Blake's Cider Black Phillip – A Wicked Twist of Blood Orange & Cranberry

Updated → September 2025

Blake's Cider Black Phillip is a limited-edition hard cider that marries tangy blood orange with tart cranberry for a wickedly delicious fall flavor. This 6.5% ABV craft cider balances sweetness and spice, delivers a vibrant ruby pour, and even supports charity through Blake’s Kinder Cider Series – truly a cider that lets you “live deliciously.”

• Craft Cider's Rise
• Blake’s Hard Cider Co.: A Michigan Original
• Blake's Cider Black Phillip Joins the Lineup
• Flavor Profile: Blood Orange Meets Cranberry
• How It's Made: Apple Cider with a Twist
• ABV and Sweetness: Is Black Phillip Strong?
• The Story Behind the Name "Black Phillip"
• A Cider for a Cause: The Kinder Cider Series
• Limited Release & Seasonal Availability
• Black Phillip vs. Other Blake’s Hard Ciders
• Black Phillip vs. Other Fruit Ciders
• Food Pairings and Serving Suggestions
• Cocktail Ideas Featuring Black Phillip
• Serving Temperature and Glassware
• Where to Buy Blake’s Cider Black Phillip

Craft Cider's Rise

Hard cider is experiencing a renaissance in the beverage world. Once overshadowed by beer and wine, craft cider has surged in popularity as drinkers seek out refreshing alternatives packed with fruit flavors. Innovative brands like Blake’s Hard Cider Co. have helped fuel this rise by showcasing that cider can be just as complex and exciting as any craft beer or fine wine. Seasonal releases and unique fruit infusions have especially caught consumers’ attention. From crisp apple classics to adventurous blends, the modern cider market offers something for everyone – and Blake's Cider Black Phillip is a perfect example of this craft cider boom.

Fruit-infused ciders in particular have captivated palates. By adding ingredients like berries, citrus, or spices to traditional apple bases, cider makers create vibrant new flavor experiences. Drinkers now look forward to limited seasonal ciders each year much like they do seasonal beers. Blood orange, pumpkin, and other autumnal flavors have become fall favorites in the cider world. In this context, Black Phillip’s blood orange and cranberry blend arrives at the ideal moment – feeding a growing appetite for bold, creative ciders that embrace seasonal tastes and inventive twists.

Blake’s Hard Cider Co.: A Michigan Original

At the forefront of the craft cider movement is Blake’s Hard Cider Co., an independent, family-owned cidery based in Armada, Michigan. Founded in 2013 by third-generation farmer Andrew Blake on his family’s 1946-established apple orchard, Blake’s Hard Cider has rapidly grown into Michigan’s largest craft cidery. Everything is grown, pressed, fermented, and packaged on their sprawling 1,000-acre farm, ensuring farm-to-can freshness in every batch. Blake’s is known for its innovative spirit – they produce a diverse lineup from classic sweet apple ciders to bold flavor experiments – all while maintaining the quality one would expect from a family that’s been in the apple business for decades.

Blake’s Hard Cider prides itself on pushing boundaries with flavors and concepts. They have core year-round offerings, rotating seasonals, and special limited series that cater to adventurous drinkers. Over the years, Blake’s has introduced fan-favorite ciders featuring ingredients like habanero peppers, pineapple, and even caramel. This willingness to experiment, combined with a commitment to using real fruit (often from their own farm), has made Blake’s a trendsetter in the cider industry. It’s no surprise, then, that Blake's Cider Black Phillip emerged from this creative culture as one of their most talked-about releases.

Blake's Cider Black Phillip Joins the Lineup

When Blake's Cider Black Phillip first debuted, it quickly gained a cult following. Originally released as a limited seasonal flavor, Black Phillip stood out with its daring combination of blood orange and cranberry in a hard cider. The cider’s initial run in the late 2010s had fans clamoring for more – its name, flavor, and striking can design left a lasting impression. After a period of retirement in Blake’s “cellar archives,” Black Phillip has been resurrected due to popular demand. Blake’s brought this fan favorite back as part of a special Throwback Series, much to the excitement of loyal customers who had been craving its return.

Now that it’s back in the lineup, Black Phillip carries the reputation of a legendary brew. Cider enthusiasts in the know often swap stories of hunting down the iconic black cans adorned with a horned goat’s head logo. Blake’s themselves have acknowledged the cider’s almost cult-like status – describing Black Phillip as the villain in a horror movie that keeps finding a way to come back. In other words, this cider earned its place as a must-try piece of the Blake’s collection, offering something truly unique even among the brand’s many inventive creations.

