Hard Minnesota cider is a classic staple for this time of year. Its seasonally appropriate flavor makes it a great post-adventure beverage. I personally love a nice hard cider after a fall hike! And when it comes to Minnesota cider? Well, we are spoiled with delicious apples and plenty of cider taprooms to discover. Today, I’m introducing you to Number 12 Cider!
No. 12, located in the North Loop, is owned by a couple of local childhood friends, Steve and Colin. Some local travel bloggers and I recently got together and, thanks to Planet with Sara, we were able to get in for a private tour! From that tour, I’ve gathered 12 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know about Number 12 Cider!
1. The name “Number 12 Cider” has a story!
Steve and Colin are childhood friends who have long held an interest in brewing their own beverages. One year circa 2011, the two entered a Minnesota State Fair home brew contest. The night before their deadline, they finally got the right combination of apples and yeast and it was the best cider they’d ever tasted! With their creativity freshly squeezed out of them, they named it the Number 12, since it was their twelfth batch of cider. That cider went on to win the blue ribbon at the state fair, and that is how the name came to be!
2. No. 12 aims to showcase the range of what ciders can be
Their menu ranges from sweet to dry, cloudy to filtered, and boozy to light. If you want a good taste of them all, I suggest a $12 flight! Whenever I’m traveling, I like to ask the bartender/server what their favorite drink/dish is and typically go for their recommendation. Give it a try!
3. They always know the apples
The two biggest determinants of a cider’s flavor are the type of apples and the type of yeast used. Minnesota cider is wonderful because it has an opportunity to use apples grown in-state. At No. 12, they celebrate the craftmanship of cidermaking! Therefore, they never buy just “apple juice” for their ciders. Instead, they pay attention to the apple varieties they put into each of their ciders to craft the perfect brew. You can see what types of apples are in your cider right on the menu!
4. Sometimes, they press their own apple juice
Like any homemade treat, the best ingredients are the fresh ones. At No. 12, they sometimes press their own apples. Check out their Instagram where you can see the organic nature of their pressing process!
5. They have a pizzeria, too
As if cider wasn’t enough, how about some woodfired pizza?! Little Tomato is a food truck Steve and Colin opened around the same time they opened their cider. Their built-in brick oven does just the trick to add that special smoky, crisp crust to contrast the melted cheese and toppings. Dine in, or do as I did and take one to go! (The Goat Pizza was amazing…)
6. You can get a cider that has been cryo-concentrated
Yeah. This is some super-science cider. The Ice Cider is a sweet Minnesota cider that Steve and Colin have been working on for over a year. The apples were cryoconcentrated and then aged for 1 year in a Calvados (French apple brandy) barrel.
What this means is the apple juice kept all of its apples’ original flavor, which oftentimes is softened by the cider making process. The result? The Ice Cider kept its sweetness and its alcohol content. Warning: The Ice Cider is a whopping 17% ABV! Drink responsibly.
7. Grab a can to-go!
Not in the mood to stay long? No worries! Swing in and grab a can or two of cider to-go. For $3 – $5 per can, you really CAN’t go wrong… 🙂 #dadjokes
8. Their pressing machine requires 30 bushels to fill
THAT is a lot of apples. And I’m sure it smells delicious! Next year they hope to utilize that big machine more!
9. You can get a special limited edition holiday cider this year!
Yesss!! This year Number 12 is revealing a bourbon barrel aged sparkling cider with hints of bourbon and amaretto. It will be available in the taproom and liquor stores! We were able to see a couple of bottles, but did not get to taste it. That’s alright though, I’m sure I’ll be there to try it when it’s released!
10. It’s a newer business
Number 12 Cider just celebrated their 2-year anniversary in October! I am so excited to see how they continue expanding – not only are they innovative, but they truly are craftsman in their field.
11. You can learn how to brew your own cider on their YouTube Channel
I did some poking around and found No. 12 on YouTube! Their content really showcases their knowledge as they aim to teach people how to brew their own cider at home. Check it out!
12. 100 people can safely fit inside with social distancing
If you’re worried about COVID standards, have no fear. Steve and Colin take this very seriously, and are determined to keeping their staff and clientele healthy. With social distancing in place, their business can hold up to 100 people inside. Weather permitting, they also have a little patio in the front for those who aren’t up for sitting inside. And remember, you can always take food and drink to-go!
I had such a great experience at Number 12 Cider, and hope you’ll consider checking it out the next time you find yourself needing a refreshing, hand-crafted brew in Minneapolis!
