Cider Chat

Cider on the Table like Fine Wine at Ragged Hill Steve Garwood and daughter Anne Garwood Hampp are the mastermind duo at Ragged Hill Cider based in West Brookfield, Massachusetts. They brought a selection of bottles to taste through and we started with the Baldwin. "Body gives you a perception of fullness and sweetness" is how Steve Garwood describes the Baldwin, which is a Pet Nat cider ringing in a 7% alcohol by volume. Says Steve Garwood, "It is a business reason for us to make ciders that will improve in time." Anne Garwood Hampp, Louise and Steve Garwood. Yeast that Ragged Hill uses Dd10 a champagne yeast This yeast provides a vigors ferment that yields a fruit forward profile Order of tastings in this Chat Wickson single variety 9% Roxbury Russet - Dabinett -8.8%  this is a still cider Flora - Roxbury russet, cortland, macintoush  - blend of a fruit 2018-2020 Expand on ice cider Juice starts at 22 024 Brits Took off first fraction of juice from freeze and then 11.7% Pommeau made with all heirloom fruit  18% Contact for Ragged Hill Cider Website: https://www.raggedhillcider.com/ Ragged's online Store: https://www.raggedhillcider.com/purchase-online Mentions in this Chat Episodes Fermentis by Lesaffre - 4 SafCider yeast cultures 336 Cider Yeast Choices with Fermentis 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. Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter @ciderchat Instagram: @ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Volunteering for CiderDays, Since 1994 On the first ever CiderDays, which was a one day event held on November 5, 1994, volunteers were stationed at local cider mills to encourage people to learn how to make cider. When the event became a 2-day experience, volunteers helped to make this annual event which is held on the first weekend of November a success. And so it continued. Why Do People Volunteer CiderDays? Community projects are part of the fabric of the local community where CiderDays takes place. These projects can be big like helping to build the New England Peace Pagoda in Leverett, Massachusetts in the late 1980's or more intimate like a wood stacking party to celebrate a friends birthday. Getting something done with friends is fun. It is a way to hang out with people with a common goal. Volunteers are the Engine of the Event Without volunteers for CiderDays and now CiderDays 2.0 events would come to a stand still. We need engaged people who know that cider=fun. Yes, there is a lot of preliminary work that takes place beforehand to set up an event, but on the day of it is all about the Volunteers. How CiderDays 2.0 is Setting UP Volunteers to Succeed Reach out to Volunteers early on Don't wait till the month of the event to secure your volunteers Provide a script of tasks Keep volunteers in the loop by providing provide a mission of what the event is offering send a list of expected tasks so that they know the full script of what you expect Call them and don't just rely on text messages Feed the Volunteers if you have evening events where Volunteers are serving, make sure they have had a chance to taste the same food or cider that will be served. We expect wait staff at a restaurant to give us tips on what is best on the menu or if the meal is gluten free, vegetarian options, or a general sense of the event. With this in mind, approach your event the same way and make sure your volunteers know the whole script including how delicious the food or cider that you are serving is and what the guests can expect. Thank Volunteers after the event - for a Job well done! You will likely want to bring them back next year! Interested in Volunteering and getting involved for CiderDays 2.1 in 2023? Send an email to mailto:info@ciderchat.com Schedule of Events Download CiderDays 2.0 Latest Events Schedule  CiderDays 2.0 Events all take place in downtown Greenfield Massachusetts at Hawks and Reed Go to Events page to find a description of the CiderDays 2.0 events Got to Tickets page to purchase CiderDays 2.0 Tickets Sign up for eCiderNews to receive updates and ticket info Mentions in this Chat Episodes Fermentis by Lesaffre - 4 SafCider yeast cultures 336 Cider Yeast Choices with Fermentis CiderDays 2.0 - Tickets on sale and updates 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. Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter @ciderchat Instagram: @ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube  

