Cider Chat

A Toast to Perry and Place Enjoy an intimate recording from the 2025 Totally Cider Tour_UK Edition. This unforgettable evening featured James Forbes of Little Pomona, leading guests through a cider dinner pairing in the Malvern Hills located on the border of Herefordshire and Worcestershire in England. James presents both a welcome Perry, Ciders and a very special aperitif. We beging with Brut Rosé Perry, crafted from perry pears co-fermented with local damsons. James shared how whole damsons are fermented via carbonic maceration to extract their rich color and flavor before being pressed with early season pears. The result: a radiant sparkling Perry with deep fruit notes and remarkable finesse. “We actually ferment the damsons whole in CO₂ and then co-press them with the first pears. It gives a whole new layer of aroma and flavor.” — James Forbes A Cider for the Table Next up was a single varietal Stoke Red cider, a rarity from Little Pomona’s usual blends. James described it as a “fully fermented” cider that is balanced and dry yet vibrant, with a whisper of natural sweetness from the Rural Method. This approach captures the cider before all sugars ferment out, creating harmony between acidity and fruit. Check out Wilding Episode with Sam Leach on the Rural Method “Stoke Red is one of my top three apples. In a less ripe vintage, that touch of sugar brings perfect balance.” Select Cider Apples Dinner continued with Egremont Russet, a still cider with a light sparkle. The russet’s golden skin and nutty depth create an almost wine-like cider. Notes of pineapple, anise, and honey appeared with each sip, echoing the richness of the food and the rustic charm of the evening. “FOMO” Caps the Night Dessert brought out a treasure: Little Pomona’s “FOMO”—a playful nod to France’s Pommeau. Only 192 bottles were made, combining distillate from Bramley apples and Kingston Black juice aged in chestnut barrels. It lent a sweet, amber nectar with layers of floral and plum notes, it was the perfect close to the evening. James Forbes with FOMO “We called it FOMO—a faux Pommeau—because you don’t want to miss out on this one.” The Spirit of the Malvern Hills The evening concluded with words from Deborah Fox CEO of the Malvern Hills Trust, who shared the rich history and heritage of this cherished landscape—home to ancient Perry pears, cider orchards, and centuries of cultivation. Ria Windcaller and Deborah Fox “We keep the hills unbuilt, un-encroached upon, and un-urbanized. …The Perry pear and cider have always been part of this land’s story.” Deborah Fox Contact info for Little Pomona Website: https://littlepomona.com Past episodes featuring Little Pomona 126: Little Pomona’s Big Ciders! | Herefordshire, UK 181: The Cider Insider | 100 Craft Ciders to Drink Now 460: James Forbes on Little Pomona’s Ciders & Legacy Contact info for Malvern Hills Trust Website: https://www.malvernhills.org.uk Mentions in this Cider Chat Vermont’s 1000 Stone Farm – Farmers Hand Kitchen cider to watch for in 2026 Chapeau Bruin 465: The Integrated Table: Cider, Food, and Farming at 1000 Stone Farm Cider Chat Patreon 392: Bent Ladder Estate Ciders & Wine | Ohio Totally Cider Tours – France and UK

Newton Court Cider began as a 30-acre farm selling apples to Bulmers. When the market changed, Paul Stephens turned those same orchards into a modern day cider business. Front view of Newton Court’s restaurant and visitor centre in Herefordshire, surrounded by orchards and outdoor seating. His early inspiration came from Brian Shanks, the co-founder of Bold Rock Cider in Virginia. Though Bold Rock produces cider on a large, industrial scale, it was Brian’s perspective as a New Zealander who admired Herefordshire’s rich cider apple heritage that sparked Paul’s drive to build something lasting at home. Today, the recently built out Newton Court tasting room/restaurant is booming showing that tourist and locals alike are thirsty for a full service destination. Cider Making at Newton Court It was noted by Paul that his parents open-minded approach helped the farm transistion into the cider destination that it is today. In additon, a recent collaboration with River Cottage led to the award-winning Elderflower Cider, proving that tradition and creativity can thrive together. Newton Court remains deeply rooted in sustainable farming and regional pride, helping to preserve the orchards and cider heritage of Herefordshire for future generations. Contact Info for Newton Court Website: https://www.newtoncourtcider.com Totally Cider Tours Showering – Shepton Mallet Mill horizontal tanks for cider

