CIDER BLOG
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.
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:
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.
The inaugural NY Cider Festival at Radio Social in Rochester, New York was nothing short of a fantastic success! With an initial goal of 300 attendees, we were thrilled to see the space filled beyond our expectations with enthusiastic cider lovers, foodies, and industry professionals alike. This event was truly a celebration of New York’s incredible cider community and the thriving local businesses of the Genesee Valley region.
From the very beginning, the energy was palpable. Guests were greeted by the irresistible aromas wafting from the food truck Taste of Soul, which served up delicious soul food that perfectly complemented the crisp ciders being poured. There was a constant line of people eager to taste their offerings, and the buzz around the truck added to the vibrant atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the day was the Cider & Cheese Pairing sessions hosted by Rachel Freier, owner and cheesemonger of The Cheese Club. Rachel captivated audiences with her deep knowledge and passion, guiding them through two thoughtfully curated pairings. The first featured the unique flavors of Steam Punk Cider, while the second showcased the exceptional profiles of Embark Craft Ciderworks. The sessions were a hit, offering a perfect blend of education and indulgence, and providing festival-goers with new appreciation for how cider and cheese can elevate each other.
Live music by Cooper Scotti filled the space, creating a lively and welcoming ambiance that kept spirits high throughout the event. Cooper’s talent and engaging presence made him a crowd favorite, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for everyone in attendance.
The festival showcased an impressive lineup of participating cideries, each bringing their own distinctive flavors to the event. Local producers like Apple Barrel Orchards, Blue Barn Cidery, and Blue Toad Hard Cider, Blake’s Hard Cider, City Orchard, Donovan Orchards Estate Ciders, Embark Craft Ciderworks, Lake Drum Brewing, OSB Ciderworks, Three Falls Cidery, Tree Hugger Hard Cider, Star Cidery, and Steam Punk Cider delighted guests with their diverse selections. This range of offerings showcased the innovation and quality coming out of New York’s cider industry.
Adding to the local flavor, artisanal vendors such as Peters Pickled Peppers and Pickles, Oakfield Corners Dairy, Brighton Honey, and the NY Apple Association offered guests the opportunity to explore unique products that paired beautifully with the ciders. The presence of industry professionals, including bottle shop owners, pommeliers, restaurant owners, and members of craft beverage associations, highlighted the event’s influence in connecting key figures in the craft beverage world.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, whose mission is to bring awareness to the many small businesses in the Genesee Valley region. Their support ensured that the NY Cider Festival went beyond being just a tasting event; it became a platform for celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage and fostering connections among local producers and consumers.
After the main event wrapped up, the festivities continued at Muller’s Cider House, where attendees and participants gathered for a lively after-party. It was a perfect end to a magical day, leaving everyone excited for what the future holds for NY Cider Festival!
The excitement doesn’t end here. We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be doing it all over again in New York City on November 16th at Location05 in Hudson Yards! This upcoming event will bring even more NY cideries and enthusiasts together for a day of exceptional tastings, live music, and more. We can’t wait to see everyone again for what promises to be another unforgettable celebration of New York’s cider community. Cheers to everyone who helped make this day a true success, and here’s to many more!
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE NY CIDER FESTIVAL - NYC
While we’re still a couple weeks away from the start of Cider Week New York, the crew at Twin Star Orchards wanted to get September kicked off right, with a big old party featuring New York crafted beer, wine, spirits, and of COURSE cider. Headlined by Brooklyn Cider House, there was plenty of NYCA representation at this iteration of the Hudson Valley Craft Beverage Festival.
While the weather outside was a touch gloomy, and by the end of the first tasting session there was quite a storm that passed through, this did not dampen the spirits of the vendors nor the attendees!
In all, there were nine cider producers in attendance, seven with NYCA representation. The crowds were very enthusiastic about the entire event, with most tables having little downtime between thirsty consumers ready for another taste at great New York produced libations. In fact, even with the weather, it was announced that ticket sales were projecting towards one of the best attended festivals for Twin Star Orchards!
With such a scenic and spacious location to host events such as this, Twin Star Orchards has quickly gained a reputation as one of THE places to attend an event anywhere in the Hudson Valley. With the success of this year’s events, it’s easy to imagine that next year’s events will be even more anticipated by fans of NY Cider, throughout the state & beyond!
Author: Damin Sawyer
Scott Donovan, founder and former owner of BlackBird Cider Works and current owner of his newly launched brand Donovan Orchards Estate Ciders, has never been one to shy away from hard work. With a professional resume that includes experience in manufacturing management and later in Big Four Public accounting as an internal auditor, Scott’s professional journey has always been diverse. His love for cider, however, truly began during his time in the Pacific Northwest in the early 2000s, where the cider culture was just beginning to blossom. As an experienced home-brewer, Scott was instantly drawn to the craft, and his frequent trips to Europe for his work only deepened his appreciation. He sought out English, French, and Spanish ciders, refining his palate with each trip.
In 2006, Scott took the plunge, purchasing a lakeside commercial apple orchard in Somerset, NY. As he learned the complexities of growing apples and pears commercially, Scott and his team began experimenting with cider blends in small batches. Scott's passion for cider truly ignited after attending Franklin County Cider Days, where he connected with fellow enthusiasts and many of the OG cider makers.
