335: Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy | Flag Hill Winery & Distillery, NH

335: Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy | Flag Hill Winery & Distillery, NH

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist September 7, 2022 Duration: 1:00:44

New Hampshire's Oldest Distillery | Flag Hill

Brian Ferguson is a Pennsylvania native who came to Flag Hill via the Cayman Island and ever since both he and his wife Maggie have continued to transform what was once a farm into a multi venue location. Driving up to the farm one will see vineyards that are helping to win gold medals, acres of corn and an inviting entrance that screams "sit a while and enjoy".

335 Flag Hill signage 200x300

Apples play a major role at the Distillery

The hybrid pot still with column at is working non stop at the distillery. There are over 500 barrels alone in the aging warehouse for the coveted Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy.  Expect a smooth mouthfeel and light amber hues in this lightly from this 6 year old brandy that is aged in toasted barrels.

335 in the barrel room at Flag Hill400x400

Along with the Apple Brandy, Flag Hill uses apples in the distillation of the

  • Karner Blue Gin
    • named after the state butterfly. This is a heavenly drink and will make anyone a gin lover.
  • Maple Sugar Liqueur
    • decadence in a bottle, this liqueur is a perfect gift for the holidays or you own personal stash for cooking and afternoon/evening sipping.
  • General John Stark Vodka
    • A must for cocktail fans!

335 Flag Hill Still 300x200

Those are just the Apple Based spirits. There are more delicious spirts.

In this Chat

We speak with owner/distiller Brian Ferguson and Company Wingman David Breslin

335 Flag Hill Brian Ferguson & David Breslin300x200 Flag Hill Owner and Distiller Brian Ferguson and Company Wingman David Breslin

  • Historical overview of Flag Hill – farm, distillery, winery, events venue
    • Type of still – column – explanation of the process from apples to Apple Brandy
    • Apple Brandies made at Flag Hill - The Dusty Collection
    • Apples used. Varieties. Source.
    • Fermenting cider for distillation
    • Oak used, Aging conditions, length of time
    • Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy - Who is Josiah Bartlett?
    • What to expect from Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy

Flag Hill's Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy will be at

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CiderDays 2.0  Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting

 Contact for Flag Hill Winery and Distillery

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There’s a whole world in a glass of cider, and Cider Chat is your invitation to explore it. Hosted by award-winning cidermaker and writer Ria Windcaller, this podcast travels far beyond the bottle to meet the people who make the global cider culture so vibrant. Each conversation is a journey-you might find yourself in a heritage orchard learning the history of forgotten apple varieties, in a bustling taproom with an importer explaining regional traditions, or in a kitchen with a chef pairing cider with unexpected foods. The discussions get into the delightful nuances, too, whether that’s the semantics of what we even call this drink or how the concept of terroir translates from soil to sip. It’s not just about production; it’s about the community, the travel, and the stories that fermentation unlocks. This is for anyone curious about the craft, history, and sheer enjoyment of fermented apple juice in all its forms. So, pour a glass and settle in for a series that feels like a wide-ranging, informative, and genuinely good-humored chat with friends who happen to be obsessed with cider. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for every effervescent, tart, or sweet sip, hearing directly from the growers, makers, and enthusiasts who are shaping this drink’s exciting present and future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 501

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