a harsh winter in 1934 wiped out many of the baldwin apple orchards in new england. its popularity as an eating apple waned, but some orchards were preserved for many years due to its desirability as a mixing apple for cider. however, the orchards have not been replaced when they played out. baldwin apples, unlike many apples, have long been prized for the making of hard cider. "west county cider" makes baldwin cider from trees planted in the early 1900s. it is their most popular cider.