Scarlet Letter acquires Black Apple brand

Scarlet Letter, a Springdale-based craft producer of alcoholic beverages, said Monday (April 6) that it has acquired the intellectual property and brand assets of Springdale-based cidery Black Apple Hard Cider. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Black Apple was founded in Springdale in 2015 and released hard cider flavors such as Hibiscus, Blackberry and Strawberry. The brand has received national and international recognition for its ciders, including multiple gold, double gold, and platinum medals from competitions such as the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition, the Great American Cider Competition and the U.S. Open Cider Championships.

According to a news release, Scarlet Letter plans to relaunch Black Apple across bars, restaurants and retail accounts in the coming months.

“The acquisition marks another step in Scarlet Letter’s strategy to build a scaled, Arkansas-based craft beverage platform capable of supporting and expanding distinctive brands through increased production capacity and broader distribution,” the release shows.

As part of the agreement, Scarlet Letter will produce Black Apple cider through its production network, including its Springdale facility and additional partner facilities as needed to support growth. Scarlet Letter’s facility in Springdale produced more than 24,000 barrels of beverages in 2025.

Black Apple sells about 2,500 to 3,000 barrels annually. Scarlet Letter plans to expand the brand through its production capacity, distribution footprint and retail partnerships in the region. The acquisition will help Scarlet Letter to meet consumer demand in the growing U.S. hard cider category.

“Black Apple built a strong following and a fantastic product,” said Jesse Core, CEO of Scarlet Letter. “Our job now is to scale that success. With our production capabilities and distribution relationships, we believe Black Apple has tremendous opportunity to reach more customers while staying true to what made it special.”

“This partnership keeps Black Apple rooted in Springdale while giving the brand the infrastructure to grow,” said Leo Orpin, co-founder of Black Apple. “Scarlet Letter has the scale, relationships and vision to bring the cider to new audiences across Arkansas.”

Core said two full-time employees joined Scarlet Letter, including a production cider maker and the director of sales from Black Apple. Scarlet Letter has 19 full-time and eight part-time employees.

“As a seventh-generation Arkansan, I care deeply about the people building great businesses in our state,” Core said. “Arkansas has incredible beverage entrepreneurs and brands. When we have the opportunity to support one and help it grow, we’re proud to do it.”

Black Apple closed its downtown Springdale taproom at the end of 2025. Scarlet Letter has no plans for the taproom. Core said the focus is on the distribution of the brand. Scarlet Letter produces a portfolio of beverages, including hard seltzers, hard teas, hard lemonades, craft beer, and other ready-to-drink products, which are distributed throughout Arkansas and neighboring markets.