Some dreams start small, growing quietly in the corners of garages and basements before they bloom into something greater. For Dustin and Leann Beagell, what began as a simple experiment in home cidermaking has evolved into New Leaf Cider, a thriving business deeply rooted in family, community, and craftsmanship.

Dustin’s journey into cider started with a love for brewing and an even greater love for sharing something special with his wife. “My wife didn’t like beer – or maybe just the beer I was making – so I decided to try making a cider,” Dustin recalled. That first batch, known today as First Leaf, was a revelation. Both Dustin and Leann enjoyed it, and when they shared it with seasoned cider makers at an Albany farm cideries gathering, the positive feedback was overwhelming.

Timing, however, was not on their side. Just as New Leaf was taking shape, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into traditional business plans. Rather than stall, the Beagells adapted. Dustin bottled cider and delivered it door-to-door, while Leann tapped into her network to spread the word. They set up at farmers markets, offered samples, and built a following—one customer at a time. Soon, local bars began adding New Leaf to their taps, and momentum grew.

With demand rising, it was time to build a space of their own. True to their values, the Beagells made it a family affair. Dustin, his brothers, and his father constructed the production facility and tasting room themselves, shaping a space that reflected their dedication and vision. When New Leaf opened its doors in 2023, they were blown away by the community’s response—over 2,000 people showed up to celebrate. “Seeing so many people we know and love, supporting us and embracing this dream—it was incredible,” Leann said.

Rooted in Community

New Leaf Cider is more than just a cidery; it’s a testament to the power of relationships. The Beagells are passionate about supporting their local community, sourcing 100% New York State apples and collaborating with nearby farmers and artisans. From locally crafted charcuterie boards to ingredients sourced from their own backyard, everything they do is about strengthening ties with the region they call home.

And that sense of community extends beyond just sourcing ingredients—it’s at the heart of the experience they’ve created. Their taproom, located in Port Crane, NY, is designed to be a welcoming space for everyone. With live music, trivia nights, stand-up comedy, and games on the patio, New Leaf has become a place where families and friends can gather, relax, and enjoy great cider together.

Looking to the Future

Sustainability and thoughtful growth are key to New Leaf’s vision for the future. Dustin hopes to expand distribution throughout the Northeast, ensuring that New Leaf remains a regional brand that stays true to its roots. He also envisions more collaborations with local farmers and cheese makers, further deepening the connection between cider and the land that nurtures it.

For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Dustin’s advice is clear: never stop learning. He encourages new cider makers to seek out as much training as possible, from classes to certifications with institutions like the Cider Institute. “Cider making is an art,” he explains. “Every apple is different, every fermentation tells its own story. The more you listen to the fruit and the process, the better your cider will be.”

Join the New Leaf Cider Club

For cider lovers looking for a deeper connection to New Leaf, the Cider Club offers exclusive perks, including behind-the-scenes production tours, early access to new releases, and even opportunities to vote on new cider flavors and names. Membership isn’t just about great deals—it’s about becoming part of the New Leaf family and sharing in the passion that drives everything they do.

From a garage experiment to a bustling cidery, Dustin and Leann Beagell have shown that great things happen when passion, family, and community come together. And with every pour of New Leaf Cider, they continue to turn a new page in their story—one that is only just beginning.

At the heart of Brooklyn Cider House is a story of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Leading the charge in this evolution is Richard Yi, a cidermaker who was, in many ways, born into the craft. As the son of Peter Yi, a renowned figure in the cider industry, Richard was immersed in the world of apples, fermentation, and the pursuit of flavor from an early age.

Recognizing his son’s natural curiosity and ambition, Peter encouraged Richard to travel abroad and immerse himself in the art of winemaking and cidermaking. These global experiences shaped Richard’s approach, allowing him to bring back fresh ideas, refined techniques, and a deep appreciation for cider’s complexity. Returning to New York, he began his own cider production journey, eager to carve out his own legacy while continuing the family tradition.

