Alma de Trabanco Quinquina en Rama, 1L

Like most families from the Asturian countryside, the Trabancos have always made their own cider from their own apples, but in 1925 Emilio Trabanco decided to turn this household hobby into a family business. Trabanco cider quickly became known throughout the region as the premier natural cider from Asturias. Not much has changed since then: the Trabanco family is still using traditional methods, augmented with modern technologies, to produce exceptional Asturian ciders.

Trabanco's cider house is located in the town of Gijón. In it can be found an incredible array of old chestnut barrels dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, with some large enough to hold up to 20,000 liters. The enormous square presses are made of wood and are just as old as the barrels. Trabanco has also incorporated some modern approaches to widen its array of natural apple products, introducing new items from cider vinegar to apple juice to the Poma Áurea, a sparkling apple cider.

Of Trabanco's ciders, the more traditionally styled is the Cosecha Propia. This cider is unique among those produced in Asturias, as it is made from estate-grown apples of numerous native varietals that have been approved by the Asturian Association of Cider Apple Growers. The juice is fermented with indigenous yeasts and in accordance with the guidelines for "Sidra Naturala," producing a low-alcohol cider that is tart and lacks carbonation.

Trabanco's second cider is an innovative sparkling project made from a selection of apples from the best orchards within the denomination. These apples are meticulously hand sorted and pressed using the old wooden presses. The must is transferred to select old barrels where it is fermented with indigenous yeast, and once fermentation is complete, the cider is placed in stainless steel tanks for secondary fermentation. The attractive result is named Poma Áurea for its special golden color.

Spirit Notes: Bottled at a refreshing and versatile fifteen percent alcohol, Alma is the perfect aperitif produced by the blending of en rama cider with white wine and various botanicals steeped in vinous alcohol. The primary botanicals in Alma de Trabanco include cinchona, wormwood, savory, gentian, artemisia, boldo, cinnamon, star anise, coriander, thyme, and vanilla. Fruits include cherry, orange peel, and lemon. The flavor profile is bright, refreshing, and satisfying.