Alex Gill has always been an admirer of Indian Ladder Farms, a centennial farm renowned for its seasonal pick-your-own berries, apples, and pumpkins, situated near his hometown. As a child, he cherished the times spent at their orchard, making lasting memories while picking apples. As he grew older, Alex found himself drawn to the food and service industry, working in coffee shops and food co-ops. Despite this, he yearned for more fulfilling work.

In 2016, Indian Ladder Farms opened their tasting room, and the owner, Dietrich Gehring, introduced Alex to their production process. Alex was instantly captivated by their cider and eagerly offered to help in any capacity. Recognizing Alex's enthusiasm, Dietrich offered him a bartending position. As Alex delved deeper into the fermentation process, his curiosity about the myriad varieties of cider grew, leading him to assist in all aspects of cider-making. His dedication and passion saw him rise to the role of head cidermaker, a position he has proudly held for six years.

Alex envisions the cider industry evolving towards greater consumer engagement and cultural appreciation. He believes this can be achieved through a blend of traditional and contemporary techniques. "A cidermaker must respect and pay homage to old-school cider-making while creating something approachable for first-time consumers," he says. In his personal journey, Alex aspires to build a strong cider-making team at Indian Ladder Farms and educate the public on the importance of orchards and farms to encourage them to explore the world of cider. His biggest piece of advice to aspiring cidermakers is to embrace mistakes, as they often lead to the greatest developments.

Raise a toast to Alex Gil, a remarkable asset to our industry!