Drink (and think) like a somm
Blue Bee Cider
Hewe's Crab
Virginia
Hewe’s Crab Apple 100%
Citrus Peel, Pear, Tropical Fruits, Hint of Spice.
5 Months
On Lees
Stainless Steel
100%
ABOUT
Blue Bee 2024 Hewe’s Crab
“This cider offers a burst of bright acidity and juicy complexity, with layers of golden apple, citrus zest, and a hint of spice. Aged to full-bodied balance, this vintage finishes dry and clean — making it an elegant choice for sipping or pairing.8.5% ABV, 0% Residual Sugar.”
-Blue Bee Cider
PAIRINGS
IN A PINCH
Lean meats, grilled seafood.
DEEPER DIVE
Look for the middle of the food pairing spectrum with this cider. Its balanced, firm structure allows it to stand up to lean cuts of meat like tenderloin or chicken, but it will get overpowered by a rich sauce or a cut with too much fat.
STANDOUT FEATURES: Crisp acidity, tropical fruit notes, low alcohol.
PAIRING SCALE
STEER CLEAR
Anything too rich, especially thick sauces, might start to overpower this cider.
CHEESE OPTIONS
Camembert
Camembert
Country: France
Animal: Cow
Type: Soft
Texture: Creamy, smooth
Style: Milky, creamy, buttery.
Brie
Brie
Country: France
Animal: Cow
Type: Soft
Texture: Creamy
Style: Nutty, rich, buttery.
Bucheron
Bucheron
Country: France
Animal: Goat
Type: Soft
Texture: Creamy, crumbly
Style: Acidic, citrus, tangy.
RECIPE IDEAS
SERVICE
WHICH GLASSES?
White wine or All-purpose glasses would be best here.
BORDEAUX
BURGUNDY
FLUTE
COUPE
ALL-PURPOSE
WHITE
DESSERT
SERVING TEMP
The correct serving temperature is important to show a wine’s true potential, but don’t stress over getting the temp exactly right. Use the chart below to try to get in the right ballpark.
NERD STUFF
TECHNICAL NOTES
pH: 3.7
TA: 9 grams/L
Alc: 8.5%
RS: 0%
Cases Produced: 85
FERMENTATION
Taylor Benson has been a grassroots member of the Blue Bee Cider team for over a decade. Since becoming head cidermaker [2018] and acquiring the business with his partner [2023], he has innovated styles, perfected recipes, and taken the cidery to new heights.
Taylor’s ciders have won several awards including Good Foods, GLINTCAP, Cidercraft Magazine, and Virginia Governor’s Cup. From orchard to bottle, Taylor’s ciders will always showcase Virginia grown fruit with intention.
PRODUCER
ABOUT US
Blue Bee Cider is Virginia’s first urban cidery, located in Richmond, VA. Our ciders are made with rare and heirloom Virginia apples prized for their tannin, acidity, and flavor. We respect – but also challenge – the traditions of the craft, uniting past and present to create an experience where all are welcome.
Founded in 2013, Blue Bee Cider has pioneered many cider styles in Virginia (hopped, smoked, fruit-infused, and more). We produce artisanal ciders from heirloom Virginia apples on a seasonal basis, and we are committed to creating locally-grown, balanced ciders true to their Virginia culinary and agricultural heritage.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
A common name for one of Virginia’s native bees, osmia lignaria, or the Blue Orchard Bee, provided the inspiration for our cidery’s name. These hardworking bees are solitary and wild, emerging early in the cool spring just in time to pollinate apple blossoms.
OUR CIDERMAKER
Taylor Benson has been a grassroots member of the Blue Bee Cider team for over a decade. Since becoming head cidermaker [2018] and acquiring the business with his partner [2023], he has innovated styles, perfected recipes, and taken the cidery to new heights. Taylor’s ciders have won several awards including Good Foods, GLINTCAP, Cidercraft Magazine, and Virginia Governor’s Cup. From orchard to bottle, Taylor’s ciders will always showcase Virginia grown fruit with intention.
Interested in joining our cider club?
MEMBER BENEFITS
STANDARD MEMBERSHIP
- Cider! Each quarterly shipment typically contains two 750ml bottles of new, rare, or exclusive ciders. Pickup Cider Club members also receive a complimentary tasting or glass of cider for two people each month. Home delivery club members receive an extra bonus bottle in lieu of the complimentary glasses and tastings.
- Discounts! Cider Club members receive a 10% discount on most online and tasting room purchases and a 15% discount on cases of cider.
- VIP Event Access! Each quarter (March, June, September, December), we host a Cider Club party at the cidery for shipment pickup, with complimentary tastings, food pairings, music, and often small-batch and/or Cider Club exclusive cider releases. Cider Club members are also invited to pre-release First Taste parties of new vintages/products throughout the year for a sneak peek at products before they hit the shelves; as well as Cider Club exclusive events like library tastings, cider cocktail workshops, anniversary events, and more!
VIB MEMBERSHIP
- 15% discount on most tasting room & online purchases
- 20% cases of cider
- Private tour & guided tasting for you and up to four guests (limit one per calendar year)
- 25% off a case purchase in your birthday month
THE BIG BEE
- Four complimentary glasses or tastings each month
- 20% discount on most tasting room and online purchases
- 25% discount on cases of cider
- Choose your bottles from the Blue Bee Cider cidery library with cidermaker Taylor by your side (limit one per calendar year and by appointment)