Celebrities in Cider flocking to CiderDays 2.0 CiderDays and has now been dubbed as CiderDays 2.0 and the celebrities attending can both be found in the bottles and the new and familiar face of cider today at this November 4th -6th.  Finally the return of in person events and friends from afar flocking to western Massachusetts to raise a glass. Bookmark the Schedule Page for CiderDays 2.0 Celebrities in the Bottle Let's start with what is in the bottle first cuz there are a whole bunch of additions to the menu of tastings. Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting A 7th Apple Brandy has been added to this November 4th 6-8:30 pm event Apple Brandy from Beaver Pond Distillery in Petersham, MA Yes, 7 pours of Brandy! 4 Calvados (France) and 3 American Apple Brandies The Château Du Breuil Calvados was aged in a Port cask! This is quite unique and makes one wonder if the French are taking cues from American makers where anything goes with fermentation! On the French Cider Tour 2022 we tasted Calvados with Etienne Dupont out of Scotch Whisky barrels and Cherry wood barrels. The future is here! The Port cask leaves an ultra smooth finish to this 6 year old Calvados from Pays d’Auge, Normandy. Thanks to David Catania, Spirits Category Manager at Burke Distributing Corporation for helping out with this project! Bottle Celebrities at the Cider Dinner The Cider Dinner Menu has some very special releases Heirloom Barrel Aged Ice Cider from Eden Specialty Cider in Vermont. This is a never before released Ice Cider which used barrels from Laird’s and Company - America’s Oldest Distiller dating back to 1698. 9th Generation Laird, Lisa Laird Dunn who is attending the dinner and also presenting at CiderDays 2.0 doesn’t yet know about this Ice Cider and how her family’s used oak barrels were used to condition this special blend. The Ice Cider will now accompany the dessert, which is an Apple Crisp with the whipped cream infused with Laird’s Straight Apple Jack. Eden is owned by the current President of the American Cider Association Eleanor Leger, who is renown both in the US and Internationally as the Ice Cider Queen. The dessert was already delicious but the side glass of this Heirloom Barrel Aged Ice Cider is going to bring it completely over the top -  bridging 2 celebrated makers in America. We will also be having a Special Release of a single varietal cider from Eden made with Golden Russet apples Special Release from Ragged Hill Cider in West Brookfield Mass called Flora. Flora is a blend of Roxbury Russet, Cortland, and McIntosh apples. It has a high gravity (alcohol by volume) that is much like wine at 11.7%. Ragged Hill used a  blend of a fruit from 2018-2020 using the Solera method of winemaking where you make fractional blending to produce a final product. Flora is going to captivate the diners at this premier dinner. Celebrities in Attendance CiderDays Founder Paul Correnty who wrote one of the first books on cider called the Art of Cidermaking (1995) will be attending all the CiderDays 2.0 events. Raise a glass with him at the Wheelhouse Cider Tap Take Over on Friday Night November 4th where you can taste his newest creation "Simply Dry". Chef Paul, as he is known, is now Head Cidermaker at Carlson Orchards in Hudson MA. He will be pouring samples of cider from Carlson’s at The Pushkin Cider Pop UP on November 5th from 2-4:30 pm Mo’s Fudge Factor of Shelburne Falls will also be at Cider Pop UP dipping apples on a stick in her signature fudge. Vermont Quince will have an assortment of Quince jams and be there to answer your quince questions. Yes Quince is related to Apples and used in cidermaking. Morris Dancing from 1-2pm next to the Greenfield Common. One of the groups is called Wake Robin and is an all women group of dancers. Mentions in this Chat Episodes Fermentis by Lesaffre - 4 SafCider yeast cultures 336 Cider Yeast Choices with Fermentis CiderDays 2.0 - Tickets on sale and updates 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. Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter @ciderchat Instagram: @ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Going to CiderDays 2.0 | Part 1 This year 2022 is the reboot of America's oldest educational and festive cider event dubbed this year as CiderDays 2.0 and this episode we tip the glass to those who are helping make it happen and find out what they are doing on November 4th-6th. In this episode meet the CiderDays 2.0 Sponsors Ryan and Casey Liquors Ryan and Casey Liquors 1998 Artifact Cider Project New Salem Cider Berkshire Cider Project  Scott Farm  The Brewery at Four Star Farms  Beaver Pond Distillery Brook Farm Orchard                       CiderDays 2.0 Schedule page Big #1 Tip is to BOOKMARK this page - here is the link spelled out