PEELING BACK THE LAYERS OF CIDER WITH BRICK RIVER CIDER COMPANY
Oct 20, 2022 11:35AM ● By MERRELL WOOD
in the 1800s anymore. The polished, industrial feel of the taproom lends itself to a casual atmosphere featuring music and plenty of TVs for entertainment. It further boasts a glass wall behind the bar, allowing customers a sneak peek into the impressive cider operation.
OUT OF THE NORM
To the unsuspecting eye, Brick River could be mistaken for a brewery, but after closer inspection, you'll discover what makes the destination adored by locals. Opened in 2018, founder and owner Russ John sought to bring a slice of family tradition in a fresh, new way. One could argue that Russ knows a thing or two about cider making: his family-owned farm and orchard date back generations after all. Brick River's craft ciders have earned the location a well-earned reputation as the local cider experts of the region, with canning operations in-house and readily available local cider lining store shelves across the region through their distribution channels.
CRAFTING QUALITY
What makes a cider “craft”? If you ask Russ, it means it was made the old fashioned way. This means starting with fresh-pressed, never from concentrate apple juice. If you examine the national competitors closely, you may be surprised to find all cider is not created equal. After all, it's much more efficient and affordable to bulk-ship dense blocks of questionable quality, condensed apple to simply be mixed with tap water. Brick River crafts cider from fresh- pressed juice from apples grown less than 500 miles away. This gives the cider a better taste and one that has the feeling of the region and ensures the best results every time.
PERFECT PAIRINGS
Herbs, flowers, and fresh fruit are the best pairings for cider, not lab-created flavorings dumped in by the ladleful. By focusing on fresh fruit and quality ingredients, Brick River Cider Co. can produce not only traditional favorites like the ultra-popular flagships Homestead and Cornerstone, but some far-out taproom exclusives, such as Mission Mango, a unique collaboration with Mission Taco Joint. An apple cider with sweet mango and a warm chili finish, anyone? As wine and beer have grown to cater to all taste ranges, there is no exception in St. Louis. Ciders range from dry, tart, sweet, spiced, and a depth of range in between. Unfortunately, mass-produced cider from domestic brew-giants still largely control the national narrative and general under- standing of what America thinks cider should be. Brick River aims to change that by crafting delicate and bold taste profiles, creating complementary flavors from local seasonal ingredients instead of simply brewing what's on trend.
MORE THAN A CIDERY
Brick River comes equipped with a full kitchen service offering appetizers, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, and even a mushroom risotto, which you won't find at many other similar destinations. Health conscious? Since cider is naturally gluten-free, every item on the menu reaps the same rewards or can be made gluten-free at no additional charge. The fryer is even dedicated gluten-free! Brick River also offers takeout off their expansive menu, including their line of canned ciders and a growler fill service if you're in a time crunch.
MAKING LAYERS
Distributing through Missouri, Kansas City, and even Central and Southern Illinois—if you're away from home, you can still find artisan cider on the shelves of your favorite retailer. If that's not enough to get excited about, Brick River Cider Company has big news in store in the fall of 2022. A second location is coming to Kansas City's Crossroads District and is planned to open by November. The satellite Ciderworks and Taproom will occupy an old familiar space built in 1917 and located at 1701 McGee St., once a part of Kansas City's historic Automobile Row. The second location will have a complete lineup of ciders and local beers on tap. The announcement comes in addition
to the expansion of the St. Louis location, increasing production threefold. No matter what your cider preference is, Brick River Cider Company has a taste for you; making it a must-visit location whenever in or around St. Louis. Just look for the old firehouse for an experience that will teleport you back to the ancient world
Brick River Cider
2000 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 224-5046
brickrivercider.com