Flavor Profile: Blood Orange Meets Cranberry

The heart of Blake's Cider Black Phillip lies in its bold flavor combination. With each sip, you’re greeted by juicy bursts of blood orange up front – imagine the bright, tangy citrus notes of orange but with a richer, almost berry-like depth that blood orange brings. This citrus zing is quickly met by the tartness of cranberry. The cranberry adds a subtle pucker and a balancing bite, preventing the cider from veering too sweet. Together, blood orange and cranberry dance in harmony, creating a layered flavor that’s both refreshing and pleasantly tart.

Despite the strong fruit presence, Black Phillip never loses its apple cider soul. You can still detect the base of crisp fermented apple in the background, providing structure and familiarity. The overall sweetness level is semi-sweet – there’s a natural fruit sweetness, but it’s tempered by acidity and a hint of dryness on the finish. This means the cider isn’t cloying; instead, it’s very drinkable, with a clean finish that invites another sip. Aromatically, Black Phillip is beguiling: you might notice an aroma of fresh-squeezed orange, a whiff of cranberry, and maybe a hint of something floral or spicy reminiscent of autumn bonfires (perhaps the power of suggestion from its witchy theme!). In the glass, it pours a brilliant rosy amber hue – deeply tinted by the cranberry – which is as eye-catching as its flavor is delicious.

How It's Made: Apple Cider with a Twist

Black Phillip starts life like any Blake’s cider – with freshly harvested apples from Blake’s own orchards, pressed and fermented into a hard apple cider base. What sets it apart comes after this traditional beginning. Blake’s cider makers infuse the finished apple cider with real blood orange and cranberry juices (or concentrates), carefully blending until the flavors are just right. Achieving balance is key: too much blood orange or cranberry could overwhelm the delicate apple notes, so Blake’s uses an “array of cranberries and blood orange,” as they put it, to hit the perfect ratio. The result is a cider with a true fruit-infused character – you taste authentic blood orange citrus and tart cranberry, not artificial flavorings.

Blake’s Hard Cider Co. has a reputation for quality, and Black Phillip is no exception. The cider is likely unfiltered or only lightly filtered, which might explain its slightly hazy appearance and fuller mouthfeel. (Many fans have noted that Black Phillip has a beautiful haze, indicating it wasn’t stripped of all its natural goodness.) It’s carbonated to a gentle sparkle – enough effervescence to lift the flavors but not so fizzy as to seem like soda. This moderate carbonation, combined with the fruit acids, gives Black Phillip a crisp, palate-cleansing effect despite its semi-sweet profile. In brewing this cider, Blake’s also adheres to their philanthropic “Kinder Cider” approach (more on that soon), proving that craft beverages can be both delicious and meaningful in their making.

ABV and Sweetness: Is Black Phillip Strong?

Blake’s Cider Black Phillip comes in at around 6.5% ABV, placing it on par with many craft beers and a bit stronger than the average mass-market hard cider. In practical terms, this alcohol content gives Black Phillip a satisfying body and warmth without making it feel heavy or boozy. At 6.5% ABV, you’ll notice a pleasant robustness – it’s a cider that has a bit of a kick to remind you it’s alcoholic, but it remains very smooth and easy to sip. For context, standard hard ciders often range from 5% to 6% ABV, so Black Phillip is just slightly above normal strength. This makes it great for slowly savoring on a cool evening, as it can bring a slight cozy glow with each can.

In terms of sweetness, Black Phillip is categorized as a semi-sweet hard cider. Blake’s has crafted it to avoid being overly sugary; the natural tartness from cranberry and citrusy bitterness from blood orange work together to balance the apple’s fructose. When you taste it, you might describe the sweetness level as “just right” – there’s enough sweetness to carry the fruit flavors and make it approachable, but a dry finish that keeps it crisp. Even those who don’t usually enjoy sweet drinks have found Black Phillip refreshing because it’s not syrupy. The medium sweetness also means Black Phillip can appeal to a broad range of palates, from those who like dessert ciders to those who prefer drier, wine-like ciders. It’s a harmonious middle ground.

