Cider Chat

The world's longest-running podcast devoted entirely to cider. Hosted by cider emcee Ria Windcaller, Cider Chat® takes you inside the global cider community, where you'll meet the makers, orchardists, apple growers, historians, chefs, scientists, and enthusiasts turning apples into something extraordinary. Every episode uncorks new stories, new voices, and new places to raise a glass. Because Cider Takes You Places!™

511: Hungarian Cider Comes of Age | Bright Cider 08/12/2026

511: Hungarian Cider Comes of Age | Bright Cider Hungary may not have a centuries-old cider tradition like England or France, but that is exactly what makes its modern cider movement so exciting. In this episode, Cider MC Ria Windcaller travels to Budapest to meet András Kovács and Marcell Lukatsi, founders of Bright Cider, who are helping shape what Hungarian cider can become. From traditional method sparkling cider and heirloom apple varieties to the newly formed Hungarian Cider Association and the country's first-ever Cider Salon, discover how a new generation of makers is defining a distinctly Hungarian cider identity. Along the way, you'll hear how two friends turned a shared love of cider discovered on ski trips into one of Hungary's most innovative cideries, why forgotten local apple varieties matter, and how cider can open the door to unexpected discoveries in art, history, and culture. Timestamps 00:00 Hungary Cider Surprise 01:14 Show Intro and Guests 02:40 Ciderville News Roundup 04:48 French Cider Tour Preview 06:48 Tea Room Interview Setup 10:27 Bright Cider Origin Story 12:14 Naming Bright Cider 13:52 Founders' Backgrounds 19:29 Pandemic Launch and Team 20:31 Traditional Method Focus 22:07 Hungary's Heirloom Apples 26:17 Rosie and Product Lineup 29:24 Vranja Quince Blend 29:58 Cider Lineup Overview 30:43 Ice Cider Cryo Method 31:30 Yeast Choices Explained 32:47 Stainless Steel and Eco Focus 35:50 Events and Finding Bright Cider 37:45 Hungarian Cider Association 39:10 Defining Cider in EU Law 43:03 Apples, Pears and Orchards 47:13 Future Plans in Etyek 50:48 Travel Reflections and Signoff Listen & Subscribe 🍎 🎧 ▶️ Learn More 🌐 Episode show notes: 📰 eCiderNews: Support Cider Chat If you enjoy independent cider journalism and conversations with cider makers from around the world, consider supporting Cider Chat. 🍎 Become a Patron or Commercial Partner: Stay Connected 📬 Story tips: 📱 Instagram: /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/42270210

510: From Barrels to the Pub | The People's Cider Co., Michigan 07/29/2026

510: From Barrels to the Pub | The People's Cider Co., Michigan Most cider makers dream of expanding their barrel program. Jason Lummen did the opposite. In Episode 510, Ria Windcaller visits The People's Cider Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Jason explains why he shifted from barrel-aged ciders to dry, sessionable ciders that keep people coming back for another round. Along the way, they discuss local apples, pub culture, changing American tastes, and what it means to build a cidery around community rather than complexity. <h2>Time Stamps</h2> <ul> <li>00:00 Craft Palate Lightens</li> <li>01:04 Meet Jason Lummen</li> <li>02:06 Welcome to Cider Chat</li> <li>04:02 GLINTCAP Reunion Story</li> <li>06:43 Ciderville News Roundup</li> <li>10:09 Totally Cider Tours</li> <li>11:27 Sessionable Success Shift</li> <li>12:21 Cheers with Pommeau</li> <li>12:45 Fruit Ridge Apple Sourcing</li> <li>15:13 Old Orchards vs. Trellis Systems</li> <li>18:29 Cider Maker Origin Story</li> <li>23:44 The Pressing "Aha!" Moment</li> <li>25:49 Tiny Pub, Big Vibe</li> <li>30:10 House Yeast and Wild Ferments</li> <li>31:04 The Flavored Cider Debate</li> <li>32:14 A No-Sulfites Philosophy</li> <li>33:19 The Shift to Sessionable Cider</li> <li>33:38 Brick Street Nightclub</li> <li>35:32 Rethinking the Barrel Program</li> <li>36:57 Why American Palates Are Changing</li> <li>39:02 A Toast with Pommeau</li> <li>39:45 The People's Cider Company Origins</li> <li>42:24 The Raised Fist Logo</li> <li>46:16 Winning Over New Cider Drinkers</li> <li>50:44 COVID and the Patio Lifeline</li> <li>52:28 Life as a Publican</li> <li>53:28 The Best Part of the Job</li> <li>56:37 Contact Info for The People's Cider Company</li> <li>57:23 Closing Reflections</li> </ul> 🍎 Find the full show notes for Episode 510 at CiderChat.com Direct Link: 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss what's coming next in Ciderville. ▶️ Prefer to watch? Find for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture. 💛 Enjoy cider? Help keep #ciderGoingUP. Become a patron at: /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/42243860

