Blake's Cider Black Phillip – Dark Magic in Every Delicious Sip

Updated → August 2025

Blake's Cider Black Phillip blends Michigan apples with cranberries and blood orange, creating an award-winning semi-sweet hard cider inspired by horror cinema. This 4.5% ABV seasonal favorite delivers sophisticated flavor complexity perfect for autumn nights.

What Makes Black Phillip Special

Blake's Cider Black Phillip stands apart in the crowded hard cider market through its unique combination of traditional Michigan apple cider craftsmanship and innovative flavor infusion. This semi-sweet creation masterfully balances the tartness of cranberries with the sophisticated citrus notes of blood orange, resulting in a beverage that transcends typical seasonal offerings.

Unlike many commercial ciders that rely on concentrate or artificial flavoring, Blake's Cider Black Phillip uses 100% fresh-pressed Michigan apples as its foundation. This commitment to quality creates a fuller, more authentic apple character that serves as the perfect canvas for the added fruit flavors. The result is a harmonious blend where each element complements rather than overpowers the others.

The Horror Cinema Connection

The name "Black Phillip" draws inspiration from the 2015 horror masterpiece "The Witch," directed by Robert Eggers. In the film, Black Phillip appears as a menacing black goat who serves as the mortal incarnation of Satan, tormenting a Puritan family in 1630s New England. This dark cultural reference adds an element of intrigue and gothic sophistication to the cider's branding.

The connection between the cider and its namesake extends beyond mere marketing. The cranberries used in Blake's Cider Black Phillip pay homage to New England's agricultural heritage, while the blood orange adds a dramatic crimson touch that echoes the film's dark themes. The tagline "Would you like to live deliciously?" directly quotes the movie's most memorable line, inviting drinkers to indulge in earthly pleasures.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

Professional tasters and cider enthusiasts consistently note the sophisticated balance achieved in Blake's Cider Black Phillip. The initial taste reveals bright blood orange notes that immediately capture attention without overwhelming the palate. This citrus forward approach provides a refreshing entry that distinguishes it from traditional apple-only ciders.

As the cider develops on the palate, the cranberry emerges to provide crucial balance. Rather than contributing excessive tartness, the cranberry adds depth and complexity while maintaining the cider's approachable semi-sweet character. Underlying these fruit additions, the apple base provides a woody, slightly rustic foundation that grounds the entire flavor experience. The finish is surprisingly gentle, with medium acidity, low tannins, and a restrained carbonation level that makes it exceptionally drinkable.

Blake's Orchard Heritage

Blake's Hard Cider Company brings nearly seven decades of apple growing expertise to every bottle and can they produce. Their Armada, Michigan orchard spans impressive acreage with over 45,000 apple trees cultivating 42 distinct apple varieties. This agricultural diversity allows Blake's master cider makers to blend different apple characteristics to achieve optimal flavor profiles in products like Blake's Cider Black Phillip.

The company's commitment to innovation while respecting tradition has positioned them as leaders in American craft cider production. Their portfolio of 19 unique hard ciders demonstrates their willingness to push boundaries while maintaining quality standards. This experimental spirit perfectly embodies the ethos behind Blake's Cider Black Phillip, which takes traditional cider making into bold new territory.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

The complex flavor profile of Blake's Cider Black Phillip makes it an versatile companion for various culinary experiences. Its cranberry notes naturally complement traditional autumn fare, making it an excellent choice alongside roasted turkey, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or maple-glazed root vegetables. The blood orange brightness cuts through rich, fatty dishes while the apple base provides familiar comfort.

For cheese pairings, consider aged cheddars whose sharpness plays beautifully against the cider's semi-sweet character. Creamy brie or camembert also work wonderfully, with the cider's acidity cleansing the palate between bites. Dessert pairings shine with apple-based treats, dark chocolate, or cranberry-studded baked goods that echo the cider's fruit components.

Seasonal Availability & Timing

As part of Blake's seasonal lineup, Blake's Cider Black Phillip typically appears in late summer and remains available through the winter months. This timing aligns perfectly with its flavor profile, as the cranberry and blood orange notes feel most appropriate during cooler weather. Smart shoppers stock up early in the season to ensure availability for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations.

The seasonal nature adds to the cider's appeal, creating anticipation among fans who eagerly await its annual return. Distribution can vary by region, so checking with local retailers like Seneca Wine and Liquor ensures you won't miss out when Blake's Cider Black Phillip arrives on shelves.