The Story Behind the Name "Black Phillip"

The name “Black Phillip” is as intriguing as the cider itself. Blake’s Cider Black Phillip is named after the infamous black goat from the acclaimed 2015 horror film The Witch (also stylized as The VVitch). In the film, Black Phillip the goat is a mysterious figure who ultimately utters the tempting phrase, “Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?” This has become an iconic line among horror fans. Blake’s Hard Cider cleverly weaves this reference into their product – even using the modern phrasing “Would you like to live deliciously?” in their marketing of the cider. The tagline invites cider drinkers to indulge in something a little bit wicked and out of the ordinary, much like the movie’s dark temptations.

Beyond the quote, the entire aesthetic of Black Phillip cider pays homage to its namesake. The can design features a striking black background with an ominous horned goat’s head front and center – a direct nod to the film’s character. This gothic, rustic artwork immediately sets Black Phillip apart from more conventional, cheery cider labels. For fans of the horror genre, or anyone who enjoys a bit of spooky flair, the presentation adds an extra layer of fun to the drinking experience. It transforms sipping this cider into a small celebration of Halloween vibes and cult cinema, even if you’re enjoying it on a random weeknight. In short, the name “Black Phillip” and its imagery encapsulate the cider’s spirit: bold, a touch spooky, and wholly unique.

A Cider for a Cause: The Kinder Cider Series

One of the most admirable aspects of Blake's Cider Black Phillip is that it’s part of Blake’s “Kinder Cider” Series. The Kinder Cider Series is a special line of ciders Blake’s created to support meaningful causes in the community. It all started when the Blake family realized the impact their company could make – since launching Kinder Cider in 2017, Blake’s has partnered with various nonprofits and donated tens of thousands of dollars to causes ranging from supporting the LGBTQ+ community to fighting homelessness and promoting urban farming.

Black Phillip itself is brewed “in support of our nonprofit network,” according to Blake’s. While some Kinder Ciders have specific partner charities (for example, another Blake’s cider called Rainbow Seeker supports LGBTQ+ hotlines, and Saint Chéri supports a homelessness initiative), Black Phillip’s sales contribute generally to Blake’s charitable fund that helps multiple organizations. In essence, every can of Black Phillip you purchase not only treats you to a delicious beverage but also helps Blake’s give back. It’s a win-win: you get to “live deliciously,” and the community benefits, too. This philanthropic angle adds depth to Black Phillip – it’s not just about great flavor, but also about kindness and making a positive difference one cider at a time.

Limited Release & Seasonal Availability

Blake’s Cider Black Phillip is very much a seasonal specialty. It typically appears in the fall, aligning with its autumnal flavor profile of cranberry (think holidays) and blood orange (ripe in late summer/early fall). When Black Phillip is in season, you can find it in its own 6-pack of 12 oz cans. However, Blake’s has also featured it in their Fall “Throwback Pack” – a mixed 12-pack of beloved retired flavors that was released for a limited time. That means Black Phillip often shares the spotlight with other returning favorites, but many fans will pick up the entire variety pack just to get their hands on Black Phillip.

Because it’s a limited release, Black Phillip isn’t on store shelves year-round. Once the fall season wraps up, any remaining stock tends to sell out quickly, and then it can be many months of waiting (and hoping) for its return the next year. This scarcity is part of what makes Black Phillip special – it has an aura of “get it while you can.” Enthusiasts often start asking in late summer whether Black Phillip will be coming back, so they can plan their purchases. The cider’s devoted following means it might fly off shelves faster than other flavors. If you spot that black can with the goat logo during the fall, it’s wise to snag it. Luckily, our store, Seneca Wine & Liquor, keeps a keen eye on such seasonal gems to ensure we stock up for local cider lovers.

Black Phillip vs. Other Blake’s Hard Ciders

Blake’s lineup is full of interesting ciders, so how does Black Phillip compare to its siblings? In the Blake’s family of flavors, Black Phillip is one of the bolder, more complex offerings. For example, compare it to Blake’s famous Flannel Mouth – a classic sweet apple cider. Flannel Mouth is smooth, pure apple, and quite sweet; Black Phillip, in contrast, layers apple with intense blood orange and cranberry, and finishes less sweet. Fans of Blake’s fruity ciders like Triple Jam (a berry blend) or Rainbow Seeker (pineapple) will find Black Phillip to be a kindred spirit in terms of creativity, but with a darker, tarter edge.

