Before diving into the world of cider, Chris Jackson enjoyed a vibrant career first as an Environmental Engineer and then as an Art Director, working with powerhouse companies like Disney, Pixar, and Lucasfilm. In addition to his creative work, Chris is also a lifelong musician, playing both solo and in a band called Nice Guy Eddie. However, it was love that ultimately brought him to New York. His long-distance relationship with his now-wife, Kelly, drew him across the country, where he would soon embark on a new chapter, both personally and professionally.  

Chris had always dabbled in home-brewing beer as a hobby, but his true introduction to cider came in 2017 when he stumbled upon a Cider Week event. One sip of Applewood Winery’s “Naked Flock” cider brand followed by Andy Brennan's "Aaron Burr" cider at a taproom event sparked his curiosity, and he found himself irresistibly drawn to the world of hard cider. Inspired, he and a friend purchased a cider press, sourced apples, and began experimenting with cider-making.

Not long after, Chris faced a pivotal moment in his career. He was offered a traditional job, but his heart was set on working in cider. A sales position at Treasury Cider caught his eye, even though his real passion was for production. Although the sales role was no longer available, he noticed an opening for an assistant cider maker. With his chemistry background and growing experience in home cider-making, Chris jumped in to help, quickly proving his talent and securing the role of assistant cider maker.

Then, the pandemic struck. When the head cider maker had to step down, Chris found himself in a new position—first as interim, then as permanent cider maker. His story is one of passion, persistence, and following the path that speaks to your heart. Today, Chris holds the prestigious title of one of the first 100 Certified Pommeliers in the world and serves as Vice President of the New York Cider Association.

            
When asked about his vision for cider’s future, Chris draws a comparison to music: “I’d like to see cider be more like Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats instead of Metallica,” he says. He believes that cider should be diverse and distinctive, not just the homogenous offerings often seen on grocery store shelves. Like when a unique band breaks through with a fresh sound, it’s exciting until others start copying it.

As for his work at Treasury Cider, Chris remains dedicated to his minimalist style—favoring ambient yeast fermentation and only introducing yeast at bottling to carbonate. Staying true to Treasury's "Tree to Bottle" mission is his guiding principle.
Chris Jackson’s journey from art and music to cider making is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and perseverance.