Gravenstein, Sonoma, California

A freak-at-heart, über-concentrated cider stocked with herbs and caked in earth. Cidermakers and high school pals, Aaron Brown and Colin Blackshear, began Bardos in 2019, greatly inspired by the ciders of Somerset and Wales in the UK. They are grounded by the desire to translate the deep, apple-laden history of California through a low-intervention lens. Tracking down centennial trees and land owners open to sharing their (usually) forgotten or unused fruit was the name of their game, but has since moved to steadfast stewardship and paying homage to all the people who have shaped the land. ‘Senex’ is made of floral Gravenstein apples from trees aged at over 150 years old, macerated on skins for two days and transferred to old barrel for one year to celebrate another birthday together. Textured, tactile tannin-ed, vegetal volatile acidity, strong mineral undercurrents pull and push you & peachy stone fruits pluck you out to perform the heimlich. A serious giver, enjoy with headcheese, offal or mincemeat pie.