Wassail, Wassail! Awaking the Trees at Angry Orchard
- platefulofgoodness
- Feb 8, 2019
- 1 min read
With a cup of hot mulled cider in hand, guests at Angry Orchard participated in Wassail- an ancient English custom to ensure a good cider apple harvest for the following year.
Angry Orchard has recently released the Wassail Wooden Sleeper, a hot mulled cider beverage. This special fermentation of bittersweet and sharp apples are stored in bourbon barrels for a year. During the first weekend of February special Wassail tours had been offered, where guests can walk through the orchard to help wake up the trees to let them know spring is around the corner.
Adorned with flower crowns and musical instruments, participants belted chants together. Wassail comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase "waes hael', which means 'good health'. Throwing bird seed and burning sage is also part of the experience. Birds are believed to be bearers of good fortune that ward off evil and protect the forest, while the sage smudge sticks also symbolizes the the bearer of good and cleanses bad from the air.
Located in Walden, NY, Angry Orchard has been crafting cider for over 200 years. Sitting on 60 acres, a tasting room is available to visitors on their property. Before 6 pm guests are able to enjoy a free flight of three rotating ciders. During my visit I tasted the Crisp Apple, Albany Post and For Anna ciders.
To learn more about Angry Orchard or find out about upcoming events, check out their website.
Angry Orchard
2241 Albany Post Rd
Walden, NY 12586
