
Cider Chat
Interviewing cidermakers, importers, orchardists, foodies, farmers and cider enthusiasts around the world. Let’s delve into the semantics of cider…or is it hard cider, cidre, sidra or fermented apple juice? The truth is out there in Ciderville and we are going to find it. We toast in celebration of cider; As a libation, a gift from the gods, a taste of terroir, and a hard pressed good time. Ready to quench your thirst? Grab a glass and join this chat! See you in Ciderville!
Latest episodes

Apr 12, 2023 • 55min
364: If the Mandalorian Tended Orchards
The Way of the Orchards Colin Scott has spent his life in orchards, learning how to tended them with his parents, Edward and Janice as role models. This episode is a testament of what it looks like to embody a craft as part of your way of life. Colin like many orchardist may not be a Mandalorian, a character from Star Wars who is now featured in a stand alone tv series depicting a a clan-based culture composed of members from multiple species and bound by a common creed, language and code, but he like many orchardist who grew up tending trees from an early age see orchard care as A Way of Life. This episode first released in Season 2 of Cider Chat on episode 093 and was re-produced for Season 8. The info is evergreen and timely for those of us who love orchards and want to broaden our own knowledge base. E.J. Scott Orchard was purchased in 1954. (Note that the first initial of Colin's parents in the business name) Today Colin is running the orchard and the apple storage facility site which is discussed at the beginning of this episode. E & J Scott Orchard also has apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, quince, raspberries, & strawberries. Their main store is in Ashfield, MA and is open Sat & Sun 10-6 July through May. Organic duck eggs from their heritage breed Ancona ducks are also available upon request. Colin using his dad's grafting tool We begin this chat with Colin inside one of the Apple storage rooms. What affects the Apple's ripening? temperature ethylene gas - apples off gas Apples are placed in a CA room (Controlled Atmosphere) where both temperature, oxygen and the off gases are controlled. If apples don't have oxygen they don't ripen. Colin and I discuss the "delicate" process of storing apples or what he called "putting them to sleep". Apple storage tip: Take your apples out of the refrigerator every once in a while and let them off gas. That will help them last a bit longer. New and old grafting tools Next in this chat we talk about the beginnings of the orchard and what they grew and where they are going with the growing cider market Root Stock for grafting a tree - dwarf or standard Shifting his market to cider apples What do you look for in a root stock "The idea behind grafting is to take the variety that you want and put it on the root stock you want. The vigor of the variety contributes to the size of the tree." The numbering system of the root stock defines the size of the tree or a percentage of the size of the tree M rootstock 9, 11, 18, 26 what does that stand for? If you put a Macintosh on standard tree rootstock and a Macintosh on a 26, you would get 30 -40-% of the standard one. A M118 or M111 are going to be 6--70% the size, which means they will be almost as big as a standard tree. Today Colin is using Geneva root stock, because he is finding it resistant to Fire Blight. A nasty disease that can kill the tree. Geneva root stock numbering system is random too. Colin is using Geneva 41 & 935. They will be 30-40% of the standard tree. He uses a bench graft on his root stock. The secret to grafting per Colin Lining up the cambium layers Getting it airtight We also chat pruning an apple tree, especially a tree that you are attempting to revive after years of neglect. Contact E & J Scott Orchard email: mailto:cscott9487@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E-J-Scott-Orchards-2017815285121065/ Mentions in this chat Oesco, Inc - professional grade supplies for orchards and cidermakers. Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Apr 5, 2023 • 1h 2min
363: Exploring Cider Using 33 Books Flavor Wheel
The Founder behind 33 Books Company Dave Selden created 33 Books to help all of us track our favorite and not so favorite beverages! He is a graphic designer by trade, but soon found himself making tasting note books as a hobby which soon became a full time print business. The design of the note book for Cider called 33 Mugs of Cider provides an easy to follow script that one can refer back to again and again. In this Chat Dave and Cider Chat MC Ria Windcaller taste and make notes on a cider and perry from the Pacific Northwest maker Alma Cider. In this podcast episode, the conversation focuses in on the cider and how to use the tasting notebook - 33 Mugs of Cider. There is an additional option where you can watch and listen to the full conversation which was videoed at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel. In the video, Dave and Ria also go taste an Alma Perry, made with perry pears. Learn how to use a flavor wheel Learn the 3 key components to decipher in any cider Acid Tannin Sweetness How to describe body Get pro-tips on tasting cider, i.e., at what temperature is best? Contact info for 33 Books Co. Website: https://www.33books.com/ Mentions in this Chat Hardball Cider Start Engine Campaign Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers Press Then Press - online cider retail store where you can purchase Alma Ciders! Alma Cider - Listen to a chat with Dave Klawer of Alma Cider on Episode 325 Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Mar 29, 2023 • 57min