Within Blake’s “Kinder Cider” Series, Black Phillip stands out for its unique flavor combo. For instance, Caramel Apple (another fall Kinder Cider) is indulgently sweet and tastes like a caramel-dipped apple, whereas Black Phillip is more tart and punchy. Or take Saint Chéri (a cherry-infused cider) – it’s red fruit and smooth; Black Phillip instead gives a citrus-cranberry sharpness. Black Phillip also has a moderate 6.5% ABV, which is standard among Blake’s core and seasonal ciders (many Blake’s ciders range 5-6.5% ABV). Overall, Black Phillip’s calling card is its balance of bold flavor and drinkability. Many Blake’s ciders are easy-drinking, but Black Phillip manages to be both easy-drinking and memorably bold. If you enjoy Blake’s Hard Cider Co.’s experimental side, Black Phillip will rank among your favorites for how it pushes the flavor envelope while still tasting unmistakably like a Blake’s creation.

Black Phillip vs. Other Fruit Ciders

How does Black Phillip measure up to fruit ciders from other brands? In today’s market, fruit-infused ciders have become common – you’ll see everything from pear ciders to rosé-style ciders with cherries. Black Phillip manages to carve out a niche even in this crowded field. First, the combination of blood orange and cranberry is fairly unique. Many competitors might offer a blood orange cider or a cranberry cider for the fall, but few (if any) combine the two. This gives Black Phillip an edge: it hits both citrus and berry notes in one drink, providing a more layered taste than a single-fruit cider would.

In terms of flavor intensity, Black Phillip is notably bold without being overwhelming. Some fruit ciders from other producers can taste artificial or overly sweet, almost like fruit soda. Black Phillip, by contrast, delivers true fruit flavor with a balanced sweetness. It’s comparable in quality to other craft brands known for natural ingredients. For example, if you’ve tried an artisanal blood orange cider (such as those by 2 Towns or Austin Eastciders), you’ll find Black Phillip offers a similar authentic citrus punch but amps it up with cranberry tartness. And compared to big-brand mass-market ciders (like those from Angry Orchard or Woodchuck), Black Phillip is less sugary and more complex. It appeals to craft beer drinkers and wine drinkers alike, thanks to its nuanced profile. In short, among fruit ciders, Black Phillip stands tall as an adventurous yet well-balanced option – something that can intrigue aficionados and casual sippers in equal measure.

Food Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Pairing Blake's Cider Black Phillip with the right foods can elevate your drinking experience. The cider’s tangy and semi-sweet profile lends itself to a variety of light dishes and snacks. Here are a few pairing ideas to make Black Phillip shine:

• Soft Cheeses: The tartness of Black Phillip goes wonderfully with creamy, mild cheeses. Try it alongside a tangy goat cheese or a smooth brie on crackers. The cider’s acidity cuts through the richness, creating a perfect balance.
• Roasted Poultry: Serve Black Phillip with roast turkey or chicken – especially if it’s prepared with herbs or a citrus glaze. The cranberry notes in the cider mimic a classic cranberry sauce pairing, making it a great companion for a turkey dinner or Thanksgiving-style sandwich.
• Autumn Salads: Think salads topped with dried cranberries, apples, nuts, and perhaps a citrus vinaigrette. Black Phillip’s flavors will mirror and enhance these ingredients. A spinach salad with goat cheese, walnuts, and cranberries, for example, would echo the cider’s notes nicely.
• Light Desserts: For a sweet pairing, stick to desserts that aren’t overly sugary. Shortbread cookies, orange zest biscotti, or a simple pound cake can work well. The cider’s fruitiness can act as a dessert on its own, so it pairs best with subtly sweet treats rather than heavy, rich confections.

When serving Black Phillip, make sure to chill it well. Hard cider is best enjoyed cold, around 40-45°F. You can drink it straight from the chilled can for convenience, but pouring it into a glass can enhance the experience. Use a pint glass, wine glass, or goblet – something with a bit of bowl shape – to help concentrate those lovely aromas of blood orange and cranberry. Notice the beautiful color as you pour; half the fun is in admiring that deep rosy hue!

