Embrace the season with New York’s first-ever Cider Week, bringing so-called “hard cider” and its apple-based friends to the fore. Tastings, pairings, and classes are taking place from the city to the Hudson Valley, but Brooklyn’s taking a leading role in the festivities. Start the week on Sunday with a trip to taste cider in Manhattan at the opening event, at the New Amsterdam Market, before heading to Enid’s for their apple pie contest. On Tuesday, head to Brooklyn Kitchen to learn how to make cider yourself along with Farnum Hill Cider or attend a special edition of Bierkraft’s weekly tasting series with Eve’s Cidery (who are also appearing at Dandelion Wine on Thursday.) On Wednesday, get some food with your cider at Iris Cafe’s three-course tasting dinner. Then, on Thursday, learn about the wide range of apple-based tipples at the Brooklyn Historical Society, and sample locally-produced versions in historic NY cocktails; alternately, go on a cider and cheese tour of the Northeast at Brooklyn Kitchen or attend a cider draft night at Bierkraft.