Richard’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of cider is evident in every bottle. His ciders have already gained recognition in competitions, a testament to his innovative approach. But for Richard, it’s about more than just awards—he’s focused on building a long-term, sustainable brand identity that reflects his vision. Part of that includes plans to start vlogging his cidermaking journey, bringing audiences along for the ride as he experiments and refines his craft.

One of Richard’s deepest inspirations comes from his grandmother, whose passion for cooking taught him that great food—and great cider—is made with love and intention. Some of his most cherished memories involve sharing meals with family, pairing cider with her grilled mackerel and steamed egg. If it were up to him, he’d sell his cider alongside her dishes, bringing together three generations of craftsmanship.

Looking ahead, Richard envisions a revolution in the American cider industry over the next decade. He believes complex flavors will gain greater appreciation, rivaling even established beverage categories. Right now, his ciders remain in their experimental phase, but he looks forward to the day when his craft is fully honed. His favorite single varietals? Porter’s Perfection and crab apples—a nod to his preference for bold, nuanced flavors. Richard is eager to unveil the latest wave of Small Batch ciders crafted for his Cider Club, each one focused on experimentation and artistic expression in a different way.

His advice for aspiring cidermakers is simple but powerful: "To get good at making cider, you have to drink a lot of it—across different styles—to expand your palate."

The Brooklyn Cider House Legacy

Brooklyn Cider House’s roots trace back to an unforgettable experience in Spain’s Basque Country, where Peter Yi, a seasoned wine buyer, encountered something extraordinary. In the foothills of Urnieta and Hernani, he found a cider culture unlike anything he had seen before—cider flowing straight from the barrel, paired with simple yet incredible food, and an atmosphere filled with warmth and camaraderie. That moment sparked an idea: Could this experience be recreated in New York?

Determined to bring that magic home, Peter and his sister Susan Yi took a bold leap in 2014, leaving behind long-established careers to immerse themselves in apples, fermentation, and cidermaking. Their vision was clear: to craft natural, vibrant ciders that reflected both the traditions of Basque cider houses and the unique terroir of New York apples.

Their journey led them to revitalize Twin Star Orchards, where they established a cidery, tasting room, farmstand, and pavilion; quickly turning it into a destination for cider lovers. In just a few short years, Brooklyn Cider House has grown into a recognized name in the industry, with their award-winning ciders now available across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Florida.

With Richard Yi now leading production, the future of Brooklyn Cider House looks brighter than ever. His passion for pushing the boundaries of flavor, coupled with his family’s commitment to quality, ensures that Brooklyn Cider House will continue to make an impact for years to come.

Here’s to the next chapter—one that promises even more innovation, creativity, and exceptional cider.

Ron Bixby’s fermentation journey started nearly 20 years ago, rooted in his passion for orcharding. Selling fruit from his land, Ron always had a deep connection to the earth. In 2015, with the help of his friend and cider maker Don McClean and resources from Cornell University, Ron transformed his passion into a business, founding Little Apple Cidery.

A pivotal moment came at CiderCon in Chicago in 2019 when Ron met Hayley Shine, a seasoned brewer and cider maker with experience on the West Coast and in Chicago. Their shared passion for cider ignited a partnership, and Hayley soon joined Ron in New York. In 2021, Lisa Graedon joined the team, taking on responsibilities for the Orchard Bar. Together, this dynamic trio navigated the challenges of COVID and have since shared roles in management, production, and marketing.

The story of Little Apple began over 40 years ago in an old orchard overrun with small apples. The decision to restore the orchard and become certified organic was the start of something beautiful. After years of dedication, the orchard flourished with heirloom varieties like Northern Spy, Golden Russet, and Baldwin apples, producing delicious ciders. The addition of English and French cider varieties inspired the creation of their Farm Cidery and Orchard Bar, bringing the Little Apple experience to life.

At Little Apple, the cider is all about the apples and the harvest. Each year is a new adventure, with apples hand-picked, pressed, fermented, and racked over a six-month production period. Their Little Batch Series showcases unique single-varietal batches and blends, each with its distinctive flavor and aroma. Every cider honors the apples, celebrating the land and the season.