362: The Lost Boy Cider Journey | Virginia
Tristan Wright the Lost Boy who Cider Found [ Tristan Wright on the French Cider Tour Tristan and Katie Wright are the owners of Lost Boy Cider, and now also the Lost Girl Wine brand, based in Alexandria, Virginia. Discover the journey of Tristan, a reluctant banker that developed a gluten intolerance and then found his place in cider. Katie Wright making Lost Girl Wine Lost Boy Ciders and Set up Urban cidery Tasting Room next to production facility Judgement Free - Inclusive Zone 20 Ciders on Tap Sugar free, unpasteurized un filtered cider Apples from Glaize family in Virginia Contact info for Lost Boy Cider Website: https://www.lostboycider.com/ Mentions in this Chat Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers. Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Mar 22, 2023 • 1h 5min
361: Is Sulfur Dioxide Necessary for Making Cider | CiderCon 2023
Is Sulfur dioxide (SO2) a natural part of Fermentation? In this episode pre-recorded at CiderCon 2023, you'll get to hear from cider makers who will share their knowledge and expertise on the topic of sulfur dioxide cider. Plus, you'll learn about the safety and health implications of adding SO2, as well as the legal limits for different markets. In this episode: 1. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of using sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the cidermaking both in the US and the UK. 2. How has the ban of BPA in California impacted the cider industry and what have can manufacturers done to adjust? 3. What strategies can winemakers and cider makers use to ensure their products are properly protected against oxidation and microbial spoilage? 4. Makers conclusion on whether SO2 is necessary for making cider. SO2 Panelists and Contact info (l to r) Tim Godfrey, Dave Takush, Teagan Bium, Tom Oliver Moderator Tim Godfrey is the head of Godfrey Beverage Solutions Dave Takish is the head cider maker and co-owner of Oregon's 2 Towns Cider House Tegan Bium is the cider maker at Virginia's Lost Boy Cider Tom Oliver owner and cider maker at Oliver's Cider and Perry Company | Herefordshire, England's Mentions in this Chat Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers. Carbonic Maceration for making cider - Revel Cider - Canada Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider Chat Please donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Mar 15, 2023 • 1h 1min
360: Taproom and Hospitality Tips | CiderCon 2023
Everything in the taproom should be adjustable This Taproom Tips workshop was presented at CiderCon 2023 by Katie Black and Megan MacLean and it is packed with info! In this episode A four prong approach to brand identity How to respond to taproom reviews 3 key factors when building culture for a taproom Hiring tips and training tips The timeline of a tasting room Recruiting systems and training Interview tips from Meghan Integrating future growth in your design Draft systems The "secret" dishwasher Polishing your glassware - do you have space? Cider cocktails set up The flow behind the bar design Bathrooms design In house residencies - food trucks vendors Bar Bible and what it should have Who is Katie Black? Katie entered the CiderCon® world in 2021 as of the first Kulture scholarship recipients. Her endless love for fermentation & product development peaked her curiosity on fruited ferments. She calls the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina home. Here, she also graduated from the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast with a Brewing, Distillation, & Fermentation degree. Consulting has been part of the last 6 years for Katie in various realms of business, with a primary focus in the food & beverage world. The majority of her experience started within the brewing industry; from business openings, management, & even working her way into the cellar. This landed her with reopening & rebranding the original taproom at Artifact Cider Project. Before that, you could find her working for DSSOLVR brewing and spending sunrises harvesting in the mountains. She currently is working as an assistant distiller at the notable amaro distillery, Eda Rhyne. Contact for Katie Black bevswithkb@gmail.com Instagram @bevswithkb Who is Megan MacLean? Megan MacLean is a hospitality operations consultant with 14 years of experience in restaurants and taprooms. She specializes in private events, recruiting, training programs, people management, and operational system design. Most recently, Megan served as the hospitality director for Artifact Cider Project. She has since launched a solo consulting business, aimed at improving the industry she has come to know and love. Megan lives in Boston and travels extensively, working with clients all over the country. Contact for Megan MacLean Megan@mfmhospitality.com @m_f_mac on Instagram Mentions in this Chat Grafting Workshop at Brook Farm Orchard, Ashfield Massachusetts April 15, 2023 1-3 pm contact Alan Suprenant alansurprenant@gmail.com Canuck Cider Cup - entries in by April 21, 2023 Revolution will not be Pasteurized - Ross on Wye Cider and Perry Co. 2023 keg tour Follow Ross Cider on Facebook @rosscider on Instagram Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers. Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider ChatPlease donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Mar 8, 2023 • 56min
359: Vala's Cider for their 300,000 Annual Visitors | Nebraska
The Vala Family's Business Model Tim Vala had a vision over 39 years ago to build a destination for family fun. It started with a Upick strawberry patch that grew into a pumpking patch, orchard. It then evolved into kid friendly rides and food stands. Vala's Pumpking Patch and Orchard is located to the southwest of Omaha and draws over 300,000 visitor per year during the months of September and October. The rest of the season it is closed so that workers can take care of the property, orchards, pumpkin patches and rides...and of course get ready for the next season's opening day. During the height of the season 1000 seasonal workers are hired. During the off season 30+ employees staffed to maintain the grounds and prepare for the next season. In the Chat Meet Kelsey and David Donovan. Kelsey is one Tim and Jan Vala's three daughters. She is a co-owner and works at the COO and David is the head cidermaker. Hear about: The history behind Vala's Vala's cider The future for this enterprising family Contact for Vala's Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard Website: https://www.valaspumpkinpatch.com/ Mentions in this Chat Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers. Bottles on My Desk - a live Stream with Cider Chat Producer and Emcee Ria Windcaller. Subscribe to be notified when the next "Bottles on My Desk" goes live at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider ChatPlease donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Mar 1, 2023 • 1h 2min
358: Apple History, Terroir and Cider of New York | CiderCon 2023
Newtown Pippin, Northern Spy and Esopus Spitzenberg apples and cider in New York A pre-recorded seminar from CiderCon 2023 with 3 influential panelist based in New York. [caption id="attachment_8097" align="aligncenter" width="200"] (l to r) Greg, Elizabeth, Ian, Ria[/caption] Hear from: Elizabeth Ryan a Hudson Valley resident and owner of six historic farms, three of which are orchards. Gregory Peck PhD is a renowned pomologist and professor at Cornell University. Ian Merwin PhD is a lifetime farmer and cider maker who has been growing apples and making cider since 1985. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. The historic proliferation of apple varieties in North America and the influence of indigenous communities on the Hudson Valley's apple industry. 2. The remarkable trade of Newtown Pippins from the Hudson Valley in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the wealth it brought to the region. 3. The revival of historic apple varieties in the Hudson Valley, such as Esopus Spitzenburg, Jonathan, and Northern Spy, and the unique characteristics of each. Time Stamps to zone into this episode [00:11:59] Feature presentation on The History, Pomage and Terroir of New York's Ciders featuring 3 premier apples: Newtown Pippin Northern Spy Esopus Spitzenberg Mentions in this Chat Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers. Bottles on My Desk - a live Stream with Cider Chat Producer and Emcee Ria Windcaller. Subscribe to be notified when the next "Bottles on My Desk" goes live at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider ChatPlease donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Feb 22, 2023 • 51min
357: Purchase Cider Online | Press Then Press
