LFC's The Cunning Ham

Bottoms Up

By Lynda Wheatley | Nov. 9, 2019

Forgive us for our fourth cider profile within a few scant issues, but it tis the season, after all, and northern Michigan’s cider magicians rarely disappoint. We half-hoped The Cunning Ham would; its name and label’s iconic airborne pig initially suggested some salty and pungent eau de bacon might reside inside, but no; its moniker and the resultant pork plane came innocently, a clever ode to an old cellar hand named Graham, “who shed light on the possibility of alternative yeast selections.” Thanks be to Graham, then, who presumably led Charley by his left foot to the wonders of Saison yeast, which lends a peppery edge to the fruit. Coupled with multiple fermentations and a long rest in bourbon barrels formerly home to brandy, The Cunning Ham breathes a promising funk to the nose and a slightly sweet but deep character that kept us swigging like, well … piggies. $8 per 500 ml bottle. ABV 7%. Find it at the Left Foot Charley tasting room (806 Red Dr. in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons) or order it and find other retailers online at www.leftfootcharley.com.