With the guidance of his long-time friend and Finger Lakes winemaker, Steve DiFrancisco, the foundation for Donovan Orchard’s “BlackBird Cider Works” brand in 2011. By late 2011, after years of refining both their apples and their recipes, Scott and his team were officially licensed to produce and sell their cider. In March 2012, the Donovan Orchard Estate tasting room opened its doors. In 2015, their award winning New England Cider was recognized as a commercial example in the 2015 BJCP standards guideline, a significant achievement in the cider world. Scott’s contributions to the cider industry didn’t stop there. His love for the craft led him to serve as a judge at GLINTCAP—the world’s largest cider competition—where he’s graced the judging panel an impressive eight times!
From modest beginnings, Scott’s dedication has grown Donovan Orchard’s BlackBird Cider Works brand into a medium-sized producer of award-winning craft cider. With numerous gold medals from prestigious competitions like the New York State Commercial Wine and Cider Competition, the Great American Cider Competition, and more, his ciders have consistently proven their excellence. Scott sold the BlackBird Cider Works brand to Resurgence brewing company in 2023 and immediately launched his new brand, Donovan Orchards Estate Ciders. A collection of artisanal ciders made using fruit from their orchards and employing European cider making techniques including sparkling the ciders using the traditional method. Scott now enjoys operating a small cidery with a small team of talented employees.
Scott's overachievement extends far beyond the orchard. As a founding board member of the New York Cider Association, Scott has been instrumental in shaping the industry. Additionally, he has served on the American Cider Association board from 2014 -2016 (formerly the United States Association of Cider Makers), where he participated in the lobby effort for the passage of The US Cider Act, further proving his commitment to the craft. Scott Donovan is a cider legend and a true champion of the industry. Today, we raise our glasses to honor his passion, dedication, and the remarkable impact he’s made. Cheers to Scott!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Scott Ramsey
PHONE: (646) 772-5871
EMAIL: scott@newyorkcider.org
GET READY FOR CIDER WEEK NEW YORK 2024:
IT’S JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
(Beacon, NY_Sep 24, 2204) – Mark your calendars—Cider Week New York is back, kicking off on Saturday, Oct 5 and running to Sunday, Oct 13! Across all of New York State, cideries, restaurants, and bottle shops will be pouring, tasting, and celebrating the best of NY Cider. From exclusive tastings to chef-curated cider pairings, orchard tours to cider festivals and cider markets, there’s something for everyone. Want to join in on the fun? Whether you’re a cider lover, a cider enthusiast, or just cider curious, you can find the full calendar of events on the new NY Cider Trail App which can be downloaded from where you get your favorite apps or head to www.ciderweeknewyork.com for event details and updates, and don’t miss out on all the delicious action!
“Cider Week New York is the ultimate excuse to explore the state’s incredible cider scene! Whether you’re discovering and mapping out your very own cider trail adventure to discover hidden gems on our new NY Cider Trail app or hitting up a local festival, orchard, tasting room, or restaurant showcasing New York’s finest ciders, it’s the perfect way to sip your way through the New York State’s rich harvest. Get ready to experience the best of New York and NY Cider, one delicious pour at a time!" says Scott Ramsey, Executive Director, New York Cider Association.
“As a fifth-generation family of apple growers, crafting 1911 Established Hard Cider is our way of canning the essence of New York State's rich agricultural heritage. Each year, Cider Week New York offers us the unique opportunity to share our passion with fellow cider lovers and celebrate the deep connection between our family, the land, and our craft. This year, we’re thrilled to return as Presenting Sponsor and showcase our latest hard cider creations—each one a tribute to the seasons and the fruit we’ve nurtured for over a century," says Eddie Brennan, President & Co-Owner, 1911 Established Hard Cider.
Participating NY Cideries includes 1911 Established Cider, Angry Orchard Cider House, Apple Barrel Orchards, Black Diamond Cider, Blake's Hard Cider, Blue Barn Cidery, Brooklyn Cider House at Twin Star Orchards, Buried Barrel Hard Cider, Clarksburg Cider Co., Eve's Cidery, Finger Lakes Cider House, Graft Cider, Grisamore Cider Works, Hudson North Cider, Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider, Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery, Lake Drum Brewing, Little Apple Cidery, Merchant's Daughter, New Leaf Cider Co., New York Cider Company, Nine Pin Cider, Original Sin Cider, Pennings Farm Cidery, Quartz Rock Cider House, Seminary Hill Cidery, Shrewd Fox Brewery & Cidery, South Hill Cider, Steampunk Cider, and Treasury Cider at Fishkill Farms.
Cider Week New York has been celebrated for over 10 years and is produced by the New York Cider Association. Directly tied to New York’s agricultural cash crop of apples, cider in New York has seen an unprecedented growth explosion of over 2400% over the past ten years and now has a $1.7 billion total economic impact to the NY state economy. With over 120 producers making over 5 million gallons of cider every year, New York continues to rank first in the country for the number of cider producers and second for apple growers. For more information, visit www.ciderweeknewyork.com
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.
Contact NYCA at newyorkciderassociation@gmail.com
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