459: The Apple Finch’s Pet-Nats at de Groote Wei Cider | Netherlands
Cider Chat
Fourth-Generation Farmer, First-Generation Cidermaker Sophie Horstink of De Groote Wei, which means The Great Meadow in Dutch, is crafting Dutch cider as a value added project at her family’s farm. Located in the eastern Netherlands near Arnhem, the farm spans 16 hectares and has long produced dessert apples and pears. Sophie Horstink The Horstink family market is well-known and is a go-to place for locals to shop and would be considered a grocery store. She released her first cider in 2022. The early response was enthusiastic, selling out quickly and prompting her to scale...
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458: Sodo Sidriné and the Rise of Lithuanian Craft Cider
Cider Chat
Donatas Genys didn’t set out to launch Lithuania’s first keeved cider. But after trips to England and Normandy, years of experimentation, and the planting of over 6,000 cider apple trees, that’s exactly what he’s doing. At Sodo Sidriné, located just a few kilometers from the city of Kaunus, Donatas is into a whole new era for cider Lithuania’s cider revival Donatas Genys Cider Culture and Baltic Roots Lithuania has deep agricultural roots, but apple trees which at many of the homes are desired more for eating or making apple wine while vodka and beer under Soviet rule...
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457: Snow Capped Cider: A Family Legacy at 7,000 Feet | CO
Cider Chat
At the base of Colorado’s Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, five generations of fruit growers have worked the land. Today, Snow Capped Cider carries on that legacy, crafting estate-grown ciders from fruit nurtured at elevations between 6,130 and 7,000 feet. The high desert sun, volcanic soil, and pure snowmelt water combine to create vibrant apples and distinctive ciders. From Hobby to Heritage What began as a small experiment soon blossomed into a full-fledged cidery. Sparked by a disappointing store-bought cider, Kari Williams and her family leaned into their winemaking...
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456: From Oregon to Norway: Abram Goldman-Armstrong’s Cider Journey
Cider Chat
This episode of Cider Chat, was recorded in person with Abram Goldman-Armstrong at CiderCon2025 in Chicago. Hear his journey to cider. From growing up in Oregon’s Yamhill County to his current work in Norway’s Hardanger region at Alde Sider. Abram began fermenting cider as a student in Minnesota and went on to found the cidery known as Cider Riot in Portland, Oregon. His experience reflects both the evolution of the cider industry and the challenges of building a business grounded in values and community. The Cider Riot Years Cider Riot grew from a home cider making project into a...
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455: Zero Percent Sh*t | John Edwards Returns
Cider Chat
John Edwards, longtime cider maker and integral team member at Ross on Wye Cider & Perry Co., and the creative force behind his personal label Fly be Night Cider was last on the podcast in 2019. John Edwards In this Cider Chat with John Edwards ohn is part of the tight-knit crew at Ross Cider who keep things running from orchard to bottle. The team has embraced a belt press system, which John finds surprisingly nimble—even for small batches. While Ross is rooted in tradition, they’re also evolving their process to match the scale and diversity of their...
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454: Wild Ferment Meets Fine Cider: Inside Oliver’s Barrel Room
Cider Chat
Rainy Days Goes Best with Dry Cider in the Barrel Room Walking into the barrel room at Oliver’s Cider and Perry Company, you might think you know what to expect. But surrounded by whitewashed stone walls, standing beneath the old Hessian sacking floor, and facing rows of aging barrels, I quickly realized this wasn’t just a cidery—it’s a living, breathing creative space for cider making. Tom Oliver sources fruit both from his farm and from local orchards across Herefordshire. This isn’t an estate cidery where everything is grown on-site—but what sets Oliver’s cider and perry...
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453: Homage to Perry Legends by Tom Oliver at AppleFest | UK
Cider Chat
Celebrating Perry’s Past, Present, and Future Tom Oliver began his keynote by saying, "At this year’s Applefest Banquet, I had the honor of lifting a glass to the people behind the pear—specifically Perry. It wasn’t just a toast to the drink itself, but to the incredible commitment behind its preservation and craft." Tom Oliver Three Perry Legends Charles Martel Known for his Stinking Bishop cheese and peri-based products. Catalogued disappearing peri pear varieties, creating the first national collection at the Three Counties Showground. His book on Gloucestershire...
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452: Mac to Redfield: Four Phantoms Brewery Embraces Cider | MA
Cider Chat
Drew Phillips opened the doors of Four Phantoms in Greenfield, Massachusetts in 2021. He began his fermentation career in the Pacific Northwest, and while waiting to open his own brewery, he took on the role as cider maker at Artifact Cider Project. Drew Phillips Known for his creative ciders and beers, Drew blends tradition with innovation, sourcing local fruit and experimenting with wild fermentation. Check out on the making of Old Gods . In this episode, Drew shares how Four Phantoms’ unique approach reflects the terroir of Western Massachusetts. Early Challenges of a...
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451: Hello Season 10 and The Berkshire Roundtable
Cider Chat
In this Season 10 premier of Cider Chat, "Introductions" are featured from over 40 persons in attendance at the annual 2025 Berkshire Roundtable. Kicking off Season 10 of Cider Chat The opportunity to begin Season 10 with "Hellos" from a wide range of people in the cider community is the perfect fit for this milestone episode. Here at Cider Chat Central we hope that this Season opener acts as a reminder that there is a wealth of knowledge at hand at a grass roots level in every region of the US. Of course, this holds true for other countries as well and right about now this reminder...
