In eastern Newfoundland, a cidery is taking a unique approach to enhance the flavor of its beverages by submerging them under the sea. The Newfoundland Cider Company, based in George’s Brook-Milton, introduced its High Tide line in 2024 by placing 24 bottles in the Atlantic Ocean, and recently repeated the process for a second year.
Founder Chris Adams described the submerged cider as a blend of ocean and orchard, highlighting the connection between land and sea. When retrieved, the bottles emerge with a distinctive appearance, covered in salt, sand, barnacles, algae, and even sea creatures like starfish, adding to the allure of the experience.
Adams emphasized the preservation of marine life during the submersion process, ensuring that all creatures return unharmed. The residue of algae and barnacles on the bottles is intentionally left untouched, contributing to the unique tasting experience of High Tide.
The cidery utilizes wild apples and yeast in its cider production and drew inspiration from wineries aging wine at sea. By immersing the cider in water, a different sensory experience is created, with a hint of sea essence complementing the traditional apple cider flavor.
Although the underwater aging process is akin to cellar aging, maintaining a consistent temperature in the ocean, Adams acknowledged the challenges of submerging the cider. The method involves sealing the bottles in milk crates and dropping them into the water with hopes for a successful outcome.
Jean-Benoit Deslauriers, the head winemaker at Benjamin Bridge in Nova Scotia, noted the mysterious yet potentially beneficial impact of underwater aging on alcoholic beverages. Consistent cool temperatures and protection from ultraviolet light are cited as advantages of aging beverages underwater, preserving quality and preventing light-induced damage.
Despite facing setbacks during their most recent attempt due to stormy weather, Adams remains optimistic about future underwater aging experiments. Learning from past experiences, the company plans to select calmer sea locations and secure the crates with anchors for better stability.