Meet the Storie and Erik of Press Then Press Storie Madrid first connected with Ria at Cider Chat via Twitter. In this niche market it is easy to get close to people of similar interests and passions. Storie has recently found out that she was gluten intolerant and was jumping down into the cider rabbit hole! Husband Erik was a craft beer fan who didn't need much convincing to get on the cider bus and join the fun. In 2018 Storie accompanied Ria on the first ever Totally Cider Tour to Normandy, France. In 2019, she and Erik went on the Monterey Cider Tour in California. They were on a mission to open a brick and mortar cider shop in Seattle. And now they are the proud owners of the online Cider Retail Store: Press Then Press! At the CiderCon 2023, they were recognized by the American Cider Association as Cider Retailer of the Year! The Silver Lining of Online Sales Chris who founded the company a few years back approached the Madrids and struck a deal. The enterprising couple along with Storie's sister Ashley (who is a chef by trade) were able to hit the ground running and work through the pandemic offering select cider options. 400+ delicious ciders delivered to your doorstep! Press Then Press offers ciders from the Pacific Northwest, which includes British Columbia (Canada) - the rest of the US and abroad. There is a wide assortment of offerings and as such they are able to take online purchases of ciders one step further. Ask and you shall receive! Want to do a tasting from a wide range of makers - The Madrids and Sister Ashley can set you up with a mix box, or a vertical tasting of one particular style. Their aim is to please your palate, so don't be shy about asking for a certain mix up of ciders. They can deliver your request with a smile! Support for Seattle's City Fruit Erik is on the Board of Directors of City Fruit a non profit that helps manage urban orchard in public parks and private homeowners. They collect upwards to 50,000 pounds of fresh fruit from the region. A % of Press Then Press's proceeds go to City Fruit. Via the non profit, no fruit is wasted, especially apples and pears that are too bitter to be eaten. Those select pomes get sold to local makers to ferment making it a win/win for all. There is even an annual party and the two business share warehouse space making Press Then Press smell like a full on cider house in the fall. Contact for Press Then Press Website: https://www.pressthenpress.com/ Mentions in this Chat Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers. Bottles on My Desk - a live Stream with Cider Chat Producer and Emcee Ria Windcaller. Subscribe to be notified when the next "Bottles on My Desk" goes live at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider ChatPlease donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Feb 15, 2023 • 59min
356: Holistic Fruit Growers Roundtable | Maine Apple Camp
Discover Holistic Growing Practices Enjoy this roundtable discussion moderated by Glen Koehler with 4 holistic practitioners. This roundtable was recorded at Maine Apple Camp 2022. Holistic Panelist Eric Shatt - Redbyrd Cider Biodynamic Orchard in New York Kevin Clark - Rose Hill Farm, New York Jason Maanka - Know your Roots, New York Laura Seiger - Maine Heritage Orchard (l to R) Glen, Jason, Eric, Laura, Kevin This talk was recorded at Maine Apple Camp. Maine Apple Camp is held biannually. The next camp will take place in 2024. It is hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Go to MOFGA.org and join today! Mentions in this Chat 202: Walkabout at Redbyrd Orchard | FLX Chicago Cider Summit February 4, 2023 - Live Streamed at Cider Chat YouTube Channel 1-2, 5:30-6:30. Bottles on My Desk - a live Stream with Cider Chat Producer and Emcee Ria Windcaller. Subscribe to be notified when the next "Bottles on My Desk" goes live at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider ChatPlease donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Feb 8, 2023 • 46min
355: CiderCon Recap and Awards 2023
Chicago Cider Week, Cider Tours, Interviews, Awards and Cider Summit The week of January 30th - February 4th was packed with cider related events all based in Chicago. CiderCon, the annual conference hosted by the American Cider Association kicked off on Tuesday the 31st with Cider Tours. In this chat Ria took two tours: the Bronzeville Tour in the morning and the Historic Tavern Tour in the afternoon. On Wednesday the 1st of February workshops began and Ria interviewed upcoming guests on Cider Chat! Later that same day the Cider Share is held, which is a time for commercial makers to taste a bevy of ciders from fellow makers. Ria is the Producer and Host of Cider Chat Mentions in this Chat Contact for Liz Garibray - Bespoke Experiences Press then Press - an online retailer specializing in cider New York International Cider Competition February 19, 2023- use promo code: Chat23 for $10 off your entry submission. Bottles on My Desk - a live Stream with Cider Chat Producer and Emcee Ria Windcaller. Subscribe to be notified when the next "Bottles on My Desk" goes live at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel Subscribe to eCiderNews Help Support Cider ChatPlease donate today. Help keep the chat thriving! Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter@ciderchat Instagram:@ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube