Cider Chat

Emily Ritchie is the Executive Director of the Northwest Cider Association a region covering Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia.  This region’s cider scene is on fire and growing! Emily Ritchie The Northwest Cider Association was formed in 2010. The following Washington State cideries listed below initially kick started the Association. Tieton Cider Works Whitewood Cider Snowdrift Cider Alpinefire Cider Finnriver Farm & Cidery Eaglemount Wine & Cider Methow Valley Ciderhouse Westcott Bay Cider, one of the oldest cideries in the state Soon after Oregon cideries began joining and now the current list of cideries is around 300 members and growing! Logo created by Dave White of Whitewood Cider Emily’s Background Emily has deep roots to the UK via her father who is from England. After a trip to Herefordshire she returned to the US with an even greater drive to get involved in her region’s cider scene. She was most recently the Program Manager at the Association for a year and a half and then moved into the Executive Director position when the Sherrye Wyatt, stepped down.  What is the goal of the association? To educate and keep helping move the cider revival forward What is apple cider per the Northwest Cider Association? Cider is a fermented apple juice 3 Events mentioned in this chat Washington Cider Week takes place in September every year from the 8 to the 18th There are so many events, that this event is actually more than seven days Washington Cider Week is launched in conjunction with the Seattle Cider Summit – BC Cider Week 2016 is October 15-22 The British Columbia week of cider kicks off at Seed Cider, near Victoria with events throughout the region Cider Rite of Spring – large cider fest in Portland Saturday, March 19, 2016 12:00pm 5:00pm Contact info for Emily Ritchie Website: https://www.nwcider.com/ eMail: mailto:emily@nwcider.com Mentions in this Cider Chat: Cider Chat’s upcoming trip to podcast with Eric Bordelet Kurant Cider is part of the Cider Chat’s #CiderGoingUp Campaign. As such I happily share news and updates for the Pennsylvania cidery. Go to the link and listen to Joe Getz of Kurant share his story of the cidery. Find a link to their website and join their new cider club The Scratters ( a swap, meet up and learn about cider group). Are you a commercial cidermaker? For the cost of 2-bottles per month you can join the CiderGoing Up Campaign too. Join in via the Cider Chat Patreon Page and Help Keep This Chat Thriving!

Quebrada del Chucao is a family owned cidery in Villarica (vee aree-ka), a village located in southern Chile. The Nahrwold family along with cousin Diego Rivera have been making cider commercially since 2012. Villarica is located approximately 746 kilometers/463 miles south of the capital of Santiago. In view of the town is a volcano that Diego will describe during this chat as active and illuminated at night "very mystical with lots of local lore'. Says Diego on making cider at the base of the Villarrica volcano. "We can't do much if the volcano explodes, apart from running"   Diego helped me interpret and understand the cidery's name; Quebrada means a water creek. And Chucao is a small hopping bird (it doesn't fly) that stays on the forest floor. Look at the label on Quebrada del Chucao's cider below. Diego is a winemaker full time and heads to Villarica once or twice a month to check the cider. The cidery sits on his Uncle Jorge Nahrwold farm. His son Matías Nahrwold, is Diego's cousin and they work together at the cidery. Chile grows many different varieties of apples. Brought over by the Europeans, the country side does have many old apple trees that are still being discovered. Locals have their own names for apples such as the Roja Chica, which Diego discusses in this chat. It is a small apple that is high in tannins and polyphenols. Quebrada del Chucao Ciders Currently Quebrada del Chucao is producing 7000 bottles of cider in 750ML bottles. The goal is to increase production to 24,000 bottles in the next few years. Apple are bought from local orchards and are then pressed and blended. There is very little sugar added and a bit of yeast. Says Diego, "The goal is slow production and keeping the quality of the cider." They use the Champagne method for making their cider or as they call it Sidra Espumante Brut Nature, which Deigo provides details of in this chat. And, Quebrada del Chucao is experimenting with a Poire or Perry. The Chilean cider scene is growing. There is currently talks on forming a Chilean Cider Association to promote local cider and educate the public. Cider in Chile can not have an abv higher than 8% which Diego says is a bit of a drawback. Quebrada del Chucao info Website: http://www.quebradadelchucao.cl/ Twitter: @quebradadelchucao US importer: Brazo Wine Imports    Follow Cider Chat on twitter @ciderchat

