Basque cider: Wine-like depth
The Basque country in Spain offers some of the world's most unusual ciders.
Hard cider has an image problem, said Eric Asimov in The New York Times. Superb versions exist, but the “many bad versions” keep serious drinkers from finding them. While cider is generally associated with cooler regions, skeptics should consider exploring those of Spain’s Basque country first. Basque ciders are among the “most unusual in the world”: Though they can turn people off “because of their unusual aromas of wet wool, animal fur, and what might politely be termed barnyard,” I heartily recommend them.
Sagardo Naturala This cider, from the Isastegi estate, is “fresh, lively, and starkly dry, with a touch of animal scent.”
Bereziartua “Dry and exuberant,” with an “aroma of dried leather.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sarasola Sagardoa This nonsparkling cider has a rank odor but delivers “ravishing freshness and complexity.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How the woke right gained power in the US
Under the radar The term has grown in prominence since Donald Trump returned to the White House
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK
-
Codeword: April 24, 2025
The Week's daily codeword puzzle
By The Week Staff
-
Crossword: April 24, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff