It’s a funny thing… I ordered some from a guy in OR who has many interesting varieties, but he cut almost in April, and when they got to me, were leafing out already. I didn’t want to take a chance, so I ordered from the guy at Three Trees Orchard in Fort Collins (formerly owned by Masonville)… the got the sense he’s still learning about fruit trees, versus a well seasoned grower. I then had a horticulturist friend also give me some late cuttings, but by the time I bench grafted, they were also leafing. So, I think I went with the one from Three Trees. According to the owner, the source tree was from Trees of Antiquity.
There’s a big debate about English Golden Russet vs American Golden Russet (Bullock), and what’s actually what. It’s clear as mud. I think EGR is actually from America??? At the end of it, what I took away is that I wanted the one that has syrup sweet fruit with syrup thick juice. Then I read that it might be almost all local orchards are selling this variety, but some think not.
Anyhow, here’s what ToA texted me about their variety.
ToA: “The golden Russet caliber that we carry traces its roots back to upstate NY in the late 1800s, potentially originating from the English Russet variety. On the other hand, the Bullock varietal we offer is the American Golden Russet. Both are distinctive in their own right, offering u Kaye flavors and qualities.”
Me: “Hi, Thanks Neil. The whole ‘Golden Russet’ topic is very confusing. When you say English Russet, do you mean English Golden Russet? Also, is it the syrup sweet fruit with syrup thick juice? The one that I think hard cider folks tend to use”
ToA: “Absolutely! The Golden Russet fruit is very distinct. Great dessert apple and great for hard cider”
Related thread: Will the real Golden Russet please stand up?
What I gather about growing is that GR is late, but usually OK on timing most years here. Can get fireblight, but manageable. Some local cider growers are definitely growing it.