Cocktail Ideas Featuring Black Phillip

While Blake's Cider Black Phillip is delicious on its own, it also makes a fantastic mixer for fall-inspired cocktails. Creative bartenders and home mixologists can use Black Phillip to add a fruity, spiced twist to classic drinks. Here are a couple of cocktail ideas to try:

• Devil’s Night Punch: Combine 4 oz of Black Phillip with 1 oz of gin, 1.5 oz of cranberry juice, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of blood orange or even a chili pepper for a sly kick. This gin punch plays up the cider’s cranberry-citrus profile and makes a festive red-hued cocktail.
• Black Phillip Mimosa: For a brunch or holiday twist, swap out the orange juice in a mimosa and use Black Phillip instead. Fill a flute about halfway with chilled Black Phillip, then top with dry sparkling wine (Cava or Prosecco works well). The result is a bubbly, orange-cranberry mimosa that’s both refreshing and seasonally appropriate. You can garnish with a twist of orange peel or a few floating cranberries.

Blake’s Hard Cider even shared a “Black Phillip Signature” cocktail recipe: it mixes 5 oz of Black Phillip with 1 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh blood orange juice, and 1 oz cranberry juice. Shaken or stirred with ice and served in a tall glass, this cocktail amplifies Black Phillip’s natural flavors for an extra punch. Whether you follow a recipe or invent your own, don’t be afraid to experiment – Black Phillip’s blend of fruit and spice can complement spirits like vodka, gin, or even bourbon. Just remember to keep the cider as the star of the show, since its flavor is what makes the drink special.

Serving Temperature and Glassware

To get the best from Blake's Cider Black Phillip, pay attention to how you serve it. Proper temperature and glassware can subtly enhance the experience:

Temperature: Black Phillip is best served well-chilled. Aim for fridge temperature (around 38-45°F). The cold brings out the crispness and keeps the sweetness in check, delivering a refreshingly brisk sip. If it’s too warm, the cider might taste flatter and the sweetness could become more pronounced. That said, avoid over-freezing it – an ice-cold cider is great, but you don’t want to dull the flavors completely. A good rule is to chill cans for at least a few hours before serving. If you’re drinking outdoors on a warm day, consider keeping the can cold in a cooler or ice bucket between pours.

Glassware: While drinking straight from the can is perfectly fine (especially around a campfire or at a tailgate), pouring Black Phillip into a glass can elevate the tasting experience. A stemless wine glass or pint glass works nicely. Even better, if you have a tulip-shaped beer glass or a cider goblet, those are designed to concentrate aromas. The moment you pour Black Phillip, you’ll see a foamy head fizz up and then settle quickly (ciders aren’t as carbonated as beers, so expect just a light ring of bubbles). In a glass, you can appreciate the cider’s gorgeous color – a deep golden-rosé tint. Swirl it gently and take a sniff: the aromas of orange peel and cranberry will greet you more clearly than they would from a can. Then sip and enjoy how the flavors unfold on your palate.

One more tip: if your Black Phillip has been sitting for a while (unopened) and you suspect some natural sediment, you can give the can a gentle roll or two upside-down before opening, to mix everything evenly. Just don’t shake it vigorously, for obvious reasons! Ultimately, whether in a fancy glass or a solo cup, what matters is that you’re savoring this cider at a pleasant chill. It’s crafted to be enjoyed casually, so make yourself comfortable and drink it in whatever style makes you happiest.

Where to Buy Blake’s Cider Black Phillip

Ready to get your hands on this elusive brew? Blake's Cider Black Phillip can be found at specialty beverage shops and well-stocked liquor stores, especially during the fall season. Since it’s a popular limited release, it’s wise to check availability early. If you’re in our area (New Hartford, NY), you’re in luck – we carry Black Phillip right here at Seneca Wine & Liquor whenever it’s in stock. You can order it directly from our online shop for pickup or local delivery (for those 21 and over, of course).

Outside of our store, Blake’s Black Phillip is distributed in many states where Blake’s Hard Cider products are sold. Blake’s Hard Cider Co. has a presence in about 30 states now, mostly across the Midwest, East Coast, and beyond. If you’re not near New York, you can use Blake’s “cider finder” tool on their official website to locate retailers that might have Black Phillip. Keep in mind that availability can vary year to year. Some years, Black Phillip might be released in limited quantities or primarily in the mixed Throwback Pack. Other years, it might get a slightly wider solo release. Your best bet is to ask your favorite local bottle shop when they expect Blake’s fall ciders to arrive. And when you do score some Black Phillip, consider grabbing an extra 6-pack – you may not see it again until next autumn, and it’s perfect to share with friends during the spooky season!