LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2022

SEASONAL SENSATIONS

The Married Makers WEST AVENUE CIDER HOUSE, FREELTON

The product of owners Amy Robson’s business background plus Chris Haworth’s culinary experience, these ciders are terroir-driven and food-friendly. “As a chef, Chris understands the importance of high-quality ingredients,” explains Robson, referring to the 110 varieties of apple and 10 types of pears grown on the 75-acre farm just outside Hamilton. “We let the fruit speak for itself in our ciders.”

MEET THE MAKERS After meeting in England, Canadian Robson and Brit Haworth toured their way around that country and fell in love with its renowned craft ciders. There was nothing like them in Canada at the time. Once they married and moved to Ontario, they set out to craft dry, authentic ciders and created West Avenue (named after the Toronto street where they once lived) in 2012.

INSET PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINE KUFSKE/CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY

[ SUMMER PAIRINGS ]

West Avenue Cider Heritage Dry (LCBO 11172, 473 mL, $3.80) holds a special place in its makers’ hearts as their signature offering, which uses minimal added sugar and no artificial ingredients. Made from heritage apples, it’s balanced and crisp with notes of elderflower, green apple and passionfruit. Pour it into an elegant wineglass to savour alongside grilled Apricot & Halloumi Skewers (recipe at lcbo.com/fdsummer22).

Another popular offering, West Avenue Cider Cherriosity (LCBO 11173, 473 mL, $4.05) puts tartness at the forefront, thanks to its Montmorency cherries from Niagara. Meanwhile, the new Gem (LCBO 23065, 473 mL, $3.90) , featuring

Bartlett pears, has a pale mauve hue courtesy of fermentation time with Cabernet Sauvignon grape skins.

68 FOOD & DRINK SUMMER 2022