1911 Rose Hard Cider 4Pk

1911 Rosé Hard Cider 4-Pack is a semi-sweet, lightly carbonated rosé hard cider at 6.5% ABV, produced by 1911 Established in Lafayette, New York. It earned a Silver medal at the 2021 Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition in the Specialty Cider & Perry category, validating its approach to blending orchard cider tradition with grape skin-derived character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5%  |  Origin: Lafayette, New York, USA  |  Style: Semi-Sweet Rosé Cider  |  Producer: 1911 Established (Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards)

Production & Heritage

1911 Established operates as the craft beverage arm of Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, a family-owned orchard in the Finger Lakes region of central New York. The Rosé expression begins with fresh-pressed apple cider, which is fermented and then finished with grape skin extract — the key ingredient responsible for its blush-pink hue and subtle vinous complexity. Unlike cider-wine hybrids that blend fermented grape juice into the base, this method preserves the apple-forward identity while introducing color and delicate tannin structure from the grape skins alone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with sugared fruit and delicate floral notes, followed by a subtle dusty minerality. A faint caramel sweetness lingers underneath, rounding out the aromatics.

Taste: The entry is crisp apple with balanced semi-sweetness, moving into a mid-palate of lightly tart stone fruit and gentle burnt sugar. A lively carbonation keeps each sip bright and prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying, while the grape skin tannins add a whisper of structure.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length, clean, and refreshing with a light tartness that invites the next sip. Residual floral and apple notes fade gradually, leaving a dry-leaning close.

How to Drink 1911 Rosé Cider

Serve chilled at 38–45°F, straight from the can or poured into a stemmed glass to showcase the rosé color and aromatics. This cider also works well in several mixed drinks:

• Cider Spritz: Combine with Aperol and a splash of sparkling water — the apple sweetness tempers the bitter orange and creates a fruit-forward aperitivo.
• Rosé Shandy: Mix equal parts 1911 Rosé and a light wheat beer for a sessionable, low-ABV summer drink with added body.
• Apple Rosé Sangria: Use as the sparkling base in a pitcher with sliced stone fruit, fresh mint, and a measure of brandy — the semi-sweet profile carries the fruit flavors naturally.

Best For

• Outdoor gatherings and warm-weather entertaining where wine and beer drinkers overlap
• Introducing craft cider to friends who typically prefer rosé wine
• Pairing with a charcuterie spread at a casual dinner party
• Stocking a cooler for a picnic or barbecue with a crowd-pleasing option

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 1911 Rosé Cider taste like? It delivers crisp apple and delicate floral flavors with balanced semi-sweetness, light tartness, and a hint of caramel. The lively carbonation and subtle grape skin tannins give it a refreshing, slightly dry finish.

How does 1911 Rosé Cider compare to Virtue Cider Rosé? Both are rosé-style ciders, but 1911 achieves its color and character through grape skin extract added to fresh-pressed New York apple cider, while Virtue Cider Rosé from Michigan relies on a different fruit-blending approach. The 1911 tends to read slightly sweeter and more floral, whereas Virtue leans drier and more tart.

Is 1911 Rosé Cider good for beginners? Yes — its approachable semi-sweet flavor profile, familiar rosé appearance, and moderate 6.5% ABV make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring hard cider for the first time.

Where is 1911 Rosé Cider made? It is produced by 1911 Established at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards in Lafayette, New York, located in the rolling hills south of Syracuse in the Finger Lakes region of central New York State.

What foods pair well with 1911 Rosé Cider? Grilled shrimp or salmon benefit from the cider's tartness cutting through the richness. Soft cheeses like brie or chèvre complement its floral sweetness. A spinach and strawberry salad mirrors the fruit notes. Mild Thai or Vietnamese dishes work well, as the semi-sweet carbonation tames gentle heat. Charcuterie boards with cured meats and stone fruit are a natural match.

What sizes does 1911 Rosé Cider come in? The standard retail format is a 4-pack of cans, which is the most widely available configuration for this expression.

Is 1911 Rosé Cider worth the price? It positions as a mid-range craft cider with the added distinction of grape skin extract — an uncommon production choice in the category. The Silver medal at the 2021 Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition supports its quality standing within its price tier.

Why 1911 Rosé Cider?

What separates this expression from most rosé-labeled ciders is its use of grape skin extract rather than blended fruit juice, preserving a genuine apple cider base while achieving authentic rosé color and subtle tannin. The liquid comes from fresh-pressed apples grown at one of New York's most established orchards, giving 1911 Established direct control over fruit quality from tree to can. Its 2021 Silver medal in a competitive specialty cider field confirms that the approach translates into a polished, well-balanced final product. For anyone looking beyond conventional apple ciders without venturing fully into wine territory, 1911 Rosé occupies a distinctive middle ground with real orchard credentials behind it.