Malus X Dolgo 

Site
Hightown Orchard - Highland County, VA 3100’ elevation. Unsprayed, 40-50 year old trees.
Spring Hollow - Bath County, VA 2200’ elevation. Unsprayed, single 60 year old tree.

Fruit
100% Dolgo Crabapple

Vinification
In the first week of August 2025, fruit from Spring Hollow was harvested, ground, and cold macerated for five days before being pressed off to glass demijohns. After a native primary fermentation was beginning to slow down, a portion of this vintage was blended with other reserve Dolgo cider from 2021 and 2022. This cuvée married and rested in barrel for a little over a year until half was racked to be bottled and the other back to glass for further aging. The resulting cider was forced carbonated and bottled under counter pressure to ensure the retention of naturally occurring residual sugar. No additions of SO2 were made at any stage of this cider. 

Notes
After two challenging vintages with nearly no Dolgo to be harvested, we were back on track in 2026 with fruit from Spring Hollow and our first true harvest from Oakley. Nonetheless, having gained confidence in the aging capacity of our Dolgo cider, we decided to keep this year’s release heavy on aged components, pushing the boundaries of how long ciders can and should be aged. That being said, blending older components with active fermenting cider can open up new dimensions, introducing a unique dormant culture to that of an active primary fermentation. This year’s release of Malus Dolgo has the best of both worlds; plenty of layered depth married with some softer acid and tons of fresh fruit in the ’25 contributions. We cherish this special cider either with vibrant, potentially spicy food, or simply with open minded friends who you want to show a whole different side of cider to.

13 cases produced, 6.9% Alc. by Volume, 750ml