not too sweet and not too tart. They explain their ciders as having a “complex, balanced flavor with a clean and pleasantly drinkable finish.” In the tasting room, at least nine kinds of cider are always on tap.


Some varieties are available all year long, like the Signature, Ginger, Belgian, and a light and unique Cucumber Lime flavor. Seasonal flavors like raspberry, blueberry, peach tea and even one inspired by rosé wine round out the list. The seasonal list is in place because of Nine Pin’s commitment to using fresh and local ingredients. In fact, the cidery is so dedicated to supporting New York State agriculture, the apples and other fruit they infuse into their ciders are grown exclusively in orchards around the Capital Region and throughout the Hudson Valley, lending a true local flavor.


If you want to get a taste, make sure you check their hours before you head out, as they tend to be closed Mondays and open after 4 the rest of the weekdays, with Saturday hours 1-11 p.m. and Sundays 11-7. The latest information is always available on their website or Facebook page.


PHOTO CREDITS


Cider by the taps photo credit Nine Pin Cider;
Seasonal cider display photo credit Nine Pin Cider;
Cider at farm photo credit Nine Pin Cider;
Nine Pin tasting room sign photo credit Nine Pin Cider


 

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