The orchard is a destination for all. Whether walking the grounds, playing in the fields, or enjoying a cider under an apple tree, visitors are welcome to experience the magic of Little Apple. From May to November, the Orchard Bar serves hard cider, local beer, and fine provisions, while fresh-pressed organic juice is available in the fall. Even in the off-season, their hard ciders are available by the bottle, offering a taste of Little Apple year-round.

Looking ahead, Ron envisions Little Apple expanding into agritourism, hosting small parties, and steadily growing its reach. Proud of their innovative spirit, Ron highlights their pioneering quince cider as a testament to their creativity. His advice to all: “See the opportunity, and take the risk.” 

Cheers to Ron, Hayley, Lisa, and the entire Little Apple team for their dedication to crafting exceptional ciders and creating unforgettable experiences. Here’s to many more years of success and delicious cider adventures!

Let’s talk about cider royalty: Eddie Brennan, President and co-owner of the legendary 1911 Established, a brand that’s been raising the bar for cider worldwide. 1911’s story begins with their 5th-generation family farm in Lafayette, NY, where they’ve been growing exceptional apples for over a century. In the 1970s, the family built a fresh cider facility to breathe new life into their orchard—and it worked. Fast forward to 12 years ago, they took a leap into the craft beverage game, and the rest is history. Today, 1911 is known for creating innovative, authentic ciders that honor their roots while embracing modern techniques.

Eddie Brennan’s leadership has been pivotal in 1911’s growth, but he’s quick to credit their success to cider maker Yann Fay. Yann, a cider expert with years of experience (formerly at Bellwether Hard Cider), brings creativity and a deep understanding of the craft to every batch. Together, Eddie and Yann have built a lineup of ciders that are bold, creative, and consistently high-quality.Every step of 1911’s cider-making process happens in-house. Their commitment to excellence starts in the orchard, where 300,000 trees are hand-trimmed every winter, 400 beehives are brought in for spring pollination, and frost threats are met with vigilance. This “tree-to-can” approach ensures that every cider is carefully crafted and true to their values.

Eddie is passionate about creating ciders that are cocktail-friendly yet approachable for beer lovers. But 1911 is more than just a cider brand—it’s an experience. Their Beak & Skiff Orchard has become a destination for cider fans, offering something for everyone, whether it’s wandering the orchards, sipping in the taproom, catching a live show, or sampling products from Ayrloom, the cannabis facility located within the orchard.... It’s an adult Disney World for cider enthusiasts.

Eddie’s advice for aspiring cider makers is to “start small, look for landscape gaps, and stay authentic.” His passion for the craft, combined with the team’s dedication to sustainability and innovation, has positioned 1911 as a true champion of the cider industry. Cheers to Eddie, Yann, and the entire 1911 team for inspiring us all with their vision and commitment!

NY CIDER FESTIVAL NYC A RESOUNDING SUCCESS AS CIDER LOVERS CELEBRATE DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER SHIPPING BECOMING LAW

[Hudson Yard, NY_November 18, 2024] — On November 16th the New York Cider Association proudly hosted the NY Cider Festival NYC, a landmark day dedicated to the vibrant world of NY Cider. The sold-out event welcomed over 600 NY Cider enthusiasts, industry leaders, and the cider-curious alike to Hudson Yards in Manhattan, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrated both NY Cider’s rich, agricultural heritage and the exciting new era made possible by the recent passage of the Direct-to-Consumer Shipping bill. This legislation allows NY Cider makers to ship their products directly to consumers, fostering a stronger connection between cider producers and their customers and opening doors for New York ciders to reach broader markets. The festival was a triumphant showcase of the quality and diversity of 24 NY Cideries, drawing attendees from across the state and beyond who were eager to sip, savor, pair, and purchase some of the best ciders New York has to offer.

