The Big Apple is celebrating its namesake cider celebration this week, kicking off (unofficially) on Thursday, Nov. 1, and officially on Friday, Nov. 2. Jenn Smith, executive director of the New York Cider Association, highlights a few events that shouldn’t be missed at the 2018 Cider Week New York.
These “events frame cider as part of a vibrant culinary culture that recognizes the contributions cider makes beyond what’s in any individual drinker’s glass but is part of the experience of pleasures of the table,” Smith says.
Craft Beverage Law Training & New York Cider Tasting | November 1
It’s one thing to say you want to get into the cidermaking scene, it’s quite another to actually do it. If you’ve decided to take the dive then you’ll probably want to know the legality of the business.
“There are a lot of people who are aspirational about getting into the craft beverage business,” Smith adds. “This is a very affordable opportunity to speak with experts and get the sort of formal, legal perspective.”
Co-Ferment: Blending Perceptions of Cider, Wine & Beer | November 5
Learn about the intersection of cider, wine and beer at this event all while sampling tastes of the three. A panel of experts will talk about the similarities between the three forms of drinks and how they’re made, farmed and the culture surrounding them. If you aren’t a fan of one of them you’ll at least leave with an appreciation for all three.
“The co-ferment event, in particular, helps identify the commonalities between cider and other fermented beverages in a way that’s interesting and intelligent and is going to feature some really great thinkers and makers,” Smith says.
Certified Cider Professional Level 1 Class | November 6
Yes, you drink cider but can you call yourself a certified cider professional? Get all the knowledge you need to pass the United States Association of Cider Makers’ level one certification. This workshop will go over the six sections of the test and includes a flight for tasting and illustrating concepts. Whether you end up taking the test or not is up to you but you’ll leave knowing that much more about your favorite drink.
State of the Cider Industry Live Broadcast | November 6
It doesn’t get much more hipster than this: a live podcast about cider, broadcast from inside two shipping containers located in the backyard of a pizza shop in Brooklyn. Heritage Radio Network is all about food and drink so in honor of NYC’s cider week they’re dedicating two hours to the topic of cider. Hosted by Jimmy Carbone of the show Beer Sessions, the show will feature special in-studio guests and call-ins.
Lower East Cider Fest | November 8
Smith warns that this fest is all sold out and for good reason too — Essex Street Market is being taken over by over 30 different New York-based producers. “We’ll have more New York cidermakers than any previous event,” she adds. “If people want to sign up for our mailing list they’ll be alerted if more tickets go on sale or will get first dibs on tickets next time around.”