In October 2024, Cider Chat MC Ria Windcaller recorded with Tom Vowles of Hedger Cider and Ben Crossman in Somerset. Initially, the two recordings felt like separate brand stories. Then, nearly a year later to the day as the produciton of this audio began and the transcript peeled away a story of entwined history came to light and a shared connection: Coates Cider of Nailsea. Tom Vowles Suddenly a light bulb was illuminated! The Coates Cider Company was at the helm of the story and here at Cider Chat Central we saw the weaving in of the story behind both Nick Showering and Bob Cork episode on Triple Vintage! The story of cider is entwined in surprising ways and make perfect sense! Remembering Tom Vowles Tom walked Ria about his production room which showcased a massive rack and cloth press – that originally came from Coates: “It’s a big old press, isn’t it? Came out of Coates originally. We’ve put a lot into getting it running again, and it does the job.” – Tom Vowles At the time of this recording Hedgers Cider had been opened for just 14 months and during that time had become a go-to place for cider fans. The fact that it is located 5 minutes from the Bristol Airport and along a major artery from Weston super-Mare to Bristol also helps. What we didn’t expect was Tom unexpectedly passing away in June of 2025. At the time of this broadcast in fall of 2025, his wife Jo and their son David is now carrying Hedgers forward. Ben Crossman’s Cider and Family History Ben’s story reaches back to the 1930s, when his grandfather made cider alongside Redvers Coate. They even at one time considered a partnership. Ben Crossman Tradition: Wild ferments, bittersweet varieties Continuity: Keeping cider alive through tough decades Parallel: A family path entwined with Coates’ rise “It’s funny, isn’t it? The Coates family were massive, and yet they’re not here anymore. But we’re still making cider.” – Ben Crossman Sidebar: Coates & Triple Vintage Founded 1925 by Redvers Coate in Nailsea Wartime boost: rationing and zoning expanded markets 1951 premium launch: Triple Vintage and Festival Vat 1956 takeover: Showerings doubled production Modern link: Showerings’ Triple Vintage continues the name – launched in 2023 Reflection: Cider’s Market Identity Cider was the choice drink for many and Perry once rivaled champagne and held prestige in Parliament. Today, the challenge is reclaiming value without losing openness. Like vinyl records and artisan bread, cider’s comeback requires: Consistency of quality — season after season Audience engagement — beyond cider circles, into wine, food, and tourism Authenticity without snobbery — refined yet welcoming Contact info for Hedgers and Crossman's Hedger Cider: https://www.hedgercider.co.uk Crossman’s Cider: https://www.crossmanscider.co.uk Mentions in this Cider Chat Totally Cider Tours Absolem Cider Apple Pie Bake Off – October 4, 2025 – judging starts at 4pm Kanga Cider

UK Cider Tour 2025 Audio Snap Shots Wallace and Ria in Bristol In this Episode 469 of Cider Chat, we brings listeners inside the UK Totally Cider Tour 2025 through the voices of the guests who joined. From Somerset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, to Wales guests on this tour discovered not just cider and perry, but also community, history, and inspiration. First Impressions and Highlights Many guests shared that they signed up to experience places they couldn’t access on their own. From the scale of Showering’s Cider Mill, the second largest in the country to the intimate welcome at Oliver’s, the contrast certainly left a deep impression. The discovery of Perry was a recurring theme. From Ohio travelers Chris and Megan who tasted their very first Perry on the tour, while Rodney from Virginia declared he’d be grafting Perry scions at home. Personal Connections Group Selfie with Sam Leach of Wilding Cider For repeat travelers like Debbie and Bryce from California, the tour reaffirmed how relationships with makers enrich the experience: “ They treat us like friends, not tourists.” Ancha from Hungary spoke of the joy of hiking the Malvern Hills in the rain and celebrating with fellow cider lovers. Rachel and Mary of Kanga Cider in Texas noted the value of orchard insights for their own plantings back home, while Thomas from Australia praised the tour for covering the full spectrum of producers—from industrial to artisanal. Learning and Inspiration Guests emphasized that tasting ciders in their native terroir cannot be replaced by books or certifications. Dan from Spacetime Mead and Cider Works in Dunmore Pennsylvania highlighted how only by being in Herefordshire or Somerset can one grasp the range of English cider styles. Susan and Tom of Heeman’s Cellars in Ontario pointed out how the pacing of the tour allowed real reflection—something missing from busier farm tours. The Takeaway Whether first-timers or repeat guests, everyone agreed: the Totally Cider Tour offers access, education, and camaraderie that can’t be replicated alone. As David of Oregon said it best, “It wasn’t really about the cider—it was about the people.” Contact info for Totally Cider Tours Website page: https://ciderchat.com/totally-cider-tours/ For details on upcoming cider journeys and to join the waitlist, send an email to info@ciderchat.com and write in the heading Totally Cider Tours. Let us know how many are in your party Destinations you would like to visit Mentions in this Cider Chat Episode 469 425: Babycham to Triple Vintage – The Showering’s Cider Legacy 450th Roger Wilkins – The Cider King 444: Worleys and Honey’s: Somerset’s Cider Makers 441: Wilding Cider and the Rural Method | Somerset, UK 454: Wild Ferment Meets Fine Cider: Inside Oliver’s Barrel Room 460: James Forbes on Little Pomona’s Ciders & Legacy 432: Ancha Gergely’s Abaliget Garden Projects | Hungarian Cider Maker