https://ciderchat.com/ciderdaysschedule2022/ Find the most recently updated info on the schedule of events. Big #2 Tip - get your tickets now to the  Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting - limited seating Orchard Care for Homeowners with John Bunker History of Apple Jack with Lisa Laird Dunn The Pushkin Cider Pop-UP is free, but come early so you can get a good seat to hear Claude Jolicoeur, Matt Kaminsky and James Asbel of Ciders of Spain speak Cider Dinner - definitely 2022's most epic cider dinner with 6 women producers over a 5 course gluten free meal all paired with cider. Mentions in this Chat Episodes 336 Cider Yeast Choices with Fermentis 279: Apology to a Billionaire Cidermaker 312: Some Angels are Dressed Like Bears | Michael Phillips 1957-2022 331: Bodacious Ciders, Cookbook & Treats | Carr's Ciderhouse, MA CiderDays 2.0 - Tickets on sale and updates Fermentis by Lesaffre - 4 SafCider yeast cultures 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. Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter @ciderchat Instagram: @ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube  

How to Pair Cider with Food "One must taste, taste, taste to know." say maker Eric Bordelet when pairing food with cider. Yes, it is not as simple as seeing the menu, but also knowing how both the Chefs in the kitchen and the Maker in the cidery work with their ingredients at hand. In this Episode The French Cider Tour of 2022 was treated to a fine Michelin Star dinner with Eric Bordelet and it did not disappoint. Eric decided to discuss his three products before dinner was served. That evening he brought his Sidra Argulette (2010), the Poire Granite (2021) and the Corme (2021). He left it to the diners to decider which one paired best with the meal. Hear in this episode which glass Cider Chat producer Ria Windcaller picked to drink with the meal. The main clip in this episode is Eric speaking on the Sidra Argulette which even at 12 years of age is still tasting well balanced. Mentions in this chat Vermont Quince will be at the CiderDays 2.0 Cider Pop-UP Fermentis by Lesaffre - 4 SafCider yeast cultures 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. Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter @ciderchat Instagram: @ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Why a Cider Tour Bus is better than going Solo The obvious reason why taking a bus tour vs driving on your own to visit French cidermakers is that you can imbibe! But wait there is more! In this episode 339, the guest on the 2022 French Cider Tour to Normandy, Brittany and Domfrontais will tell you why a cider tour bus is better than going solo as we roll along the countryside on our final leg of the journey. Our Cider Bus Our beautiful luxury bus was driven by a very capable driver by the name of David, who was game for taking the back roads and mini detours that weren't on the original itinerary.  With David driving and watching the route and foreign roads signs, we could sit back and raise a glass of French cidre, poire, Calvados, Pommeau, Chouchen, and even a bottle of English Brandy all day long. In the way back of our bus were two tables that folks enjoyed sitting at and sharing cheese, bread, macaroons and other local nibbles as we rolled along the French Countryside. It should be noted that due to the low alcohol by volume of most French cidres (around 4.5-5%) one could have a glass and remain clear headed.  In this episode 339 Having fun on the cider bus Hear from the guest on the bus as we slowly make our way back to Paris on the final day of our tour. There were 6 commercial cidermakers from both the US and Canada, along with cider fans and home fermenters. Below is the list of people as heard on this episode Jeff Stoner and Kim Taylor of Greenbank Cidery | Washington Scott and Ginger Wierzbanowski of Olympic Bluffs Cidery | Washington Tina from Florida Robert Van Waarden of Red Island Cider - Prince Edward Island |Canada Brian Wing of Green Bench Brewing and Cider (Florida) Tristan Wright of Lost Boy Cider | Virginia Deborah and David of Oregon Dan and Lisa Schreffler of Space Time Mead and Ciderworks | Pennsylvania Jodi of California Debbie and Bryce of California Cider to share on the bus Want to join the French Cider Tour in 2024? Send an email to info@ciderchat.com Mentions in this chat Song - My Friend Jack by Little Big Town Country Roads by John Denver Mentions in this Chat Episode 336: Cider Yeast Choices with Fermentis Episode 46: Agathe Letellier | Manoir d'Apreval Normandy  Episode 322: The Celebrated Poiré & Calvados of Pacory | FR 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. Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter @ciderchat Instagram: @ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Normandy to Brittany on the French Cider Tour The 2022 French Cider Tour that took travelers from across North America on a trip of a life time was a trip of a life time. Not only were the apple and pear trees laden with fruit, but the hot and humid weather pattern finally broke and offered cool breezes. Cool weather is perfect for opening bottles from morning to night and this tour did exactly that. In this Part 1 Hear audio snap shots along the way as we celebrate French Cider with the makers and drink in the sights and sounds both Normandy, Domfrontais and Brittany. Ringing of the bells in Honfleur Etienne Dupont of Domaine Dupont tips Agathe Letellier of Manoir D'Apreval shares a bit of the history of her domaine Agathe Letellier | Manoir d'Apreval Daughter and Father (Estelle and Patrice) team at Manoir de Montreuil - French Cider Family now in their 14th generation Is the wooden screw from the ancient press made of oak or Sorbus Domestica? Old press screw said to be oak but could it be Sorbus Domestica? Brian Wing shares cider on the tour bus from Greenbank Cidery Singing on the bus along the way on the French Cider Tour Frédéric Pacory on Perry Want to join the French Cider Tour in 2024? Send an email to info@ciderchat.com Mentions in this Chat Episode 336: Cider Yeast Choices with Fermentis Episode 46: Agathe Letellier | Manoir d'Apreval Normandy  Episode 322: The Celebrated Poiré & Calvados of Pacory | FR Mathilde de Bazouges @pom_presse is the distiller at Domaine Dupont 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. Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter @ciderchat Instagram: @ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Calvados with Étienne Dupont | Domaine Dupont Étienne Dupont took over the Domaine Familial Etienne Dupont in the Pays d'Auge region of Normandy France from his father Louis and grandfather Jules in 1980. Episode 098: Jérôme Dupont | Domaine Dupont is a conversation with Étienne son who sadly passed away in 2018. The recording with Jérôme provides the backdrop of the story behind the Dupont families acquiring the estate or what is called a Domaine in France.  Eitenne Dupont and Benoit at Cave Pepins In this episode Étienne and I are in the city of Caen and we are visiting Cave Pepin - wonderful store filled with Calvados, Cider, Poire and Pommeau. We are assisted by Benoit or Ben who works at the store and brought us through a tasting of Calvados. UPDATE: (this store is now closed, but Benoit is has now opened a new store in the city called Les Cidroloques). Etienne begins by describing the Étienne's Notes Three Sources of Aroma in Calvados The fruit The Yeast The Cask in which the Calvados has been kept If the cask is new wood you will taste the sap which presents itself as grainy. Classical Calvados - the cask only contained cider and Calvados Étienne asks if we suspect acetone in the Calvados as we are tasting. During our first tasting we are delve into the taste and as Étienne says, “We are fighting the acetone, we are too professional” Étienne's Tips on Distillation of Cider He prefers a quick fermentation of 3 days and then distillation. But alas the rules in Normandy require that distillation now must be done 3 weeks from the point of initial distillation. Use clean apples. When Domaine Dupont presses the juice goes directly into concrete vats at the Pressoir and then it is pumped underground via tubing to the pot still. The cider is racked off the gross lees at this point, with only the fine lees being distilled His preferred temperature to ferment the cider is 22 to 23 degrees celsius (71 Fahrenheit) and no fermentation below 8 degrees Celsius (46 Fahrenheit). Determining Age of Calvados Fine is younger 2-3 years old Hors d'Age is at least 6 years old Étienne jokes that Hors d'Age which can range from 6 years to 20 is designed to get you lost. I agree and so best to ask the producer! Or as Étienne says that "You must rely on your palate." Contact for Domaine Familial Etienne Dupont Website: https://www.calvados-dupont.com/en/ciders-calvados.htm Mentions in this chat Fermentis by Lesaffre - sign up for their upcoming online Q&A discussing cider yeast via the Fermentis Academy Caen, France new store owned by Benoit - Les Cidrologues 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. Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter @ciderchat Instagram: @ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