“This past Saturday was the first day when the Empire State’s new Direct-to-Consumer shipping law for cideries and craft distilleries went into effect. It was exhilarating to be able to celebrate this achievement with so much excitement and enthusiasm at the first NY Cider Festival NYC hosted by The New York Cider Association. All New Yorkers should take joy and pride in the fact that the NY Cider industry is a leader in the country in both quality and quantity. We at the State Liquor Authority are immensely proud to continue to boost the vitality of our agricultural manufacturer licensees and look forward to continuing our work together in the coming years,” says New York State Liquor Authority Chair, Lily Fan.

“The NY Cider Festival NYC was not only a celebration of our state’s unique cider community but also a historic moment for our industry. The ability for our growers and producers to direct ship to their customers is a game-changer for our cideries, giving them a powerful new avenue to grow their businesses, expand the viability of this agricultural industry, and connect directly with cider lovers everywhere. We are forever grateful for the support of Governor Kathy Hochul, NYS Liquor Authority Chair, Lily Fan, Assemblymembers Donna Lupardo and Patricia Fahy, Senators James Skoufis and Rachel May, and so many others that made the passage of this bill possible,” said Scott Ramsey, Executive Director of the New York Cider Association.

NY Cideries showcased at the Festival included 1911 Established, Angry Orchard, Blake's Hard Cider, Brooklyn Cider House, Donovan Estate Ciders, Graft Cider, Grisamore Cider Works, Hudson North Cider, Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider, Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery, Little Apple Cidery, Merchant's Daughter Cider, Nine Pin Ciderworks, Orchard Hill Cider Mill, Original Sin Cider, Pennings Farm Cidery, Quartz Rock Cider House, Red Hook Cidery, Rockland Cider Works, Shrewd Fox Cider, South Hill Cider, Treasury Cider at Fishkill Farms, and Tree Hugger Cider.

About the New York Cider Association
The New York Cider Association champions the cider industry in New York State by supporting cider makers, promoting agricultural heritage, and celebrating the diversity and quality of New York ciders. Through events like the NY Cider Festival NYC, the Association aims to increase awareness of New York’s cider offerings, connect with consumers, and support the growth of a thriving, sustainable cider market. For more information, visit www.newyorkcider.org and download the NY Cider Trail App wherever you find your apps.

The NY Cider Festival NYC was produced by the New York Cider Association in partnership with Taste NY, NYS Grown & Certified, Angry Orchard, and the New York Apple Association.

Meet Joshua Hinchman, the talented Cider Maker at Seminary Hill Cider. Born & raised in Vermont, Joshua grew up with a passion for food and fermentation, driven by the idea of transforming food waste into beautiful, edible products. His career began in kitchens, where he honed his culinary skills for a few years before the pandemic altered his path.

When COVID-19 hit, Joshua pivoted to agriculture, working on farms to help maintain farmland and harvest crops. This pivotal time introduced him to the legendary John Bunker, a renowned apple enthusiast and cider maker. In May 2020, Joshua moved to Palermo, Maine, to apprentice with John, living off-grid in a homestead without running water or electricity. This experience deepened his appreciation for sustainable living and provided hands-on education in agriculture and cider making.

After gaining valuable experience at Fable Farm in Vermont and returning for another year with John in 2022 to refine his cider-making and apple knowledge, Joshua joined Seminary Hill in March 2023. Under the guidance of then-cider maker Stuart Madany, Joshua absorbed a wealth of knowledge and eventually stepped into the role of Cider Maker. 

Sustainability at Seminary Hill
Seminary Hill Cider stands out as the first Passive House-certified alcohol production facility in the U.S., a testament to their commitment to sustainability. Their facility incorporates radiant heating, is partially underground for better insulation, and features a taproom built with recycled wood. They repurpose apple waste for local farms’ animal feed and compost food waste whenever possible, exemplifying their dedication to earth-friendly practices.

