Foraged cider entered the spotlight at CiderCon 2024 with the panel “Foraged Fruit Project: A Discussion of Discovery.” This event was a combination tasting and conversation between researchers, cider foragers, and an enthusiastic crowd, moderated by NYCA’s very own Executive Director Scott Ramsey. Dr. Maria Kennedy of Rutgers University and Dr. Gregory Peck of Cornell University, with their undergraduate researchers, described their research into how fruit foraging fits into the landscape of New York Cider. Fruit foraging research is an important look into a small but fascinating part of the cider industry that speaks to the unique way that people interact with their natural environment. 

Cideries on both coasts were represented on the panel: from the Pacific Northwest, Kim Hamblin representing Art+Science Cider and Wine and Sager Small representing Mast Year Cider, as well as Steve Selin from Ithaca, New York’s South Hill Cider. Participants got to taste ciders and perries from all three, paired with the wild stories of their foraging. Through these stories, these cidermakers talked about the unique landscape of cider foraging. There are the uncertainties of foraging on public land, and the struggles of gaining permission to collect on private land. There’s also the task of finding apple trees in the first place (spot them when they flower in the spring—nothing else looks like them!). Then, of course, there’s the process of foraging from enough different trees to achieve the right blend of acid and tannin for that perfect profile. Panelists and participants also talked about the accessibility of foraging. Foraging can be challenging—besides the trouble of physically accessing the apples, the act requires careful research and negotiation. At NYCA, we hope to facilitate continued discussion amongst our foraging members. 

After all, overcoming the obstacles makes the success (but maybe not the cider) all the more sweeter, for foragers. The joys of foraging are endless, and every panelist’s story was told with no end of laughter. Foraging has a wildness to it that expands the boundaries of what we consider cider. This is reflected in unorthodox harvest methods, in artful labels, and the ways in which the cideries were begun and continue to operate. Most of all, the creative and natural spirit of foraging is reflected in the unique profiles of ciders made from blends of apples that often don’t even have names. Foraged fruit connects the creativity of the cidermaker to the splendor of the natural world, resulting in a cider that brings a beautifully wild taste to the cider consumer. 

The Government Affairs Committee of the New York Cider Association recently met with Commissioner Lily Fan and her esteemed team at the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA) on February 5th. The team convened in Albany for a meet-and-greet session with Commissioner Fan, who has been steering the ship at NYSLA since her appointment by Governor Hochul last summer.

In attendance were key figures from the NYSLA team including Bill Crowley, Shannon Kearney Sarfoh, Paul Karamanol, and Lisa Ogden, among others. The agenda was set for both an informal introduction and a deep dive into the world of New York Cider.

Our committee took the opportunity to paint a vivid picture of our industry's rich history, showcasing its exponential growth and the invaluable contribution it makes to New York State's agricultural and craft beverage landscapes. We didn't shy away from discussing the challenges we face as small business owners, and were met with understanding and support from Chairwoman Fan and her team.

What struck us most was Commissioner Fan's emphasis on the importance of our stories. She noted that the narratives shared by our member producers and growers offer invaluable context for the work they do at NYSLA. This sentiment spotlights the significance of our collective voice in driving positive change for our industry.

We are excited to embark on a journey of deeper engagement and relationship-building with all of our members. Your stories and experiences will serve as powerful tools as we navigate the path forward together, addressing the needs of our industry in partnership with the NYSLA.

We invite you to share your insights and aspirations with us as we cultivate this relationship with Chairwoman Fan and the NYSLA team. Together, we will pave the way for a brighter future for the New York Cider industry.

It was a blast to see you all at the New York Cider Pop-up during Cidercon! Held at the Metropolitan Tavern Ballroom just a walk away from the Oregon Convention Center, it was a cozy get-together for New York cidermakers to chill out, chat, and share cider after a busy day at this inter-state and international conference. New York cideries turned out in huge numbers for Portland this year—we salute your hard work getting there despite the snowstorms, cancellations, and the half-inch sheet of ice coating the sidewalks! We hope you all got to see old friends and make new ones—we sure did!

This year’s Cidercon hosted 1,100 attendees from 40 states and 14 different countries. Because of all your hard work, we got to show them all the top-notch quality and wide diversity of New York Cider, from the Niagara Frontier to the Finger Lakes to the Catskills to the Hudson Valley to Long Island and to New York City. The cideries represented included Angry Orchard, Blake's Hard Cider, Brooklyn Cider House, Clarksburg Cider, Graft Cider, Grisamore Cider, Hudson North Cider Co., Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider, Indian Ladder Farms Cider, Little Apple Cidery, Merchants Daughter Cider, Nine Pin Cider, Original Sin Cider, Pennings Farm Cidery, Seminary Hill Cider, South Hill Cider, Steampunk Cider, and Treasury Cider. Together, we all showed Portland exactly why New York is called the Big Apple.

If you were there and posted about it, make sure to tag us @newyorkcider so we can check it out! If you missed it, make sure to come to Cidercon 2025 in Chicago, Illinois for another year of this unforgettable experience!

This event was produced by the New York Cider Association in collaboration with BevFluence and made possible with the partnership of Angry Orchard.

Hannah Ferguson recently achieved a remarkable milestone, emerging as the founder of Ohio's inaugural black and female-owned cidery. The entrepreneur stands as the driving force behind D.O.P.E. Cider House and Winery, located in Youngstown, Ohio.

The acronym "DOPE" captures the heart and soul of Hannah's establishment: Dwelling On Positive Energy. It serves as a testament to her commitment to infuse positivity into every aspect of her brand. With a decade-long foundation in wine and cider making, Hannah embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with a wealth of expertise and passion.

Her story of perseverance serves as a reminder that the world of cider is inclusive and welcoming to all. As Denis Waitley stated, "As long as we are persistent in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow." Hannah's journey exemplifies the potential in dedication and unyielding determination.

Introducing Nick and Lindsey, the dynamic duo behind Buried Barrel Hard Cider! Nick, coming from a lineage of third-generation dairy farmers, inherited an expansive apple orchard from his grandfather, dating back to 1969. With over 100 acres of flourishing apple trees, Nick's grandfather transformed surplus apples into a niche venture – a you-pick orchard supplemented by hard cider.

Fond memories of his grandfather's cider lingered in Nick's mind, with countless anecdotes from locals praising its exceptional taste. After sampling one of his grandfather's aged batches, aged for 18 years, Nick's passion for cider-making ignited. Encouraged by the success of his initial batch, Nick advocated for the preservation of apple trees on the family land, dedicating himself to resurrecting his grandfather's legacy. Thus, Buried Barrel Hard Cider was born, a homage to tradition and quality craftsmanship.

In the early stages of Buried Barrel's journey, fate intervened when Nick crossed paths with Lindsey, a beacon of warmth and capability. Five years later, their bond has blossomed into an engagement! Lindsey has assumed a pivotal role in the cidery's operations. Spearheading day-to-day activities, social media outreach, coordination, and marketing initiatives, Lindsey brings a vibrant energy to Buried Barrel.

More than just a cidery, Nick and Lindsey envision Buried Barrel as a welcoming haven for all. Their inclusive nature extends to furry friends and little ones, fostering a community of acceptance and kindness. While currently operating seasonally from May to June and September to October, their aspirations soar higher, aiming to extend their reach and welcome patrons year-round.

With Nick's heritage and Lindsey's drive, Buried Barrel Hard Cider promises not only exceptional libations but a testament to the enduring spirit of family tradition and innovation. Cheers to the journey ahead!