Original Sin Black Widow 6Pk is a blackberry hard cider made with 100% freshly pressed New York apples, sold in a six-pack at 6.0% ABV. Produced by one of America's pioneering craft cider houses — Original Sin Cider, established in New York City in 1996 — Black Widow stands out for its dry, fruit-forward character that avoids the cloying sweetness common across the commercial cider market. Quick Facts: ABV: 6.0% | Origin: New York City, New York | Style: Blackberry Hard Cider | Producer: Original Sin Cider Production & Heritage Original Sin Cider was founded in 1996 with a mission to produce dry, traditional ciders at a time when the American craft cider movement barely existed. Black Widow is fermented using champagne yeast, a deliberate choice that yields a drier, more effervescent profile than ale yeasts typically produce. The base of 100% freshly pressed New York apples is blended with real blackberries — not flavoring extracts — resulting in the cider's signature deep ruby color and layered tartness. Tasting Notes Aroma: Intense blackberry dominates the nose immediately, followed by tart apple skin and a faint floral lift. A light yeastiness from the champagne fermentation lingers underneath. Taste: The entry is bright with crisp apple acidity before the blackberry surges through the mid-palate, bringing a rich, slightly tannic fruitiness. The profile stays tart and full-bodied, with only subtle residual sweetness that never overwhelms the natural fruit character. Finish: Clean and moderately dry, with blackberry tartness carrying through to the end. The apple base provides a refreshing crispness that resets the palate quickly. How to Drink Black Widow Black Widow drinks well straight from the bottle, chilled to around 40–45°F, where its tartness and carbonation are at their sharpest. It also works in several cocktail applications: a Cider Sangria, where its deep color and berry notes complement sliced stone fruit and citrus; a Black Widow Mule, subbing it for ginger beer with fresh lime and vodka for a fruit-forward twist; and a Blackberry Cider Mimosa, topping champagne flutes at brunch for a ruby-hued alternative to the standard orange juice pour. Best For Introducing craft cider to friends who default to beer or wine Summer cookouts and outdoor gatherings where sessionability matters Pairing with charcuterie boards alongside aged cheeses and cured meats Gifting to someone exploring alternatives to overly sweet commercial ciders Frequently Asked Questions What does Black Widow taste like? Black Widow is a tart, fruit-forward blackberry cider with a full body, subtle sweetness, and a clean, dry finish built on a crisp New York apple base. How does Black Widow compare to Angry Orchard Dark Cherry Apple? Black Widow tends toward a drier, more tart profile thanks to its champagne yeast fermentation, while Angry Orchard Dark Cherry Apple leans noticeably sweeter and more approachable for palates that prefer residual sugar. Original Sin's use of 100% freshly pressed New York apples also distinguishes it from larger producers that may use concentrate. Is Black Widow good for cider beginners? Its fruit-forward blackberry flavor is immediately accessible, though drinkers accustomed to sweet ciders should expect a drier, more tart experience than mainstream alternatives. Where is Black Widow made? Black Widow is produced by Original Sin Cider, based in New York City, New York, using freshly pressed apples sourced from New York orchards. What foods pair well with Black Widow? Sharp cheddar or Gruyère, where the tartness cuts through the richness; grilled pork chops, which complement the blackberry fruit; smoked salmon, which mirrors the cider's dry complexity; mixed green salads with goat cheese and berry vinaigrette for a seasonal match; and dark chocolate desserts, where the blackberry and cacao notes overlap. What sizes does Black Widow come in? Black Widow is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, which is the standard retail format for this cider. Is Black Widow worth the price? Black Widow positions as a craft cider at a modest step above mass-market pricing, and its use of real fruit and freshly pressed apple juice rather than concentrate provides tangible quality for the incremental cost. Why Black Widow? Original Sin has been producing cider since 1996, well before the American craft cider boom, and that experience shows in Black Widow's balance. The combination of champagne yeast fermentation, real blackberries, and 100% freshly pressed New York apples creates a cider that is genuinely dry and tart without sacrificing drinkability. In a category crowded with artificially flavored, sugar-heavy options, Black Widow delivers honest fruit character and a clean finish that rewards repeat drinking. For anyone seeking a blackberry cider that respects the fruit rather than drowning it in sweetness, this remains one of the more compelling options from a credible American producer.
