We are a small-batch, craft cider producer located in Sherborn, MA. We seek out rare, uncompromising apples that yield bold flavors full of complexity, tannins, and acidity. We are in the process of growing a cider apple orchard on our farm here in Sherborn, carefully selecting apple cultivars for the specific traits we are looking for in a blend. We also gather apples from growers across New Engl
and, in pockets where we have been able to find small stashes of these unique, cider-specific heirloom apple trees. In the late 1800’s, the largest refined cider mill in the world was located in Sherborn, MA, exporting a “champagne cider” to England and other places abroad. With such a rich history of cider making in the Northeast, it is hard to fathom how this tradition has virtually disappeared. However, with the legacy of cider here in Sherborn, MA, it feels like an ideal place to help reignite this tradition. In another example of a semi-forgotten slice of history, we discovered a gem of American folklore that begged us for attention. The tall-tale of Captain Alfred Bulltop Stormalong describes a larger-than-life figure, epically tall, originating out of New England and heralded as the greatest deep-water sailor to have ever lived. Stormalong’s story came out of the era of clipper ships and whalers, and the giant “Stormy” was known to swill hard cider out of barrels while washing down his favorite meal of shark meat and whale soup. at the end, abbreviating Alfred Bulltop. This “A.B.” came to be known as “able bodied”, and the term “able bodied seamen” was born from this story. This term “able bodied” serves as the badge for our brand. We believe that the future is very bright for reviving cider and reacquainting Americans with a forgotten chapter in their history. There is room for innovation, exploration, and a general good time to be had by those in the pursuit of cider’s full potential. We’ll be here fine-tuning, learning, growing, and furthering our craft individually. We hope you’ll join us and make it a celebration.
