C Squared Ciders, an independent craft cidery, released Cousteau, the first cider in its high-end, barrel-aged Sailor Series. Cousteau is a French-American hybrid cider made with Newtown Pippin and French Bittersweet apples. A mixed culture fermentation, including wild yeast strains, was slowly fermented and aged in American and French oak for more than seven months, the company says. A limited release, Cousteau is crisp, tart and dry from the bittersweet apples, with aromas of stone fruit and a hint of toasted oak. A single 500-ml bottle of Cousteau has a suggested retail price of $10.99 at select retailers in Colorado and Minnesota.

C Squared Ciders, Denver
Telephone: 720/437-1428
Internet: www.csquaredciders.com
Distribution: Select markets