Cider Maker and Founder Lee Van DeWater of Pierrepont Cider shares his story in this episode on how he is forages apples to share a taste of terroir from New York’s North Country. Lee Van DeWater Foraging Apples for Cider - Sustainable? Lee’s cider journey started with childhood memories of sweet cider and apple trees planted by his great-grandfather. But it wasn’t until he worked in Montana—buying wine for a co-op that he connected cider and apples through fermentation. Western Cider of Montana help Lee get that spark/idea of a cider life, and the seed was planted. Pierrepont cider is a one-man operation, sourcing apples exclusively within the Little River Watershed. Many of the trees Lee uses are wild seedlings, unknown varieties that thrive in New York’s tough climate. He honors the trees, the land, and water, seeing cider as a reciprocal act of love for place. Low-Intervention, High-Expression Lee is self-taught and intentionally minimalist. His ciders are: Wild-fermented Unfiltered Unsulfited Aged in stainless and neutral oak barrels Some of the most memorable ciders come from single trees. Others are blends of just a few wild apples growing together. He tracks everything via GPS and harvests with the patience and perspective of a forager. “The tree that holds its fruit until the first snow, that’s climate-controlled storage,” Lee laughs. Micro Batches, Big Intention What’s available? 2024 Pet-Nat: lemony, spritzy, bright Brighter Later: a single-tree cider still in label design Orbed Road: a terroir-based expression of elevation Maple Sap Ciderkin: rehydrated pomace with local maple sap, sparkling and experimental Each bottle comes with its own story. You might not find hundreds of cases, but you’ll find care, balance, and quiet brilliance. Contact Info for Pierrepont Cider Website: https://www.pierrepontcider.com Mentions in this Cider Chat Vermont & New York Cider Road Trip Series Part 1- 464: Czech Cider: From Roadside Apples to Cellar Ferments Part 2 -465: The Integrated Table: Cider, Food, and Farming at 1000 Stone Farm Part 3 - 466: Growing Cold-Hardy Trees at Saint Lawrence Nursery | NY Part 4 - 467: Canton Apples and Frosty Twig: New York Cider Makers Unite Totally Cider Tour_UK Edition 2025 Sign up for the "early-to-know" wait list for upcoming 2026 Totally Cider Tours CiderCon 2026 - Providence, Rhode Island February 2-5.

How Canton Apples and Frosty Twig Fused Two Brands into One In New York’s “North of Upstate” region, in the town of Canton is the Canton Apples production building. It is now also home of a partnership shaping the local cider scene. Owner Joel Howie and cider maker Dan Gallagher live just a mile apart, and their skills mesh perfectly. Joel brings over a decade of experience growing apples, pressing sweet cider, and creating value-added products. Dan, a passionate fermenter, was ready to move beyond hobby scale when the two connected. Two Brands, One Vision Under Canton Apples & Cider, LLC, two product lines take shape: Canton Apples – approachable, consistent ciders for everyday enjoyment. Joel Howie Frosty Twig – small-batch, specialty ciders showcasing unique apples, fruits, and wild fermentation. Dan Gallagher Production takes place in a purpose-built facility designed for growth, with future plans for a taproom overlooking the orchard. Orchard Practices & Apple Diversity Between their combined orchards, Joel and Dan care for over 250 apple varieties — many planted by Bill McKentley of St. Lawrence Nurseries. These heritage and cold-hardy apples thrive in Zone 4, and every apple grown is put to use. When supplies run short, apples are sourced from other New York regions. Cider Making Approach Ciders range from wild-fermented pet-nats to cultured yeast ferments for consistency. Specialty ciders include Turkey Tree Wild Berry Pear cider Most ciders age 9–10 months before release, allowing flavors to develop naturally. Canton Apples cider and Frosty Twig Cider series Contact info for Canton Apples Website: https://cantonapples.com Mentions in this Cider Chat Totally Cider Tour_UK Edition 2025 Sign up for the “early-to-know” wait list for upcoming 2026 Totally Cider Tours Let us know how many in your party Vermont and New York Cider Road Trip series Part 1- 464: Czech Cider: From Roadside Apples to Cellar Ferments Part 2 –465: The Integrated Table: Cider, Food, and Farming at 1000 Stone Farm Part 3 – 466: Growing Cold-Hardy Trees at Saint Lawrence Nursery | NY

