The Valentine’s Day Hidden Gem
A lot of couples look forward to a romantic combination of alcohol and chocolate, especially on Valentine’s Day. Quiet, but eventful, Sage Bird Ciderworks seemed to be the perfect place to get a combination of the two. Fairly new to the area, Sage Bird Ciderworks opened in 2020 and has held numerous events in the Harrisonburg area since.
Events such as their Harry Potter’s Birthday Celebration in 2021 did excellent and spread like wildfire through the town. It convinced Sage Bird Ciderworks to hold another sort of event for Valentine’s Day, open to everyone 21 and older. This time, when they opened their doors, they welcomed customers with a $15 flight, tastings of multiple beers, paired with chocolates.
The Valentine’s Day special came with four different ciders, all of which hold various flavor profiles. One chocolate is paired with each cider; it is meant to be a balanced combination, according to Wesley, a bartender at Sage Bird Ciderworks. He said, “Each pairing is made based on the flavor profile. The sweet chocolate is supposed to balance out some of the ciders.” Reddish cider is paired with raspberry chocolate, brandied cherry is paired with vanilla and cocoa nibs, raspberry ridge is paired with extreme dark chocolate, and their summer harvest sour is paired with salted caramel.
When I first arrived at Sage Bird Ciderworks, the environment was bustling with activity, and happy couples were nestled up together at various tables. I was greeted immediately and given the information about the special that the cidery was running for the night. Within five minutes, I had my flight and carried it over to a quiet table, where I quickly began tasting the ciders and chocolates. Each pairing seemed to dance with flavor in my mouth, and I could see why certain chocolates were paired with their ciders. For example, the salted caramel was a great sweet contrast to the summer harvest sour, which made my lips pucker. The experience was delightful, and I look forward to going back to try the other ciders that they have to offer.
Sage Bird Ciderworks is planning to host more events for the community in the future, and I am sure that they will be just as satisfying. Sitting at my table to wrap up the night, the atmosphere was very welcoming. I say this with a stomach full of chocolate and cider, and with love in the air, Sage Bird Ciderworks is a place that is worth a visit if you are ever around Harrisonburg or James Madison University.
