Nine Pin Cider, Albany

Despite popular misconceptions, beer isn't the only pint-worthy libation allowed to have a complex flavor profile and a meticulous fermenting and aging process. Nine Pin Cider proves as much, bottling up a variety of specialty ciders that run the gamut from a traditional apple-based concoction to a multi-dimensional pear cider with subtle hints of cinnamon and honey.

To create drinks that go beyond the simple distinction of "hard cider" the Albany-based craft cidery sources all of its apples from nearby orchards in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. There the fruits are gathered, sorted, and pressed onsite. Once the fresh fruit juice arrives at the Nine Pin facility, it's stored in a fermentation vessel for 7–10 days and aged for 3–6 months in anything from stainless steel tanks to rum barrels, depending on the desired end result. Other ingredients, such as blueberries, ginger, or hops, may also find their way into the fermentation chambers to create unique flavor profiles. Guests can then sample the final products alongside expertly paired cheeses inside Nine Pin's tasting room.