Fermentis Offers 4 Cider Yeast for Makers Anne Flesch Regional Sales Manager and Technical Sales Support Manager at Fermentis helps us sort through the magical world of yeast and fermenting cider. And she also address 3 listener questions on the topic of yeast and fermentation. Upcoming Q&A with Fermentis on September 29th, 2022. Go to Fermentis.com to register SafCider Yeasts by Fermentis The AB of AB-1 stands for Apple Balance. The 1 stands for the first cider yeast   The AC of AC- 4 means Apple Crisp The AS 0f AS -2 stands for Apple Sweet The TF of TF 6  stands for Tutti Fruity Listener questions: Using such a hybrid approach? One part wild yeast and one part cultured  Using Saccharomyces boulardii as a cider yeast? Timing of inoculation of (MLB) malolactic bacteria (MLB) in cider and the affect on taste/aroma/Other influences on malolactic fermentation MLF. Support  Sponsors of Cider Chat so they can continue to support this podcast and help you make great cider! Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers.  Mentions in this Chat CiderDays 2.0 November 4th & 5th, 2022 Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting November 4th CiderDays 2.0 Cider Dinner November 5, 2022 Episode 265 Calvados Tasting with Étienne Dupont | Domaine Dupont 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. Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter @ciderchat Instagram: @ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube

New Hampshire's Oldest Distillery | Flag Hill Brian Ferguson is a Pennsylvania native who came to Flag Hill via the Cayman Island and ever since both he and his wife Maggie have continued to transform what was once a farm into a multi venue location. Driving up to the farm one will see vineyards that are helping to win gold medals, acres of corn and an inviting entrance that screams "sit a while and enjoy". Apples play a major role at the Distillery The hybrid pot still with column at is working non stop at the distillery. There are over 500 barrels alone in the aging warehouse for the coveted Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy.  Expect a smooth mouthfeel and light amber hues in this lightly from this 6 year old brandy that is aged in toasted barrels. Along with the Apple Brandy, Flag Hill uses apples in the distillation of the Karner Blue Gin named after the state butterfly. This is a heavenly drink and will make anyone a gin lover. Maple Sugar Liqueur decadence in a bottle, this liqueur is a perfect gift for the holidays or you own personal stash for cooking and afternoon/evening sipping. General John Stark Vodka A must for cocktail fans! Those are just the Apple Based spirits. There are more delicious spirts. In this Chat We speak with owner/distiller Brian Ferguson and Company Wingman David Breslin Flag Hill Owner and Distiller Brian Ferguson and Company Wingman David Breslin Historical overview of Flag Hill – farm, distillery, winery, events venue Type of still – column – explanation of the process from apples to Apple Brandy Apple Brandies made at Flag Hill - The Dusty Collection Apples used. Varieties. Source. Fermenting cider for distillation Oak used, Aging conditions, length of time Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy - Who is Josiah Bartlett? What to expect from Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy Flag Hill's Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy will be at CiderDays 2.0  Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting  Contact for Flag Hill Winery and Distillery Website: https://www.flaghill.com/ Address: 297 North River Road (Rt. 155) Lee, NH 03861 Telephone: (603) 659-2949 eMail: wine-info@flaghill.com Support  Sponsors of Cider Chat so they can continue to support this podcast and help you make great cider! Fermentis - Yeast and Fermentation Solutions for Cidermakers Sign up for the September 29th Q&A by visiting Fermentis.com Mentions in this Chat Click  to purchase CiderDays 2.0 Tickets CiderDays 2.0 November 4th & 5th, 2022 Tickets links below to CiderDays 2.0 event Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting November 4th Orcharding for Homeowners with John Bunker History of Apple Jack with Lisa Laird Dunn CiderDays 2.0 Cider Dinner November 5, 2022 Mentions in this chat 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. Listen also at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher (for Android), iHeartRadio , Spotify and wherever you love to listen to podcasts. Follow on Cider Chat's blog, social media and podcast Twitter @ciderchat Instagram: @ciderchatciderville Cider Chat FaceBook Page Cider Chat YouTube