For Andreas’ Brännland Cider is Ice Cider Andreas Sundgren of Brännland Cider discusses iscider (ice cider) in this chat. A winner of multiple awards for his ice cider, he follows traditional techniques that are “true to the quality denomination of Quebec”. He reached out to renown American ice cider maker Eleanor Leger of Eden Cider of Newport Vermont, crediting her for helping him understand the makings of ice cider. Based in Sweden, Andreas uses cryoconcentration – which is where the apple juice pre-fermentation is frozen to separate the water from the juice. The juice is then racked (siphon) out of the frozen mass of water and then fermented. Andreas Cider Making at Brännland How to define cider? “A wine made from 100% apple juice. Made in the same way as wine. “Honest cider that has at least 50-60% apple juice.” Why not call it ice apple wine? “Cider is the word used to differentiate a grape wine from an apple wine.” Ciders found at Brännland Ice cider – won a gold medal at SISGA 15 held in Asturia Spain Perle – slightly sparkling/semi dry  The specifics of Brännland iscider can be found here Contact for Brännland Ciders Website: http://www.brannlandcider.se/ Mentions in this Cider Chat Christian Barthomeuf Quebec ice cidermaker Eric Bordelet French cidermaker Domaine Dupont French cidery Randall Grahm listen to 012: Randall Grahm | Bonny Doon Vineyard, CA Keep #ciderGoingUP Become a patron today at Cider Chat 's Patreon page

Stem Cider was started by Eric Foster and Phil Kao, Michigan natives who founded their urban cidery in Denver Colorado. Since opening in 2014, they have already been awarded a bevy of cider medals at the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) see list below. Eric Foster Stem brings apple and “single strength” juice in from Colorado’s western Slope towns of Paonia, Hotchkiss, and as well as the state of  Michigan and the Pacific Northwest. Ian Capps, head Cider Maker, Eric Foster, co-founder and CEO, Phil Kao, co-founder and his son Jasper. 10 GLINTCAP Awards 2016 for Stem Ciders  Le Chene – Silver/Wood Aged Cider and Perry Whiskey Barrel Aged Apricot – Silver/Wood Aged Cider and Perry Banjo – Bronze/Wood Aged Cider and Perry Perry – Bronze/Wood Aged Cider and Perry Crabby Neighbor Bronze / New World Cider – Modern L’acier Bronze / New World Cider – Modern Winesap Bronze / New World Cider – Modern Branch & Bramble Bronze/Fruit Remedy Silver/ Hopped|Herbal Cider Contact info for Stem Website: www.stemciders.com/ Stem’s Tap Room hours Stem Cider menu wall in Tap Room Mentions in this Cider Chat @HVmidwinterfest Huon Vally Mid Winter Fest Patrons at the $3/month or more receive the Neil Worley chat on Keeving. A 15-page document loaded with keeving tips. There are more offering for Patrons, find out more by visiting the Patreon page for Cider Chat.

Who is Tim? Tim Larsen was at the all day event, Pour the Core in Brooklyn, NYC waiting on a long line of thirsty cider drinkers. During a the break between sessions I was able to squirrel away with Tim in a back corner of the Brooklyn Expo Center and chat Snowdrift ciders and their perry. Tim Larsen In this Cider Chat Snowdrift Ciders – 9 ciders that won awards in April of 2016. cider making components such as, anthocyanin pigments generate the rose hue in rosé cider during cidermaking. polyphenolics in cider Procyanins – are members of the proanthocyanidin (or condensed tannins) class of flavonoids. Bittersharp ( low in tannin and high in acid) vs Bittersweet (high in tannin, low in acid and high in sugar) apples for cider 2016 GLINTCAP Awards for Snowdrift Ciders Barrel-aged Cornice 7.5% –  Old World Heritage/Best in Class Cornice – English Cider/Gold Reserve Perry – Tradtional Perry/Gold Red Cider 7.5% – New World Cider Modern/Silver Seckly Perry – New World Perry/Silver Sickled Pear – Reserved Perry Cliffbreaks Blend 7.5% – New World Cider Heritage/Silver Orchard Select 8.3% – New World Cider Heritage/Bronze Semi Dry – New England Cider/Bronze Contact Info for Snowdrift Cider Website: http://www.snowdriftcider.com/ What does Tim drink when he doesn’t have a Snowdrift in hand? EzOrchard Alpenfire Cider Become a Patron of Cider Chat for as little as $3/month and help keep this chat thriving. Join in on the chat via Patreon

