Let me begin by saying that Martinelli has somehow perfected the art of making me feel both incredibly sophisticated and like a toddler at a birthday party—all in one sip. This is especially true with their 1868 Hard Cider, which triumphantly returns like an aging rock band reuniting for one more epic tour.
The Original 1868 Hard Cider: Nostalgia in a Bottle
Ah, the Original 1868. A liquid ode to simpler times when hard cider was king and no one was counting carbs. Made from 100% fresh-pressed U.S. apples—because what else would it be?—it boasts a signature blend of Newtown Pippin and West Coast varieties. A sip of this cider is like biting into an apple that just returned from a yoga retreat: crisp, balanced, and maybe a little smug about how good it tastes. Available in convenient 12-packs or commitment-light 6-packs, it’s the perfect choice for when you want to impress friends but can’t quite pronounce “sommelier.”
But wait, there’s more! They’ve introduced Imperial and Mango flavors to appease those who feel regular apple cider isn’t quite adventurous enough. The Imperial hits your taste buds with a bold, rich finish, while the Mango feels like a tropical vacation…if that vacation involves a lot of fermented fruit.
You can find these in 12-ounce 6-packs, and rumor has it more flavors are on the horizon. Dare I dream of a pineapple-cilantro cider?
Sparkling Cans: Northern California’s Best-Kept Secret
Then there are the Sparkling Cans, a product so exclusive you’d think they came with a velvet rope and a bouncer. Available only in Northern California, these sleek, $5.49 cans come in three flavors: Apple Cranberry, Apple Juice, and Apple Mango. Because, apparently, plain apple isn’t “sparkling” enough anymore.
The Apple Cranberry strikes a pleasant balance between tart and sweet as if the apples and cranberries had an arm-wrestling match and called it a tie. The Apple Juice is your classic Martinelli’s in portable form—great for long car rides or pretending to be a responsible adult at a picnic. And then there’s the Apple Mango, which tastes like a mango snuck into the apple orchard and decided to stay awhile.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you’re a cider enthusiast—or just someone who enjoys pretending to be one—Martinelli’s 1868 Hard Cider is worth a try. It’s flavorful without being overly sweet, and its historical roots give you something to brag about at your next trivia night. As for the Sparkling Cans, they’re perfect for those of us who like our beverages portable and mildly pretentious.
So, is Martinelli’s 1868 Hard Cider the beverage of the year? Maybe not. But is it the beverage that will make your friends envious and your taste buds happy? Absolutely.