Orange and red leaves float delicately to the ground. A crisp chill blows in the wind. October boasts the perfect conditions for the Midwest’s favorite autumnal activity: visiting a cider mill.
The State News’ culture reporters visited three cider mills in the area to answer perhaps the most difficult question of all time: Which cider mill reigns supreme?
We took several factors into consideration during our investigation: the cost at each mill, the freshness, flavor, texture and variety of each donut selection. We tasted each gallon of apple cider carefully and bought or picked fresh apples at each location, to which we reviewed the crispness and juiciness. Once we finished our snacks, we considered the available fall-themed activities.
Donuts: 8/10 Phillip’s donuts had a cakey texture, coated generously in sugar with a slight crunch to the outer coating. However, the donuts were incredibly skinny, leaving us slightly unsatisfied by the portion.
Cider: 9/10 There was clearly more than just apples going on here. There was a whole host of holiday spices with notes of cinnamon and clove. It also wasn’t overly sweet.
Apples: 3/10 These apples looked gorgeous – but biting into them was a different story. Under the snappy exterior was a mess of grainy, mushy and mealy madness. They were also the most expensive apples of the bunch.
Environment: 5/10 The location consisted of a small store, a corn field and a few nice trees. There was little seating, except for a few picnic tables and a collection of logs directly next to the highway. The store was kitschy – the overall vibe of the mill is best described as quaint.
Price: 8/10 The price was reasonable. Not a bang for our buck, but it didn’t break the bank.
Overall Score: 6.6/10
Donuts: 6/10 These donuts were cakey but they lacked flavor. We were able to revive them by dipping them in the cider, but on their own, they were bland.
Cider: 6/10 This cider didn’t blow our minds. There was a potent vinegar taste that overpowered the cinnamon-y freshness we expected. It was enjoyable enough but not the best we've had.
Apples: 7/10 The apples tasted better than one you find in a grocery store, but they certainly didn’t exceed the expectations we had for an apple grown on the premises in terms of freshness.
Environment: 10/10 What the mill lacked in flavor, it redeemed in fun. Featuring a mill, corn maze, apple orchard, wine tastings and a large gift shop, Uncle John’s Cider Mill feels like a small municipality. There is something for everyone here – we were able to keep entertained by the acres of gorgeous scenery and various activities for hours. You are also able to watch the cider and donut making process, which amplifies the farm-to-table experience.
Price: 6/10 This mill was a little expensive. It cost us $5 each to explore the corn maze and our total for cider and donuts was a bit higher than we would have liked, considering the quality.
Overall Score: 7/10
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Donuts: 10/10 Warm. Sugary. A variety of flavors to choose from, including pumpkin, apple and buttermilk. At a cakey and crispy equilibrium, these donuts rocked our worlds and did not earn a single complaint.
Cider: 4/10 The cider missed the mark. We simultaneously looked down at our cups with confusion, because the beverage had no taste.
Apples: 10/10 This mill had such a vast array of apple trees that one of our reporters actually managed to get lost. Once he was found, however, we came to the consensus that these were the best apples we ever had and he would have been fine with living off of them had he not made his way back. The apples had a solid crunch and just enough juice. They were small, a perfect portion for snacking.
Environment: 8/10 A sizable gift shop offered a wide array of jams, syrups and knick-knacks. The apple orchard was extensive, with two kinds of apples offered. The mill also built its own adult-sized slide out of corrugated tubes — we took full advantage of that.
Price: 10/10 Here, you’ll find an experience similar to Uncle John’s at a cost students can love. The corn maze was free. For just $10, we received a large tote bag to fill with U-pick apples – we were able to collect several pounds. The donuts and cider were unbelievably inexpensive, despite the quality.
Overall Score: 8.4/10
To be clear, we had a blast at every cider mill that we visited. We do, however, hope our comprehensive review allows you to visit the cider mill that best offers what kind of experience you are seeking.
Happy autumn, from culture desk to you!
