A new year always brings fresh pours, fresh ideas, and fresh reasons to gather around a glass. As 2026 kicks off, Blue Toad Hard Cider is laying out a full year of moments, flavors, and reasons to come back for another pint.
This release calendar is your roadmap. It shows when favorites return, when limited batches hit the taps, and when new ideas step into the spotlight. Every cider on this list carries momentum from our wins at the 2025 Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP). Those medals weren’t about flexing—they set the bar. We’re bringing that gold-medal standard into every batch in 2026.
The Foundation: What Never Changes
Before we get into what’s pouring month by month, it’s worth grounding this lineup in what stays constant.
We ferment with real Virginia apples, grown in local soil, not concentrate. That connection to place shows up in every sip—layered, bright, and honest. It’s why our ciders drink the way they do and why they hold their own year after year. Every cider we make is naturally gluten-free. That’s not a checkbox or a trend. It’s simply how cider works when apples lead the way.
You’ll find all of this pouring at our Virginia hard cider taproom and bar, where the calendar comes to life one glass at a time.
Winter to Spring: January–April Releases
The year opens with comfort, bite, and a slow shift toward brighter days.
January – Winterfest (Cranberry Spiced Cider)
Winterfest brings warmth when it’s needed most. Built from our Gold Medal Roc Hard Amber base, this 6.2% ABV cider layers cinnamon with hints of cranberry for a cold-weather staple.
February – Paddy Green
Fairly dry with a tart finish, Paddy Green is made with 100% Granny Smith apples. Sharp, lively, and crowd-loved, it clocks in at 115 calories and 9g carbs per 12 oz. This one makes tongues dance.
March – Blueberry
Fresh blueberries join three local apple varieties mid-fermentation, bursting open for deep flavor and tannins. The result lands balanced, bold, and far from flat.
April – Peaches Over Amber
Our classic amber base gets a jolt of peaches. What started as curiosity turned into a fan favorite that bridges spring and warmer days ahead.
Early Summer: May–July Releases
Longer days call for bright pours and lighter drinking.
May – Lemon Peach Tea
A warm-weather go-to that stays balanced and easygoing. Peaches and select apples build a smooth base, while lemon brings just enough snap to keep things lively.
June – Fire on the Mountain
Inspired by campfires and glowing ridgelines, this raspberry and blueberry cider finishes with a vanilla crumble note that fits early summer nights.
July – Pineapple Mango
Tropical flavor takes over with this semi-sweet seasonal. Pineapple and mango bring island energy straight to the Blue Ridge.
Late Summer to Fall: August–October Releases
As the year matures, the lineup leans into depth, spice, and local history.
August – People’s Choice (TBD)
August belongs to the crowd. This release comes straight from fan feedback, with details announced closer to the pour date.
September – Ginger Gold Peach
The Ginger Gold apple traces its roots to Hurricane Camille in 1969. Paired with all-natural peaches, this cider honors a resilient Virginia apple with a clean peach finish.
October – Into the Orchard
Cinnamon, allspice, and cloves ferment with our molasses amber base. Carbonation pops, flavor follows, and the finish stays dry but welcoming. Served cold, room temp, or heated for our famous Hot Toadies.
Closing the Year: November, December & Special Dates
The final stretch brings richness, reflection, and a few special pours.
November – Ginger Gold Blackberry
That same historic Ginger Gold apple meets all-natural blackberries, creating a deep, fruit-forward cider rooted in local legacy.
December – Winterfest (Returns)
Winterfest comes back around to close the year, pouring cranberry spice and comfort straight through the holidays.
May 30 & September 5 – Toadeeo
Brewed for our Rockfish River Rodeo, Toadeeo blends wild blackberries and raspberries. We crush the berries ourselves, tipping our hats to bull and bronc riders with a cider that hits tart and bold.
This calendar isn’t about rushing the year—it’s about savoring it. From gold-recognized foundations to short-run favorites, 2026 is stacked with reasons to raise a glass. Mark the dates, gather your crew, and meet us at the taproom. The year of flavor is already pouring.