509: Mr. Plūme | In the Heart of Latvia's Fine Cider 07/15/2026

509: Mr. Plūme | In the Heart of Latvia's Fine Cider Episode 509 takes us to the heart of Latvia to meet Dace and Māris Plūme, the husband-and-wife team behind Mr. Plūme, an award-winning orchard cidery known for both still and naturally sparkling ciders. Their journey began with a chance taste of homemade cider that inspired Māris to train in Normandy and Austria before returning home to help shape Latvia's growing fine cider movement. Along the way, they explain why still cider deserves a place alongside sparkling cider, how heirloom apples define their work, the role of wild fermentation, and why patience is one of a cider maker's greatest tools. Ria also shares the latest News from Out and About Ciderville, including updates on CiderCon 2027, eCiderNews, GLINTCAP, orchards around the world, and this fall's French Cider Tour. Ciders tasted: • Semi-Sweet Still Cider • Pearadise Pet-Nat Timestamps Timestamps - 00:00 – Still Cider Origins - 00:23 – Welcome to Cider Chat - 02:31 – Ciderville News Update - 05:42 – Orchards Around the World - 08:48 – Fires and Normandy - 10:54 – Meet Mr. Plūme - 11:55 – Latvia and Location - 13:17 – Māris' Cider Journey - 15:34 – Latvian Traditions - 17:24 – Heirloom Apple Abundance - 19:29 – Orchard and Grafting - 22:20 – Learning the Craft - 25:52 – Life as a Married Cidermaking Team - 28:01 – A Microcidery Philosophy - 29:35 – Tours and Education - 30:59 – Bottle Sizes and Sales - 31:52 – Small Bottles and Hops - 32:44 – Wild Fermentation - 33:27 – The Story Behind Their Still Cider - 34:44 – Reading Latvian Labels - 35:35 – A Latvian Toast - 35:52 – Tasting the Still Cider - 36:58 – Why Still Cider Matters - 39:33 – Awards and Philosophy - 41:44 – Yeast and Apple Blends - 43:20 – The Baltic Cider Scene - 47:35 – Stopping Fermentation Naturally - 48:56 – Aging and Storage Challenges - 52:23 – Pouring Pearadise Pet-Nat - 54:40 – Flavor Notes and No Sulfites - 59:11 – Where to Find Mr. Plūme - 1:00:40 – Thanks and Sign Off - 1:02:42 – Closing Outro: We Like Cider Round /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/42095380

508: The American Cider Association Responds to Questions About CiderCon 2027 07/01/2026

508: The American Cider Association Responds to Questions About CiderCon 2027 The announcement that CiderCon 2027 will be co-located with the Craft Brewers Conference sparked one of the most active online discussions the cider community has seen in years. In this episode of Cider Chat, ACA Board President Christine Walter joins host Ria Windcaller to discuss why the decision was made, the financial realities facing CiderCon, how the conference will operate alongside the Craft Brewers Conference, and what it means for the future of the American Cider Association. The conversation also explores cider's identity, the role of orchard-based producers and commercial brands, the ACA's current leadership structure, and whether this partnership is intended to become a long-term model. Whether you're planning to attend CiderCon 2027 or simply want to better understand the thinking behind one of the cider industry's biggest announcements, this episode offers an in-depth conversation on where things stand today. Time Stamps 00:00 Why CiderCon Is Co-Locating 00:15 Meet Your Host 01:31 CiderCon 2027 Shakes Up Ciderville 03:29 News Out and About Ciderville 04:51 French Cider Tour Update 08:48 Setting Up the Conversation 10:46 The Future of the American Cider Association 12:41 Why the ACA Chose This Partnership 16:25 Survey Results and Other Options 21:25 Protecting Cider's Identity 21:47 How Co-Location Will Work 28:30 Why Now? Lessons From Providence 32:37 Concerns About Beer Culture 34:46 Safety, Inclusion, and Progress 38:15 Headlines, Keynotes, and Programming 40:36 What Cider Can Learn From Beer 43:42 Big Cider, Small Cider 47:43 Messaging, Tours, and Community 51:46 Leadership and Financial Challenges 56:22 National Conference or Regional Future? 1:01:12 A One-Year Experiment? 1:03:56 An Invitation to Show Up 1:07:08 Host Reflection 1:09:21 Until Next Time in Ciderville 🍎 Find the full show notes for Episode 508 at CiderChat.com Direct Link: 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss what's coming next in Ciderville. ▶️ Prefer to watch? Find Cider Chat on YouTube for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture. 💛 Enjoy cider? Help keep #ciderGoingUP. Your support helps keep Cider Chat on the air and makes it possible to share more conversations like this one. Become a patron at: /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/41896625

