One Corner of Bauman's Barn

MODSUB#82

Wotcha!

One of the most rewarding parts of writing this newsletter is learning the backstory of the founders and why they spend their days creating these amazing drinks for us.

Learning the story behind Bauman’s Farm and how, through five generations, Christine Walter carried on the family’s cider-making tradition was a real treat.

Enjoy some great drinks this week.

Cheers,

Myles

In this week’s edition:

NAN
New NA Drink News

SPIRIT
Bauman’s Cider - Apfelschorle and Loganberry Apfelschorle

BEER
Curious Elixirs - Curious 0

Read time: 5 minutes 12 seconds

NAN
New NA Drink News

NORTH AMERICA

• COCKTAIL: There’s always an exciting collab up Devil’s Foot Beverage Company’s sleeve. This time they’ve teamed up with Oskar Blues Brewery to produce their Alcohol Free Blueberry Sangria. (Link)

• MIXER: It is nearly margarita season and Edna’s has you covered with their new “not your bog standard, overly sweet, artificial tasting” 1-litre Margarita Mix. I’m in! (Link)

• FUNCTIONAL: Surly Brewing Company have introduced a new low-dose THC and adaptogen line called Sense. Check out Orange Blossom Lemonade or Chamomile Raspberry. (Link)

• SPIRITS: Missing a Cointreau or a Grand Mariner? Well NOA, up in Canada, has a new Non-Alcoholic Orange Liqueur coming to market. (Link)

• FUNCTIONAL: Easy Man have followed their much talked about Pale with a Hazy, this time with a slightly increased dose of Delta-9 THC. (Link)

• BEER: Another beer club drop from Go Brewing: this time a collab with Sun King Brewery and Spirits with a very limited edition chocolate and chili stout, Sol Oscura. My money’s on it selling out before you even read this but go check it out. It might be your lucky day. (Link)

WORLDWIDE

• SPIRITS: Switzerland’s Rebel 0.0% have expanded their line of spirits to include Rosso, a non-alcoholic aperitivo created to be drunk neat. (Link)

• SPIRITS: News from England that Sylva is launching its second small-batch spirit release created from the wood of native trees—Hazel is out this week. (Link)

CIDER

ModSub: As I’ve just returned from the heart of English cider-making—Somerset—I’m excited to report on two new non-alcoholic sparkling spritzers from Bauman’s Cider, located just down the road from me in Gervais, Oregon. The cidery is run by Christine Walter and is part of Bauman's Farm, a fifth-generation family business homesteaded back in 1895.

Christine’s great-great-grandmother Elizabeth, along with her two sons, Stephen and Leo, found the land, ordered a Sears Roebuck house, and planted an orchard—laying the foundation for what is now a 130-year-old business. Over the years, the family has grown and sold whatever would pay the bills. Today, the farm thrives as an "agritainment" destination, sustained by baked goods, a garden center, family attractions, and, of course, their cider.

Cidermaking has been in the Bauman family’s blood from the beginning. In the early 1900s, Stephen made cider for family and friends, and the tradition has been passed down through the generations. It wasn’t until 2016, however, that Christine decided to turn it into a full-fledged business. Her family was skeptical that there would be enough interest in cider. After much persuading, she secured a corner of one of the farm’s barns and got to work.

With a degree in biochemistry and a family already well-versed in fruit juice production, Christine put her concoction-crafting skills to use. Fermenting some of the farm’s fresh fruit into cider didn’t seem like a tall order—and she was right. Bauman’s Cider has since won awards around the world and has outgrown not only its original barn corner, but the farm itself.

Just before Christmas last year, the cidery launched two non-alcoholic, German-style apple spritzers: Apfelschorle and Loganberry Apfelschorle. Both drinks are made with freshly pressed apples from the farm and topped with sparkling water to balance the sweetness. The Apfelschorle is a super-refreshing apple spritz—perfect for popping into a picnic basket or served over ice with a slice of lemon and a sprig of rosemary for a tasty pre-dinner party libation.