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450th Roger Wilkins - The Cider King
Cider Chat
Looking back at Season 9 and Forward with Roger Wilkins In this season ending episode we visit Roger Wilkins at his Lands End Farm. Cider King – Roger Wilkins Roger Wilkins, is known globally as the “Cider King,” and is a legendary figure in Somerset cider-making. He has been running Wilkins' Cider Farm in Mudgley since taking over from his grandfather in 1969. Renowned for his traditional methods, Roger ferments locally grown bittersweet apples in oak barrels, producing unfiltered, unsweetened farmhouse cider. His no-nonsense style and commitment to authenticity have made Wilkins'...
info_outlineFinding the perfect gift for the cider lover in your life just got easier. Whether you’re shopping for seasoned cider enthusiasts, budding cider makers, or thoughtful gift givers looking to impress, this guide has everything you need to celebrate the holidays with cider. From curated picks with our Cider Chat partners to tools and tips for home fermenters, we’ve got you covered.
Top Cider Gifts from the Cider Chat Partners
The following brands are part of the #ciderGoingUP Campaign. Become a partners today at the Cider Chat Patreon page!
1. Ross Cider and Perry | Herefordshire
Shop Ross Cider and Perry
Explore a variety of ciders and perries from one of the most esteemed cideries in the UK. Perfect for those who love rich tradition and bold flavors.
2. DuckChicken Cider | London
Shop DuckChicken Cider
Find distinctive ciders crafted in small batches, ideal for the adventurous cider drinker.
3. SpaceTime Mead and Cider Works | Pennsylvania
Shop SpaceTime Mead and Cider Works
Browse their innovative blends that bridge the worlds of cider and mead.
4. EsoTerra Ciderworks | Colorado
Shop EsoTerra Ciderworks
Gift fine ciders that showcase the terroir of the American Southwest.
5. Tattiebogle CiderWorks | Pennsylvania
Shop Tattiebogle Closed till December 20th
Give the gift of anticipation with a Tattiebogle gift certificate—perfect for cider fans eager to try their unique offerings.
6. Bent Ladder | Ohio
Shop Bent Ladder
Purchase ciders or gift certificates online to share a taste of Ohio’s finest.
7. Press Then Press
Shop Press Then Press
Discover curated cider gift packs from a variety of top producers.
8. Oliver’s Cider and Perry | Herefordshire
Shop Oliver’s Cider and Perry
Dive into premium ciders and the newly touted perry selection for a true taste of Herefordshire.
9. InCiderJapan
Shop InCiderJapan
Explore unique Japanese ciders, offering a fresh perspective on the craft.
10. American Cider Association
Shop American Cider Association
CiderCon swag showcases pride in this powerhouse organization
11. Locust Grove Brewery…and Cider! | New York
Shop Locust Grove
Gift Card Certificates and Growlers to-go!
12. Heeman’s Cellar | London, Ontaria
Shop Heeman’s Cellar
From gardening and orchard workshops to cider and mead online, this Ontario based family owned enterprise has a bevy of cider gifts!
Gifts for the Aspiring Cider Maker
For those who dream of crafting their own cider, these thoughtful gifts will kick-start their journey.
Cider Maker’s Starter Kit
- Download the Cider Making Equipment PDF to build a custom gift pack with essential tools.
- Pair the equipment with a box of fresh cider apples for an unforgettable gift.
Books for Every Skill Level
- Head to the Cider Books page at Cider Chat for resources ranging from beginner guides to expert cider-making tips.
- Consider books on orchard care, apple varieties, or rare fruits like medlars and sorbs domestica to deepen their knowledge.
Cider Chat Swag for the Holidays
Support your favorite cider podcast “Cider Chat” and surprise your cider-loving friends with some exclusive swag.
- Where to Shop:Cider Chat Swag Store on Teepublic
- Tips: Order a size up for a perfect fit, and if the t-shirt isn’t quite right, simply reorder for free!
Why Cider is the Perfect Gift
Cider is more than just a drink—it’s a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and community. By gifting cider or cider-related items, you’re sharing a piece of this heritage with friends and loved ones.
This holiday season, shop thoughtfully and enjoy the process of picking gifts that celebrate the world of cider. And don’t forget to check out the Cider Chat podcast for more cider tips, stories, and inspiration.
Support Cider Chat: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
For the cider lover who already has it all, consider a meaningful and impactful gift by supporting the work of Cider Chat.
Make a Donation
Help keep the cider community thriving by making a one-time donation to Cider Chat. Your contribution supports the podcast, cider stories, and educational content that bring the world of cider to life.
Become a Cider Chat Patron
- Visit the Cider Chat Patreon Page and sign up as a patron.
- Choose a tier that matches your budget and enjoy exclusive perks like behind-the-scenes updates, early access to episodes, and more.
This gift not only shows your appreciation for cider culture but also ensures that Cider Chat continues to inspire and connect cider enthusiasts around the globe.
Pro Tip: Pair this donation or patronage with a physical gift, like a Cider Chat t-shirt or mug from the Cider Chat Swag Store, for a thoughtful and well-rounded present.
Mentions in this Cider Chat
- CiderCon2025 Promo Code – Once you get to the registration form, towards the end of the first page you’ll reach a section in the form that says “additional registration information” and there is a question: If you have a coupon, please enter code here (case-sensitive): CiderChat
- #xpromoteCider – Tips of the glass to the following brands! Do follow them on instagram!
- @spacetimemeads – Dunmore, Pennsylvania
- @anchgergely of Abilaget Garden Projects
- @thompsons_brood home cider maker
- @tomoliverscider – Herefordshire, UK
- Rødding – Æblets By i Salling -Denmark cider club
- @degerdenner Netherlands
- Rootwood Cider Company– Washington
- #ciderGoingUP campaign page
- Cider Gift Ideas