Joshua’s Vision for the Future
Joshua is deeply grateful for the mentors and opportunities that shaped his career. Inspired by French wine culture, he dreams of a cider industry focused more on varietal ciders and increasing consumer awareness of the craft. At Seminary Hill, Joshua hopes to continue experimenting with single-varietal ciders, coferments and meads while expanding their reach to high-end bottle shops and restaurants in New York City and New York State.

With a bright future ahead, Joshua’s passion and innovative spirit make him a rising star in the cider industry. Cheers to his inspiring journey and exciting contributions to the craft!

If you're a fan of rich cider history, then you're in for a treat at the upcoming NY Cider Festival on November 16th in New York City. One of our special cider makers pouring at the event is Simon and Jesse Ingall, the force behind Grisamore Cider Works, a cidery rooted in the rich agricultural legacy of their family’s farm in Locke, New York.

The Grisamore Farm story dates back nearly a century. Maurice Grisamore, his wife Else, and her mother moved from Chicago to Locke in 1927 to start a new life on their own dairy farm. Over the decades, the Grisamores expanded their crops, adding strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and vegetables. By the time Simon and Jesse's grandparents, Paul and Christine, took over, the farm had diversified into a bustling pick-your-own destination, complete with a charming farm store in their converted dairy barn.

Fast forward to today, and you’ll find the brothers adding a new chapter to the family legacy through Grisamore Cider Works. Originally a hobbyist cider maker, Simon honed his skills using apples from the farm’s orchard planted in 1975. Inspired by the unique terroir of the Finger Lakes, Simon and Jesse evolved from experimenting in the family mill to cofermenting ciders with fruits grown on the farm. Their journey even took him to the United Kingdom, where they studied cider making with the help of their father’s childhood friend.

Simon champions the unique climate of the Finger Lakes, where the soil, microclimates, and even the challenges of fire blight shape the character of each cider. But for Simon, it’s the sense of community that stands out. “The camaraderie between FLX cidermakers is incredible,” he says. Through meetups and festivals, Simon connects with other local legends like Ian Merwin of Black Diamond Cider and Steve Selin of South Hill Cider, sharing knowledge and a passion for crafting quality cider.

For Grisamore Cider Works, cider making isn’t just about apples or tradition—it’s about people. Whether it’s collaborating with fellow makers, meeting cider lovers in his taproom, or sharing stories over a pint, the relationships formed along the way have made this journey deeply fulfilling.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Scott Ramsey
PHONE: (646) 772-5871
EMAIL: scott@newyorkcider.org

NY CIDER FESTIVAL NYC 2024: A Celebration of New York’s Finest Ciders!

(Hudson Yards_October 30, 2024) – Calling all NYC cider lovers! Prepare your taste buds and join us for an unforgettable experience at the NY Cider Festival NYC 2024, hosted at Location05 in Hudson Yards on Saturday, November 16, complemented by live music and delicious food & cheese pairing options. Limited VIP early entry access is from 11:00am-12:00pm and general admission is from 12:00pm-3:00pm. Immerse yourself in a fun-filled day where you can sip, savor, and shop over 20 of some of the best NY Ciders while interacting with the cider makers themselves. Whether you’re a cider connoisseur, cider curious, or just looking for a great way to celebrate the fall, the NY Cider Festival NYC will elevate your cider experience as we showcase the incredible variety and quality of ciders produced and grown across NY State. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit https://NYCiderFestivalNewYorkCity2024.eventbrite.com.

“We are so thrilled to bring together all under one roof some of NY State’s best hard ciders made by New York’s world-class cider growers and producers. Not only will attendees have special moments of discovery when tasting and pairing our NY Ciders, but they will also be able to stock up and take-home their favorite NY Ciders for their very own harvest and holiday experiences. This is a NY Cider moment not to be missed!” says Scott Ramsey, Executive Director, New York Cider Association.