A Century of Cold-Hardy Trees Saint Lawrence Nursery in Potsdam, NY, has been helping cold-climate growers find success since the 1920s. Originally founded by Fred Ashworth and later expanded by Bill MacKentley, the nursery is now stewarded by Connor and Allyssa Hardiman, the third generation in a nonfamilial succession. What Sets Saint Lawrence Nursery Apart Cold-Hardy Genetics Over 250 apple varieties Trialed at temperatures as low as -34°F Trees that thrive from Alaska to Michigan Only Standard Rootstock Seedling Antonovka (apples) and Baccata (crabs) for resilience and longevity Trees that can live 100+ years More Than Apples Black walnuts, butternuts, hazelnuts, and berry bushes Custom grafting for heirloom preservation Regionally adapted selections from partnerships and testing plots Passing the Torch of Generational Wisdom and Branding The nursery was handed down without a sale. It was gifted by Bill to Connor in a rare act of agricultural generosity. The plan is to do the same one day. “Love is what makes the world go ’round,” Bill often says, and it’s embedded in every tree tag and planting guide. Cold Hardy Trees For Orchardists and Backyard Growers Most customers are small-scale planters or long-time loyalists. Whether you want just one tree to honor a grandparent or 100 cider apples for a startup orchard, Connor and Allyssa are here to help—with personal attention, a rich planting guide, and an option to let them choose the right tree for you. Contact Info for Saint Lawrence Nursery Website: https://www.slngrow.com/ Mentions in this Cider Chat Listen to Bill MacKentley’s speach at New York Apple Camp 2023 391: Test Winters & Climate w/Saint Lawrence Nurseries (NY) Founder Totally Cider Tours Patrick McCauley Episode Feature – 302 Washtenaw County Cider Mille 1841- Today Topsoil Magazine

From Farm to Glass: Cider at 1000 Stone Farm At 1000 Stone Farm in Brookfield, Vermont, Kyle Doda and Betsy Simpson have built a dynamic model that unites organic farming, community-supported agriculture, small-batch cider. First came the farm and then over ten years, the couple expanded their offerings to include fruit trees, livestock, mushrooms, and now a seasonal restaurant and tasting room: The Farmers Hand Cider House & Kitchen. Besty is the Chef and a graduate of the Culinary Institue of Arts in New York. Besty Simpson and Kyle Doda The Orchard & Philosophy Situated between 1,400–1,700 feet in elevation, the farm grows: Over 60 varieties of apples Plums, peaches, cherries, and Perry Pears Herbs interplanted with vegetables and orchard rows Livestock including lamb, pork, beef, and poultry And there is a dedicate grow space for a mushroom buisness Fruit is fermented on-site with minimal sulfites, both neutral and spirit oak barrels, and some filtered fresh juice for back-sweetening. The cidery prioritizes clean expressions of fruit and soil. Ciders Tasted During this Recording Volume One – Off-dry, barrel-aged, lightly back-sweetened Volume Two – Dry blend with Winesap, Kingston Black, Northern Spy Volume Three – Porter’s Perfection and Ashmead’s Kernel Tomcat – Gin barrel-aged cider, 10% ABV Graf – A farmhouse cider-beer hybrid aged in oak Gathering at The Farmers Hand Open seasonally, The Farmers Hand Cider House & Kitchen features hyperlocal meals built around the farm’s own produce and meats. The space invites locals and visitors to connect over cider, community, and shared tables. There is seating at the bar and also outside on a brand new patio for the 2025 season. Contact Info for 1000 Stone Farm and The Farmers Hand Cider House & Kitchen Website: https://www.1000stonefarm.com Farm Store: Open daily, 8am–8pm (self-serve) The Farmers Hand: Seasonal hours; check website or Instagram for updates June through December Fridays 1-8pm & Saturdays 1-8pm Location: Brookfield, Vermont What is 1000 Stone Farm? What is The Farmers Hand Cider House & Kitchen? Can I visit the farm or tasting room? What kinds of cider are made at the farm? Who makes the food and cider? Mentions in this Cider Chat Totally Cider Tours UK_Edition 2025 Wolfkin Cider, Seattle Cider 375: Cider’s Low Carbon Footprint | Wildbranch Cider, Vermont – Cedar Hannan

