New year, new season
Our long-awaited cider season will begin on January 14th.
The Txoooootx! is back!
This year, the traditional “txotx” returns. There’s no excuse this year—nothing will stop us from enjoying the beloved apple drink and a delicious menu.
But… what is this “Txoootx!”?
Besides being a full ritual, what is shouted at the opening of cider season or whenever a kupela (the barrel where the cider is stored) is opened, “txotx” also means “stick” in Basque. In the past, cider buyers tasted the cider directly from the kupela. A small hole was made in each barrel to speed up the tasting, and it was then covered with tallow. To reopen the barrels, a metal rod called a ziria was used. Over time, this method evolved, the tallow was removed, and the txotx, or stick, appeared, as it was more convenient and faster for opening and closing the kupelas.
Unforgettable experience
Whether standing or sitting, the atmosphere of a cider house, the mix of smells and flavors, is something you have to experience. From cod omelet to chorizo or steak, and on to cheese with quince paste and walnuts… (this is part of the traditional menu, but there are many other options as well). All of this is always accompanied by a good cider. Being in a cider house means immersing yourself in a little piece of Basque culture. It’s a place where people come ready to laugh and enjoy themselves. Pleasure is guaranteed!
Want to know more about this unique experience? Visit our post “Discover the World of Cider”!
