Off the shores of eastern Newfoundland, a cidery is taking a unique approach to infusing its beverages with extra flavor by submerging them underwater. The Newfoundland Cider Company, based in George’s Brook-Milton, initiated this unconventional method in 2024 with their line called High Tide, submerging 24 bottles into the Atlantic Ocean. The founder, Chris Adams, describes the process as a fusion of the ocean’s essence on the outside and the orchard’s essence on the inside, creating a harmonious blend of land and sea.
Upon retrieval, the bottles emerge from the depths adorned with salt, sand, barnacles, algae, and even sea life like starfish, adding a distinctive touch to the experience. Adams emphasizes the untouched return of marine life back to its habitat, ensuring minimal disturbance during the process. The presence of algae and barnacles on the bottles remains integral to the essence of High Tide, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
The inspiration for this ocean-aging technique stemmed from a desire to push boundaries in cider production by incorporating wild apples and yeast, reminiscent of wineries aging wines at sea. The resulting flavor profile of the submerged cider offers a unique blend with a hint of sea aroma, distinguishing it from traditional ciders while maintaining the essence of apple cider.
Despite facing challenges in deploying the cider underwater using makeshift methods, Adams remains determined to refine the process for future batches. The cider maker acknowledges the inherent mysteries surrounding how ocean aging affects beverages, citing factors like temperature consistency and protection from ultraviolet light as potential benefits.
While the initial experiment yielded success, the recent attempt encountered setbacks due to adverse weather conditions, resulting in significant bottle damage. Despite this setback, Adams remains optimistic and plans to approach future submersions more strategically to ensure a smoother outcome. This dedication to innovation and resilience in the face of challenges underscores the Newfoundland Cider Company’s commitment to pushing boundaries in the realm of craft cider production.