Produced by the New York Cider Association, this event aims to elevate and position NY Cider made with NY Apples and our NY Cider Growers and Producers as the best in the country. By providing an immersive experience through tastings and food pairings, we strive to connect consumers and industry stakeholders with the proud legacy and agricultural heritage of cider making in New York and the re-emerging NY Cider industry. To learn more about the New York Cider Association, visit www.newyorkcider.org and for a listing of cideries across New York State, download the NY Cider Trail App for FREE at your local app store! Please note that attendees must be 21 years or older and show valid ID.

This event is made possible through the generous partnership of Taste NY, NYS Grown & Certified, Angry Orchard, and the New York Apple Association.

This year’s Cider Week New York, held from October 5-13, brought a wave of excitement to the city with a packed lineup of cider-centric events and tastings. From intimate dinners to lively festivals, New Yorkers embraced the spirit of craft cider at top bars, restaurants, and retail spots across the city.

Cider Week New York is more than a celebration—it’s a bridge connecting cider makers to buyers, industry professionals, and cider enthusiasts. It gives cider makers a platform to showcase their craft, while helping to revive heirloom apple varieties and support local orchards. For the trade, Cider Week offers tastings, educational resources, and opportunities to connect directly with top cider producers. Consumers, in turn, enjoy a week filled with events like cider-paired dinners, psychic medium nights, trivia, bingo, and karaoke, creating unforgettable experiences that highlight the versatility of New York cider.

This year’s festivities garnered attention from multiple news channels, further amplifying the profile of New York cider and fostering a deeper appreciation for regional, small-batch production. For anyone who attended, it was a week of discovery, flavor, and fun—and a reminder of the vibrant cider culture growing right here in New York.

Stay tuned as we look forward to next year’s Cider Week, with even more exciting events and new cider makers to showcase. Cheers to another successful Cider Week and to the incredible cider community that made it possible!

A special thank you goes to our Cider Week Sponsor:

Presenting Sponsors: Angry Orchard, Glynwood, 1911 Established

Core Sponsors: Visit Ithaca, Dutchess County Tourism, American Cider Association, and Hudson Valley Cider Guide

Stem Sponsor: M&T Bank

Seed Sponsors: Visit Rochester and Columbia County Tourism

The new DTC Legislation is a huge win for the local craft beverage industry. New York’s many craft distilleries and cideries can now ship directly to customers across the state, opening up new markets and opportunities for businesses in all corners of the state - very exciting! 

To take advantage of this new legislation, Local cideries will want to source the proper packaging for shipping parcels throughout NYS. As a NYCA sponsor with years serving cider makers, Kayco Inc. has provided a short checklist of items to consider when embarking on your e-commerce venture:  

 

Commerce Packaging Checklist for a Beverage Company:

1. Product Protection:
   • Outer Packaging:
   • • Material: Choose sturdy materials like corrugated cardboard boxes, clamshells or insulated packaging for temperature-sensitive drinks.
     • Size: Ensure the box is large enough to accommodate the product with sufficient cushioning. 
     • Padding: Use soft materials like bubble wrap, air pillows, foam or tissue paper to prevent damage during transit.
   • Inner Packaging:
   • • Material: Select containers that are leak-proof and suitable for the beverage type (e.g., plastic bottles, cans, cartons).
     • Sealing: Ensure proper sealing of containers to prevent spills and maintain freshness.  Carton sealing tape is recommended. 

To determine outer packaging your packaging supplier will need to know the product dimensions (bottle/can size) and the quantity of product shipping per package.  

2.              Branding and Labeling:

Your packaging supplier can help with box labels for outer packaging, and discuss printed inserts or direct-to-carton printing options. 

3.              Sustainability:

Corrugated and molded pulp (paper-based) are two of the most common and effective means of shipping bottled goods and both are 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

4.              Shipping Considerations:

Consider the weight of your SKUs and the cost to ship them.  A heavier package will cost more to ship (and require more expensive packaging).  

Kayco Inc, has  been serving the packaging needs of Upstate NY for nearly 30 years.  We take pride in being a resource to the communities we serve and are happy to provide consultation to any members with questions about packaging or ecommerce in general. 

Author: Chuck Kayajian Jr.