Photos: Brian Sorensen

Hard apple cider seems to have found an audience in Northwest Arkansas.

The area’s first cidery – Black Apple Crossing in downtown Springdale – was recently recognized by Nightclub & Bar Media Group as one of 2015’s “Top Rated New Hot Spots.”

The heady praise was mostly based on user-generated reviews on Yelp. A quick scan of comments on Black Apple Crossing’s profile page indicate a fast-developing appreciation for cider – and perhaps just as importantly – an appreciation for the cidery’s taproom and staff.

And what’s not to love?

Black Apple Crossing is tucked into the rear of an old building near the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad headquarters and across the street from a popular tacqueria on Springdale’s taco tour. The storefront is currently vacant, leading you to believe you’ve been given bad directions. But signs point around back, where the “front” door of the cidery harkens back to the days of the hidden speakeasy.

Inside the taproom you’ll find a cozy environment wrapped in wood and bare brick. Front and center is the bar, built with planks ripped from the walls of the cider production room. Booths line the walls and a few freestanding tables provide seating in the middle. The space is intimate. You could easily have a conversation with a patron sitting on the opposite side of the room from you.

Ciders are constantly rotating across the taps at Black Apple Crossing. Recently available were Dry Guy (7.8% ABV), Ozark Dry (6.8%), El Cariño (7.8%), and the cool-weather seasonal Ginger Snap (9.4%).

For those new to hard cider, flights are available so you can discover which one you like best. They range from crisp and dry to semi-sweet. If the only cider you’ve ever tried was an Angry Orchard, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the delicate yet complex nature of Black Apple Crossing’s offerings.

The huge response from the drinking public has convinced the guys at Black Apple Crossing that the time is right for distribution. Six accounts in Fayetteville were handpicked to be the first to offer the Springdale cider on a regular basis.

Black Apple Crossing will officially launch distribution with a series of events at their new accounts, wrapping up with an appearance at Frost Fest on Feb. 6.

Sunday, Jan. 31 – Wood Stone Craft Pizza
Monday, Feb. 1 – Maxine’s Tap Room
Tuesday, Feb. 2 – Sideways
Wednesday, Feb. 3 – Farrell’s Lounge, Bar & Grill
Thursday, Feb. 4 – Puritan Brew Company
Friday, Feb. 5 – Mojo’s Pints and Pies
Saturday, Feb. 6 – Frost Fest 2016

Downtown Springdale is on the verge of a complete makeover. Emma Avenue will soon be home to several new businesses, including a Core taproom and a satellite location of Apple Blossom Brewing Company. More pubs will surely follow, but Black Apple Crossing will always be the first. And now folks eating or drinking in Fayetteville can enjoy it, too.