Tandem Ciders' Coloma Blue

Bottoms Up

By Craig Manning | Sept. 28, 2019

If you’re a hard cider fanatic, and you haven’t visited Tandem Ciders yet this year, now’s the time. The rustic tasting room — located in an off-the-beaten-path barn near Suttons Bay (2055 N Setterbo Rd, 231-271-0050) — has been packed most of the summer. With fall in full swing, though, it’s the perfect opportunity to visit for a pour of the luscious Coloma Blue. This unique cider, currently available on tap at the Tandem tasting room, is a mix of two of the cidery’s top brews — Smackintosh and Pretty Penny —along with one other key ingredient: blueberry concentrate from Coloma, Michigan. The result is a Tandem fan favorite: a beautifully smooth and refreshing cider whose apple notes are enhanced and deepened by the complexity of the blueberry flavors. It’s not too sweet, and with a 5.2 percent ABV, it’s not too boozy either. Grab a pint or an eight-ounce pour for $5 or $2.50, respectively, or try it as part of a tasting flight ($1.50 per three-ounce pour). Better yet, bring a growler, howler, or crowler and take some home.