Rooted in Nebraska: The Story Behind Our Arbor Day Farm Ciders
In Nebraska, we’re fortunate to have access to local orchards like Arbor Day Farm. With a focus on preservation and education, Arbor Day Farm maintains a collection of heritage and antique apple varieties, many of which were originally grown specifically for cider making.
Our partnership with Arbor Day Farm brings together traditional orchard practices and modern cider-making. The apples are hand-picked and pressed at the farm, then the juice makes its way to Saro, where it is fermented, carefully aged for added complexity, and carbonated to create a contemporary cider that showcases the fruit itself.
Unlike many commercial ciders that rely on added sugars or artificial sweeteners, Saro's ciders are made with real fruit, fresh juice and natural ingredients. Time spent aging allows flavors to soften, integrate, and develop character. Our Arbor Day Farm collaboration ciders are especially meaningful because they are a true expression of Nebraska, from orchard to glass.
Arbor Day Farm Collaboration Ciders
Joy Harvest – Canned Collection
Joy Harvest is an orchard blend that captures the character of Arbor Day Farm as a whole. Made from a variety of apples grown throughout the orchard, including both heritage varieties and apples specifically cultivated for cider, it reflects the diversity of the harvest. The result is a balanced, approachable cider with layers of flavor that showcase the orchard's unique territory.
Arkansas Black – Reserve Bottles
Grown in Arbor Day Farm's Heritage Orchard, this cider begins with 100% heirloom Arkansas Black apples, a variety that originated in Arkansas in the late 1800s, near Bentonville. The cider reflects the rugged character of the fruit, combining soft tannins and bright acidity to create an approachable profile.
A touch of fresh-pressed Arbor Day Farm non-alcoholic cider rounds out the palate, adding body and depth while allowing the apple's natural character to shine. Notes of tart cherry, candied green apple, and subtle spice have been detected by tasters, though the ingredients are remarkably simple: Arkansas Black apple juice, cider yeast and a small addition of fresh apple juice for balance.
Harvested: 2025
Pressed: 2025
Bottled: 2026
Aged: 8 months
Russet – Reserve Bottles
Another Arbor Day Farm collaboration, our small-batch Russet Cider celebrates one of cider making's most unassuming apples. Named for its rough, russeted skin, the apple is far from beautiful, but what it lacks in appearance it makes up for in character. Its exceptional storage qualities allow the fruit to mature slowly, making it highly valued among cider makers.
When first harvested, the Russet apples displayed sharp, straightforward flavors. With time, however, the cider evolved dramatically. Extended aging allowed complex aromatics and layered flavors to emerge, transforming the cider into something far more nuanced.
Some tasters find familiar Granny Smith apple notes, while others compare its crisp structure and wine-like qualities to a dry Riesling. The result is a cider that rewards patience and showcases the remarkable potential of this often-overlooked heritage variety.
Harvested: 2025
Pressed: 2025
Bottled: 2026
Aged: 4 months before bottling
