Cider Chat 311: Saving Bears by Making Cider | Farmstead Cider, WY
Ian McGregor who cofounded Farmstead Cider with Orion Bellorado holds the title of being both the first commercial cidery in the state of Wyoming and as of this episode published in 2022 remain the sole cidery in the state. These enterprising makers source their apples from residential homes in the area which have an abundance of crab apples that were planted for homeowners. They are currently planting an orchard, but most of the apples today are sourced from homeowners.
Ian McGregor enjoying a cider post harvest
Saving Nuisance Bears by Making CiderA grant helped to fund their task of removing apples from as many local properties, as possible. The homeowners were happily to have the apples harvested which helped to reduce the number of bear/human conflicts in the area. Farmstead Cider ferments these high-altitude crab apples in a lovely assortment of cider, which by the way are fermented with the wild/ambient yeast.
Farmstead ApplesThe apples are tart, tannic, sweet, and delicious, and they help our ciders stand out. We can credit the bears for their individuality. We now pick apples all over Jackson Hole, assisting in the conservation of animals and apple trees while producing small-batch hard ciders that represent our unique surroundings!
Bear 399Local Bear 399 is a favored grizzly who most recently had 4 cubs and is one of the key bears who specifically encouraged the community to work with Farmstead Cider. What bear loving person wouldn't want to save Bear 399!
Grizzly "Bear 399" & her cubs pulling off the choice crab apples[/caption]
Wild Ferments with no Sulfites
Farmstead ferments all the ciders with only the wild yeast. They found that even with the temps go way down the cider continues to bubble along.
- Expect low acidity and high brix
- Made with primarily bittersweet crabs
- The tannins are pronounced and well balanced
Unique Apples Names and Terroir
Because most of the apple trees are unidentified the trees and their fruit are given unique names such as Highschool Purple, Rafter Jay or Red Canyon Nan. Since the trees are named after a specific tree in a specific area everyone knows where the harvest will be that day and it designates a specific terroir for that site.
Contact for Farmstead Cider
Website: https://farmsteadwyo.com/
Order online: https://farmsteadwyo.com/bottle-shop
Address: 4125 Pub Place Suite #4 Jackson, WY 83001
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