CiderCon 2019: A Recap in Words and Photos
Whew! We’re back and (somewhat) recovered after the whirlwind that was CiderCon 2019. Every year, we’re reminded why this annual event, organized by the United States Association of Cider Makers, is at the head of its class, as far as cider conferences go. A dynamic schedule of workshops and panels, a veritable who’s who of…
Read More3 Valentine’s Day Cocktails to Celebrate Cider Love
Whether you’re head-over-heels in love, proudly independent or full-on “it’s complicated,” we think you’ll find room in your heart for one of these Valentine’s Day cider cocktails: Fresh Pear Cocktail Ripe pears are considered an aphrodisiac in many cultures because they can be wonderfully juicy and their shape is reminiscent of the female form. It only makes…
Read MoreOur Top 5 Favs from the CiderCon 2019 Cider Share
Anyone who’s been to CiderCon knows there is a lot to do, see, learn, and tons of people to reconnect with and meet and, obviously, plenty of cider to drink. Aside from all of the seminars that include tastings, and dinner and drinks out on the town, there’s the annual Cider Share, when dozens upon…
Read MoreCider Creek Hard Cider to Release CBD Cider, ‘Nano Juice’
Recently, we shared the news that Vermont’s Stowe Cider was releasing a CBD cider, a development we are feeling pretty stoked about. Well, it’s looking like the craft cider industry is at a bit of a tipping point, because Cider Creek Hard Cider just announced on its Facebook page that it, too, will launch a…
Read MoreCider Institute of North America Announces New Advanced Certificate in Cider & Perry Production
Are you a cider maker looking to step it up? The Cider Institute of North America (CINA), which formed in 2016, has announced the launch of the Advanced Certificate in Cider & Perry Production. The courses and certifications it has offered so far have mostly been foundational, and the Advanced Certificate qualification is intended as vocational…
Read MoreStem Ciders Acquires Black Twig Cider House in Durham, North Carolina
News from the cider world: Stem Ciders has acquired Black Twig Cider House in Durham, North Carolina, the first cider bar of its kind on the East Coast, which debuted in 2016. The 60-seat restaurant, bar and bottle shop will undergo a re-branding as The Northern Spy, slated to open late spring 2019. The Northern Spy will be…
Read MoreCastle Hill Cider Launches Sister Brand, Big Pippin
Castle Hill Cider, beloved for producing beautiful heritage ciders from the heart of Virginia, recently announced the launch of its new sister company, Big Pippin. Its clever, fun name, vibrant can designs and modern flavor combinations all hint at something meant to be well-crafted, but not too serious. Castle Hill expanded to this line in…
Read MoreCider Loves Food: Snacks and Party Snacks Pairings
In our monthly column, “Cider Loves Food,” contributor Meredith Collins (blogger extraordinaire at Along Came a Cider) is looking at different cuisines and finding the perfect ciders to help take your meals to the next level. February is a great month for a party. It’s cold outside, and going out isn’t super appealing, but we’ve…
Read MoreFresh Faces in Canadian Cider: Lekker Cider Co.
There’s a new kid on the block in the Canadian cider scene: Lekker Cider Co. This new urban cidery startup, founded by the wife-and-husband team of Liz and Brendan Kearns, is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Lekker, which means “yummy,” “tasty” or “luscious,” is a popular slogan regarding South African culture and produce. Lekker Cider takes…
Read MoreAnother Tool in Your Kit: Leveraging Technology in Cider Making
Cider makers need technology: It’s simply a fact. Even the most “unplugged” artisan still must rely on tech, whether that’s electricity to run the lights and refrigeration, or a truck to make deliveries, or the phone to answer emails. And, increasingly, all kinds of makers, including cider makers, are relying on all sorts of technological…
Read MoreStowe Cider Releases Limited CBD Cider
CBD — you know, one of the cannabinoids found in marijuana plants that chill you out without getting you stoned (and have tons of other purported health benefits, too) — is everywhere. We started seeing it a few years ago in the usual health food-type applications: tinctures, gummies, oils, skin creams, salves and the like. But…
Read MoreCider Roundup: Low ABV Ciders, Perries and More
Welcome to the next installment of craft cider roundups from Meredith of Along Came a Cider. For more, check out her other articles for Cider Culture about ciders pushing the envelope, still ciders, autumnal ciders, perries, different apples and cozy winter ciders. Some folks do a “Dry January,” meaning they commit to a month of…
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