Apple Tales with Darlene Hayes My first deep dive into apple history came in 2017. I’d been asked to be part of an evening focused on the Golden Russet, which would include some history, a chance to sample fresh fruit from various orchards across the country, and...
Making alcohol without alcohol sounds like the beginning of a Saturday Night Live skit. And until recently, that’s how it was treated by cidermakers, brewers, winemakers and distillers. But times have changed. Pregnant women, teetotalers and occasional abstainers...
Founded in 2017, Berryland is an award-winning Ukrainian cidery, fruit winery and meadery located near Kyiv. In March Berryland was bombed beyond recognition by Russian troops. Berryland's owner and cidermaker, Vitalli, is committed to rebuilding. To support...
I have heard on more than one occasion cidermakers speak of two different kinds of cider: those that pay the bills and those that they love to make. It seems especially true at cideries of medium to larger size, where economic and market realities must sometimes...
Cidermakers are beginning to feel the effects of climate change, but it seems the worst repercussions for apple growers (and cider drinkers) are just over the horizon. A case study conducted by the USDA and Wisconsin-based orchard and cidery, Brix Cider Farm,...
With cider gaining so much popularity in recent years, finding a great glass to enjoy has become that much easier. And while there are plenty of styles and options to explore, diehard cider enthusiasts may want to take their love for cider even further. Making your...
I recently visited a brewer friend at his brewpub for drinks. While chatting about current events, a somewhat wobbly patron approached our table to tell us (or my friend, rather): “I wish I had your job. Mine is so boring. I wish I could just sit around all day and...
When it comes to hops, more often than not, you’ll find them in beer. Hops are small, green seed cones that are introduced during the brewing process to provide flavor, create balance through bittering, and to add stability to the brew. But hops aren’t just...
Many ciders have a reputation for being bright, balanced with great acidity and super fruity. But that’s not all cider can do. Many cidermakers are taking cider to a whole new level with the introduction of wood. By aging cider in a barrel, it can be completely...
What’s in a name? According to David Schuemann, author of 99 Bottles of Wine, “naming and branding can be a powerful combination when developed correctly. Together they form the vision and the essence of your brand, communicate the benefit of your product, and...
