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.