Howell Rd Cider Co.

https://m.brantnow.ca/local-articles-blogs/c/2/i/25990661/nancy-goes-howell-road-cider-co

The first known photo of me enjoying a Howell Rd cider was March of 2017. I don’t remember how I found out about this magical place but I’m sure glad I did! The flagship hard cider is easily one of my favourite ciders and better yet, it’s made just 5 short minutes away down Hwy 24.

The cider is a delicately crafted and highly kept secret combining a unique custom blend of fresh apples straight from the orchard at the Howell family’s Brantview Orchard. When you have up to 20 different types of apples on 50 acres, creating a refreshing crisp apple taste is no small feat.

Although the entire family has found their individual passions and positions at the orchard, the cidery is mainly Jen’s adventure. Jen and dad Jay have both taken the Cider Makers course and after completing Jen continued her adventure out to B.C to gain experience and knowledge in the Cidery business.

This delicious beverage is created mainly at the orchard with the impressing happening at Bennetts Apples (well known in Ancaster for their apple cider) as well as the canning stage happening at the also well known Puddicombe Estates Winery. The comradery between businesses is local supporting local at its best!

If you follow along on social media sites you will often see variations of the flagship combined with different flavours seasonally. Cranberry and Rhubarb have currently made an appearance in the lineup and have each been made with locally sourced ingredients. Most recently family and friends were spotted picking strawberries in the field at Paris’ Moore’s Berries and Produce for this summer fresh addition of the Strawberry-Pear release.

Just a few short months ago in June, I snagged a couple of tickets for the 2nd annual Cider Social. An outdoor party under the beautiful rustic barn style pavilion. Complete with live band, food truck, additional beer choices served by Brantford newbie Steel Wheel Brewery and the highlight of the evening........the release of the Dry Hopped Cider made with hops from right next door at McConkey Farms.

So has just talking about this delicious drink made you thirsty yet?

I’m not usually fancy and pair my drinks with food but I did ask and some great suggestions came up. The flagship is such a versatile flavour that it would easily go along well with spicy, BBQ, charcuterie or even creamy pastas. The idea that got me though was the “beer” can BBQ chicken, the picture looked amazing and I can only imagine how great that tasted! With the fall season upon us it was also suggested to heat up and add mulling spices, another one I must try!

If I haven’t gained your interest by now there are also so many other things to see, do and eat at Brantview Orchards. The orchards are in full swing right now! There’s pick your own or pre-picked, tractor wagon rides out to the giant corn maze (which I have yet to complete unless exiting out the in both times counts!), mom Linda bakes up a storm creating cider donuts, pies, butter tarts and of course you can also find the classic cider.

Looking to book an event? The pavilion is the perfect location for parties and celebrations of all kinds and sizes, including weddings, with Melissa heading that end up you are sure to have the perfect party for you in a stunning location. The bookings are becoming more and more popular that they are already booking into 2020 and with the orchards 200th anniversary coming up in 3 short years the bookings will continue to come in.

So when you are looking for the most fall inspired thing to do in the next month or so take the short drive out to Howell Rd and enjoy all the things Brantview has to offer but be sure to head home with some donuts and of course a few cans of that cider!