Shannon Edgar’s historical Cider town of Sherborn Massachusetts Stormalong is already winning awards! In spring of 2016, at Michigan’s Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) Stormalong Hard Cider took home 5 medals! Look at the bottom of the page for the listing. This chat begins with Shannon and Benjamin Roberts-Sano who works with Shannon creating their delicious ciders by discussing Sherborn’s cider  history and the Holbrook Cider Mill (1890). Shannon and Ben The Town of Sherborn has Cider History The Hollbrook Cider Mill exported Holbrook’s Champagne Cider to Great Britain, Denmark, Germany and Belgium and in the US as far as Texas and Nebraska. It was advertised as “The World’s Largest Cider Mill” producing 1.25 million gallons of cider per year.The mill in town was also invented and patented the Steam-Powered Cider Press (1871) and used sand to filter the cider to remove “impurities”. The mill was the largest employer in the town. Stormalong is a Folklore Hero Hear about folklore hero A. B. Stormalong, who throw back barrels of cider like you and I drink pints. This sea faring storybook character felt like the right fit for Shannon to use in the branding of his cider. Stormalong Hard Ciders Legendary 6.9% The Grand Banks 9.5% Dry Hopped  And Stormalong has a Rare Apple Series too! Wickson Kingston Black Heritage GLINTCAP 2016 awards for Stormalong Hard Cider Category: New World- Modern Bronze: Stormalong Cider – Boston Heirloom Bronze: Stormalong Cider – Legendary Dry Category: English Silver: Stormalong Cider – Kingston Black Category: Hopped/Herbal Silver: Stormalong Cider – Dry Hop Wood Aged Cider and Perry Bronze: Stormalong Cider – The Grand Banks – Whiskey Tasting Room for Stormalong? Visit Heritage of Sherborn which features flights of Stormalong. More on Alfred Bulltop Stormalong – watch a fun tale via YouTube Contact info for Stormalong: Website:  http://stormalong.com/ciders/ Patrons of Cider Chat can listen to the full conversation with Shannon and Ben discussing cidermaking techniques with barrels, bottle conditioning or not, and cider analysis. Follow Cider Chat on Twitter @ciderchat  

Danielle von Scheiner is putting the “BIG” back into New York City’s apple love, with her new cidery Big Apple Hard Cider. Danielle von Scheiner Danielle began learning the science of fermentation at the age of 12 while helping her dad make wine. More recently she began experimenting with apples and then after a motorcycle accident (she was hit by a NY cab) she thought of the old saying “We all have two lives and the second one starts the moment you realize you only have one”. From that point on she’s been going ‘full throttle’ into cidermaking. Where can you find Big Apple Hard Cider? As it is a new cidery, it is still rolling out as this podcast goes live in the month of June. I recommend asking for Big Apple at your favorite cider taps and stores and when you head to New York check the Big Apple website Big Apple Ciders mentioned in this chat? And do note that Danielle’s makes ciders that are inspired by the people of New York City and its boroughs.  Brooklyn – inspired by a dear friend that Danielle speaks about on in this chat. This cider won a gold medal (2016). Navy Yard – conditioned in a “Peated” bourbon barrel from Kings County Distillery. Hell’s Kitchen – made with Sriracha sauce Gift Box The gift box pictured above and mentioned in this chat from Murray’s Cheese had inside. Eclectic names for each cheese that would make any cider lover smile wide and say “More please!” Roomano 3 Year Ewephoria Sheep Milk Gouda Saint Stephens Four Fat Foul Apple Locust Honey MAST sea salt chocolate Barrels used by Big Apple Hard Cider Kings County Distillery Van Brundt Stillhouse Breuckelen Distilling Danielle and Josh von Scheiner at Brooklyn’s Pour the Core What to do while in NYC or Danielle’s notable locations. Gingerman  – may have ciders on tap or in bottle Wassail – New York City’s ciderbar – closed Standard Beirgarten Drunk Shakespeare Contact info for Big Apple Hard Cider Website: https://www.bigapplehardcider.com/best-of-the-big-apple/   Ria at Drunk Shakespeare  

