Inside Estonia’s Artisan Cider Scene

Most are initially drawn to these bottles thanks to their slick design but stay loyal due to a plethora of flavor options. City Cider’s offerings include ten different bottles that range from semi-dry to semi-sweet, a brut sparkling wine, a few mixed creations (one with strawberry), and a limited edition ‘voodoo’ cider, aged in old Jamaican rum barrels. Opting for the entry-level choice, I tried the semi-dry. Used to sweet British ciders, I was initially shocked by its highly acidic and bitter flavor. Upon sensory recovery, I immensely enjoyed the ensuing gulps. I later learned City Cider is produced with local organic apples, also earning a bronze medal in the International Cider Challenge 2017—yet another reason to be fond of the 2016 MULL variety. citycider.ee

When it comes to producing high-quality ciders, these brewers cover all the bases. Functioning in an 18th-century farm in Kaelase, one-hour south of Tallinn, this family-run company calls its product “apple wine”—a testament to the elegance of their operation. This is not your average bar cider. Instead, it’s a fruity and smooth brew fermented in-bottle, meant to be served in a chalice and enjoyed plentifully over a lengthy dinner. The complexity of the flavors comes from the different cultivars used—some of these endemic apples unavailable globally, including the Antoonovka, Dolgo, Paide Taliõun and Talvenauding. Overall, they blend to create an elaborate and velvety drink. jaanihanso.ee

Due to its unassuming packaging, if this cider hadn’t been twice awarded the silver medal at the International Cider Challenge, it likely would have flown under my radar. But I’m supremely glad it didn't, as I much enjoyed Siidri Koda’s intricate round of vintage ciders. Produced in limited quantities, according to the year’s yield, the label offers a singular imbibing experience.

Impressed with the robust liquid that swirled in my mouth, I found this label to be refreshing, quite sweet but not overly sugary. For a brewery that’s operated for only two years, I tip my hat. nudistdrink.com

A refined choice, this small-scale cidery is run almost entirely by Karmo and Veranika Haas, a young couple who took to farm life in 2014. Priding themselves on growing apples ecologically, the duo personally oversees all production stages—from planting and grafting to the bottling and labeling. The pair also deserves applause for their supreme focus on detail; before commencing operations, the Haas family enlisted the help of researchers at the Polli Horticultural Research Center to select the best variety of apples for their terroir. If you’d like to take a peek at the result, you can always book a tour of the property in Pärny County and learn the secrets behind a good cider. siidritalu.ee