Cider Comparison Guide

Serving Temperature Tips

To fully appreciate the nuanced flavors in Blake's Cider Black Phillip, proper serving temperature is essential. Ideal serving temperature ranges between 38-45°F (3-7°C), slightly warmer than typical beer service. This temperature range allows the blood orange aromatics to express themselves while maintaining refreshing drinkability.

Avoid serving the cider ice-cold, as excessive chilling mutes the subtle interplay between cranberry tartness and apple sweetness. If serving outdoors during autumn gatherings, removing Blake's Cider Black Phillip from refrigeration 10-15 minutes before serving allows it to reach optimal temperature naturally.

Cocktail Recipe Ideas

While Blake's Cider Black Phillip shines on its own, creative mixologists have discovered its potential in craft cocktails. The "Wicked Harvest" combines 4 oz of the cider with 1.5 oz spiced rum and a splash of ginger liqueur, garnished with crystallized ginger and a blood orange wheel. This warming cocktail amplifies the cider's autumn character while adding complexity.

For a lighter option, the "Crimson Fizz" mixes equal parts Blake's Cider Black Phillip and prosecco with a dash of cranberry bitters. Serve in champagne flutes with fresh cranberries for an elegant holiday aperitif. The cider's existing fruit flavors eliminate the need for additional mixers, keeping cocktails clean and balanced.

Michigan Apple Varieties Used

The specific apple blend in Blake's Cider Black Phillip likely includes several of the 42 varieties grown in Blake's orchards. Michigan's climate produces apples with excellent acid-sugar balance, crucial for quality cider production. Varieties like Northern Spy contribute tartness and structure, while Gala or Fuji might add natural sweetness.

Heirloom varieties possibly included in the blend bring unique flavor compounds not found in commercial eating apples. These traditional cider apples contribute tannins, complexity, and the subtle woody notes detected by experienced tasters. Blake's expertise in blending these diverse apple types creates the consistent quality found in every batch of Blake's Cider Black Phillip.

Production Process Insights

The production of Blake's Cider Black Phillip begins with fresh apple pressing at the peak of harvest season. Unlike mass-produced ciders using concentrate, Blake's commitment to fresh fruit ensures maximum flavor retention. The apple juice undergoes careful fermentation under controlled temperatures to preserve delicate fruit aromatics.

The cranberry and blood orange additions require precise timing and proportioning to achieve the signature flavor balance. These fruits are likely added post-fermentation to maintain their bright, fresh character. The final blending process demands expertise to ensure consistency across batches while allowing subtle seasonal variations that add interest for returning customers.

Awards & Recognition

Blake's Cider Black Phillip has earned recognition as an award-winning cider, though specific competition details vary by year. The cider community has embraced its innovative approach to fruit cider, with ratings averaging 3.5-3.6 out of 5 on major cider rating platforms. This solid performance reflects its broad appeal to both casual drinkers and cider enthusiasts.

Professional reviews consistently praise the cider's balance and drinkability. Reviewers note that while many fruit ciders become cloying or artificial-tasting, Blake's Cider Black Phillip maintains sophistication and restraint. This critical acclaim has helped establish it as a must-try seasonal release in the American craft cider scene.

Where to Buy Locally

Seneca Wine and Liquor proudly stocks Blake's Cider Black Phillip during its seasonal availability. Located at 8630 Seneca Turnpike in New Hartford, NY, the store offers convenient access for Central New York cider enthusiasts. Their knowledgeable staff can provide serving suggestions and help you explore Blake's full cider lineup.

Beyond individual 12oz cans, check availability of multi-packs for entertaining or stocking your home bar. Seneca Wine and Liquor's current promotion of 20% off wine cases through September 2025 demonstrates their commitment to value, and similar deals may apply to cider purchases. Call ahead at (315) 724-8672 to confirm current stock levels of this popular seasonal item.

Storage Recommendations

Proper storage ensures Blake's Cider Black Phillip maintains peak quality from purchase to consumption. Store unopened cans in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Ideal storage temperature mirrors serving temperature at 38-45°F, making refrigerator storage optimal for maintaining freshness.

While cider generally has good shelf stability, the fruit additions in Blake's Cider Black Phillip may fade over extended storage. For best quality, consume within 6-12 months of purchase. Check can dates and rotate stock if buying multiple units. Once opened, the cider should be consumed promptly as carbonation dissipates quickly.