Adam Krakowsk’s new book Vermont Prohibition: Teetotalers, Bootleggers & Corruption (2016 Arcadia Press) carves out the state of Vermont’s cider, beer, and spirits history in relationship to prohibition. Vermont Prohition: Teetotalers, Bootleggers & Corruption Vermont Prohibition covers, the politics, policy, economics, religion and social impact that prohibition had on Vermont. Read about the Liquor Law of 1853 that targeted distilled spirits while conveniently protecting cider. 1880’s to 1890s the term Hard Cider started being used in the law books. So was Hard Cider considered adulterated cider? The jury is out, but the verdict feels pretty close. Adam Krakowski In this chat Adam discusses: Why Vermont actually had 80 years of prohibition The Temperance movement The difference between ethanol alcohol and methanol alcohol How the law was written to help cider avoid prohibition NASCAR’s ( National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) relationship to prohibition Switchel  Adam Krakowski’s book on Vermont Beer   Mentions in this Cider Chat Scott Wheeler”s book:Rumrunners Revenuers: Prohibition in Vermont Caledonia Spirits Mad River Distillery Vermont Historical Society Bottle Pasteurization link to help you stop fermentation of back sweeten carbonated cider

Part 2 at Farnum Hill Cider Delve into tasting 7- ciders with the Farnum Hill Cider team. This is Part 2 with this OG cidery and orchard. Steve Woods, whom along with his wife Louisa D. Spencer who founded the cidery, explains how this tasting, which takes place 3-4 times per week, is conducted. Nicole Leibon, Steve Wood, Louisa Spencer In this Cider Chat The descriptors fly, laughter follows and somehow despite tasting 7- ciders the team is able to stay on task and get their notes completed as they work towards perfecting their cider. We then head back up to the orchard with Nicole Leibon and Steve to finish our chat from last week. We explore terroir and discuss the cider market. Soon Louisa Spencer arrives to join in and Nicole heads home. This recording offers a treasure trove of cider info and a front seat to a chat where we wrangle with what is currently going on with cider, how Farnum Hill is maneuvering the market and misconceptions on cider apples. Cider topics covered in this chat Will the cider market crash? What can we find out from the craft beer market? What defines Farnum Hill Cider? Should cider be saved for special occasions? Listen to 031: Steve Wood in Part 1 Contact for Poverty Lane Orchards & Farnum Hill Ciders Website: https://farnumhillciders.com/orchards Address: 98 Poverty Lane, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766 Telephone: (603) 448-1511 Become a Cider Chat patron and help keep #cidergoingup

Enjoy Part 1 of a two part chat with the founders and cider makers of Farnum Hill Cider, in Lebanon New Hampshire.  This OG cidery sits on the slope of Farnum Hill with nearby town of White River Junction and the Connecticut River to the east. Like many New England orchards and farms there is not necessarily open continuous land, but small acreage here and there, wherein the case of FHC- cider apple trees are planted in large and small fields of 3 to 4 and 20 acres plots. Farnum Hill is highly regarded for their cider, producing select cider apples, and is one of the key tap roots for moving cider out of the back room barns and into the minds of craft libation connoisseurs for the first time post prohibition. Not that there is anything wrong with back room barn cider. The Founders of Farnum Hill Steve M. Wood and Louisa D. Spencer Founded the cidery in 1995 while already planting Poverty Lane Orchards in the late Make sure to note during this chat how many scions have passed out of this site and across the US.  Steve Wood in the Orchard In Part 2 /Episode 032, a candid chat with Steve and Louisa. Lousia Spencer For this chat, we (Steve, Nicole and Ria) walked up the hill to the top of the orchard where Steve provides the backdrop surrounding the early beginnings of Farnum Hill. Nicole Leibon LeGrand Ria and Steve Wood, chatting above an orchard on Farnum Hill A chat overlooking Farnum Hill 1965 – Steve was eleven years old when he started working at the farm. His dad was an apple farmer and the local doctor. Steve and Louisa arrived back to the farm in 1973…post college 1984 bought Poverty Hill Orchards 1989 planted the first commercial size cider orchard in the US –  a 1000 trees 1995 Became bonded to begin selling cider 1990s – Steve began studying winemaking Throughout the 90s they began planting more and more fruit trees “During the 90s we started throwing apples in the ground.” Contact and Visiting info Poverty Lane Orchards & Farnum Hill Ciders Website: https://farnumhillciders.com/ Address: 98 Poverty Lane Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766 For patrons of Cider Chat, via Cider Chat's Patreon page there will a YouTube clip available for viewing Steve Wood blending cider. It will go live on Thursday May 26th. It is easy to become a patron and it really helps this chat thrive. Please do consider becoming a Patron of the Chat today!