Angry Orchard, a brand of Boston-based The Boston Beer Co., announced the release of a new year-round specialty hard cider: Walden Hollow. It is the first cider from Angry Orchard to be exclusively made with apple varieties from New York State, including varieties from last year's harvest at the Angry Orchard in New York's Hudson Valley and heirloom apples from other local orchards, the company says.

Last fall, Angry Orchard opened the Angry Orchard Innovation Cider House on a 100-year-old apple orchard in Walden, New York — the namesake for this new cider, it says. The Innovation Cider House serves as a center for research and development where cider makers are putting a twist on traditional ciders and driving innovation by experimenting with new ingredients, processes and techniques, it adds.

"We're extremely proud of Walden Hollow as it's our first cider made with apples from our own backyard," said Ryan Burk, Angry Orchard's head cider maker, in a statement. "The mild tannins and dryness of the cider capture the diversity, complexity and depth of character from the blend of New York State apples. It's cider like Walden Hollow that inspires us to continue to drive innovation and reimagine what American cider can be."

Walden Hollow is fermented for many months, which results in a full flavor and an intense apple aroma due to the high acidity and mild tannins from New York State heirloom apples, the company says. These heirloom varieties include Golden Russet, Newtown Pippin and Northern Spy, all of which have deep ties to the Empire State, including their use in cider dating back hundreds of years, it adds. Walden Hollow will be released annually in the spring. Walden Hollow is 8 percent alcohol by volume and is the fourth style to join the Angry Orchard Cider House Collection of small-batch craft ciders. It will roll out nationwide this month, and is available in 750-ml bottles for a suggested retail price between $14.99 and $17.99.