About Noble Cider: The cider is described as being infused with "loads of spice aromas—cinnamon, cardamom, cloves & anise." It is made with freshly brewed AppalaChai! tea and has a semi-sweet taste with an astringent, tea-like finish. It is 6.4% ABV.
The NC Wine Competition: The annual NC Wine Competition recognizes excellence in ciders, wines, and meads produced across North Carolina.
Entries are blind-tasted by a panel of judges.
To be eligible for the competition, at least 75% of the fruit used in the product must be grown in North Carolina.
Other Noble Cider Awards: In addition to the top honor for Spice Merchant, the Asheville-based cidery also earned six silver medals in the 2025 competition for other ciders, including:
Royal Peach
Village Tart
English
French
American Heirloom
Black & Gold
WNCTimes
Image: Noble Cider social media