A conversation with Czech Cider Fan Dan Samek This episode brings us to the heart of Europe by way of Vermont. Ria sat down with Dan Samek, a cider enthusiast and home distiller from Prague, to talk about the evolving cider scene in the Czech Republic. They met at Kilowatt Park which is on the west side of the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. Dan Samek This was the first stop on the Cider Tour to Vermont and New York in May 2025. In this Cider Chat featuring Czech Cider 1. A Fruitful History The Czech Republic is rich with apples, pears, plums, and cherries and exports a lot of fruit. For centuries, fruit trees lined roads to feed traveling soldiers. This is a legacy left from the  Barak times, in the 18th century 2. Cider by Way of Calvados Dan journey to cider started while he was working at a French winery He has an affection for Calvados and thus made cider to distill. His process blends natural fermentation and dry yeast (He favors the yeast known as 72B). The apples come from old trees in his one-acre garden-orchard near Prague. 3. Small Scene, Big Potential Early cider makers in the Cech Republic began around 2007. Prague had a cider shop (InCider) and a cider bar, but today you can find cider at most bars. Cidrerie Kliment and Utopia are two standout producers—Utopia leans all natural. 4. Enthusiasts Leading the Way Many Czech homes still have fruit trees. Backyard fermenters use presses ranging from barrel-style to hydraulic. Gardening clubs and university programs help spread knowledge. 5. Beyond Apples Dan grows quince and medlars and has a Sorbus domestica tree in his orchard. Morovia which is to the north of Prague has a Sorubus Domestic museum. There’s a growing appreciation for traditional and lesser-known fruits in fermentation. Mentions in this Cider Chat Czech Cider Data Base https://databazecideru.online/dejv/ Natalia who write the Cider Explorers blog post on Czech Cider and Prague Cider Fest  https://ciderexplorer.wordpress.com/2017/07/17/where-to-drinkbuy-cider-in-prague/ Prague Cider Festival – Slavnost Cideru to be held June 12–14, 2026 Art + Science Concerts and Campouts start July 5th | Oregon De Groote Wei Cider Fest – August 16, 2025 | Netherlands The Flower Expo Paper Crane Cannabis – Boey Bertold  organic and regenerative family-owned farm Totally Cider Tour UK_Edition 20225 Related  

Eric Depradine of Zydeco Meadery crafts mead with Heart, Honey, and Heritage As securing permission, Eric was able to start his fermentation journey in high school with a science project using cane juice. That spark stayed with him through his time in Louisiana and Kansas, eventually shaping what is now Zydeco Meadery in North Attleborough, Massachusetts. Eric Depradine What makes these meads so special? Zydeco Meadery weaves Eric’s Caribbean heritage into every bottle. Drawing from Trinidadian traditions like “Sorrel”, a spiced hibiscus drink served during holidays, Eric reimagines this ancestral recipes by using honey instead of cane sugar. Each mead showcases distinctive honey varietals, from Louisiana wildflower to Massachusetts knotweed, adding layers of terroir that reflect the regions that shaped him. The result is a line of meads that are bold, balanced, and culturally rich—fermented expressions of family, migration, and memory. Meads and Cysers Featured in this Chat Carnival Rose Carbonated hibiscus mead rooted in Caribbean sorrel tradition 12% ABV, spiced, bold, festive Named in honor of Calypso Rose, the first female calypsonian Yankee Heritage Cyser Apple, raisin, and knotweed honey Inspired by colonial cider traditions and Bear Swamp Orchard & Cidery which is in Ashfield, Massachusetts but is no longer open. Bayou Soleil Traminette grape and citrus blend A nod to Louisiana groves and Eric’s wife’s love of German varietals Atlantic Creole 100% Massachusetts knotweed honey Molasses-like, earthy, and distinct Contact Info for Zydeco Meadery Website: https://zydecomeadery.com Mentions in this Cider Chat Totally Cider Tour Uk_Edition 2025 Flower Expo Apple Guy Flowers Lucas of Apple Guy Flowers