While I’m a fan of the regular Apfelschorle, I love the jammy flavors of the Loganberry version. Notes of blackberry and raspberry mix delightfully with the apple and a mild earthiness on the exit. But both are fun drinks. Go find yourself some.

Portland locals can buy them in person at Bauman’s on Oak or at Bauman’s Farm in Gervais.

If you’d like to hear a great interview with Christine Walter, check out this episode of the Neutral Cider Hotel. The interview starts at about the 33 minute mark.

How does Bauman’s Cider describe their Apfelschorle: Apfelschorle (ahp-fell-shore-luh) is a favorite German drink made with apple cider and sparkling water. We are bringing it home to the Pacific Northwest using fresh pressed apples from our farm and just enough sparkling water to cut the sweetness. Refreshing, celebratory, and non-alcoholic, for all ages and occasions!

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FUNCTIONAL BEER

ModSub: 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Curious Elixirs, the non-alcoholic cocktail company known for its extraordinary array of delicious drinks in mysterious brown bottles. Simply numbered 1 through 9, the packaging doesn’t give much away about what’s inside—but the contents almost always deliver a cracking cocktail, boasting a collage of ingredients and adaptogens.

With their latest release, they’ve come full circle with No. 0 (Curious Zero): a Lion’s Mane Lager. Why 0 and not 10? It’s a clever play—a zero-proof beer, as they note in their press release: “Before there were cocktails, there was beer.” Very true. Though I can’t help but wonder if they have something else up their sleeves for No. 10, given this year’s milestone.

The beer itself, though, is anything but ordinary. It’s packed with flavor—from roasted barley, Yakima hops and American oak to lime, apple and sea salt. True to their reputation for weaving adaptogens into their cocktails, they’ve added Lion’s Mane mushroom for cognitive support and Maca Root for both energy and libido.

Curious Zero reminds me a bit of an earthy Hefeweizen. There’s that wheat flavor, a touch of yeastiness, prominent lime and apple notes, and what seems like both banana and clove on the finish. It’s also very lightly carbonated—which works in its favor—and leans heavily on the malts. I’ll be honest: After the first sip, I wasn’t so sure. By the third and fourth, once my taste buds knew what to expect, I was completely sold.

There have been a few raised eyebrows at the price—but this isn’t your average lager. As soon as you add function to the ingredients, you add cost. Some won’t be able to get past that, but longtime fans of Curious Elixirs won’t care—and you can definitely count me among them.

Previously: Curious No.1 and Curious No. 2

How does Curious Elixirs describe their Curious Zero: Beautifully brewed to boost body and mind, Curious Zero is our booze-free lion's mane lager. Exquisitely crafted, yet easy drinking any day or night.

We brew roasted barley with Yakima hops with golden apple, and infuse it with lime and two of our favorite adaptogens, lion's mane mushrooms for your brain, and maca root for muscle recovery and to lift your libido.

With zero alcohol, we created Curious Zero to give you the Main Character Energy you need from the streets to the sheets. Always chill and flip upside down before opening. Sip straight from the bottle or serve in your favorite beer glass with a lemon or lime. Cheers!

READS
Last Week’s Edition and other reads

I thought this piece by Emily Heintz of Sechéy was a great look at THC beverages for those dipping in their toes.

What’s in the guide and how does it help people?

• 30-page ebook

• Tips on the three mental hurdles to overcome to set yourself up for success as you substitute alcoholic drinks for non-alcoholic alternatives.

• Pointers on where to find NA drinks - short answer: lots of places - this will show you where to look.

• 50+ beverage companies showcasing non-alc beers, wines, spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails - including links to explore, purchase and find locally.

• Three additional resources for finding bars, restaurants, breweries and bottle shops that sell or serve NA drinks when you are out on the town or travelling.

Where can I get the guide?

You can download the guide here.

It is a free resource. But if you would like to support this endeavor, there is a “pay-what-you-can” feature to set the price you'd like to contribute—your support is truly appreciated.