507: Expand Your Universe | Woodfolk Cider, Ontario Canada 06/17/2026

507: Expand Your Universe | Woodfolk Cider, Ontario Canada Sometimes all it takes is one sip. It happened to the founders of Woodfolk Cider, Martha Lowry and Alistair Whitehead, and it can happen to YOU! What began as a shared love of food, drink, and hospitality eventually led them to plant orchards, build a cidery, and welcome visitors to their 87-acre farm in Ontario, Canada. Today, their orchard-based cidery sits among forests, rivers, rolling hills, and rows of young cider apple trees and the open invitation to expand your universe one glass at a time. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The Cider Discovery Moment 00:52 Meet Woodfolk Cider 02:23 French Cider Tour Update 04:49 Secret Tap at Four Phantoms 07:53 eCiderNews Roundup 10:33 Welcome to Woodfolk's Orchard 12:18 The Farm and Family Origins 13:03 From Music and Brewing to Cider 15:09 Distilling, Spirits and Ontario Taxes 17:38 Building the Tasting Room Experience 18:17 The Woodfolk Cider Lineup 19:19 Introducing Tannic Cider to New Drinkers 21:17 The LCBO Challenge for Farm Cideries 24:14 Pressing Apples and Growing Orchards 26:51 Perry Pears, Climate and Terroir 29:22 Harvest-Based Fermentation 29:49 Barrel Aging and Neutral Oak 30:57 Learning From Happy Accidents 32:00 Yeast Choices and Orchard Diversity 33:48 Tasting Meadowland 34:54 Harvest Dates and Labeling Rules 36:23 Cider, Stewardship and Community 40:06 Modern Love Cider 40:39 Copper Moon and the Art of Blending 43:54 Food Pairings and the "Aha" Moment 46:33 Looking Five Years Ahead 48:17 Final Thoughts on Woodfolk Cider 49:55 French Cider Tour Reminder 51:04 Closing Theme Song Contact info for Woodfolk Cider Website: Located near Orillia, Ontario, approximately 90 minutes northwest of Toronto. Mentions in this Cider Chat Find the full show notes for Episode 507 at CiderChat.com Direct Link: Listen wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss what's coming next in Ciderville. Prefer to watch? Find Cider Chat on YouTube for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture. 💛 Enjoy cider? Help keep #ciderGoingUP. Your support helps keep the podcast on the air and makes it possible to share more conversations like this one. /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/41616650

506: Richard Yi on Craft, Family, and the Future of Brooklyn Cider House 06/03/2026

506: Richard Yi on Craft, Family, and the Future of Brooklyn Cider House Richard Yi of Brooklyn Cider House isn't interested in making cider that appeals to everyone. He's interested in making cider with personality and if you've ever enjoyed hearing a cider maker tell the story behind the glass, you're going to enjoy this conversation. In this epiosde, you'll hear how a young man who once imagined a future in engineering found his way into the family cider business. Richard shares the influence of his father, Peter Yi, the evolution of Brooklyn Cider House, and why embracing the unpredictability of fermentation has become central to his philosophy. Along the way, we discuss: • Growing into a family cider legacy • The transition from engineering to fermentation • Why cider doesn't need to taste the same every year • Orchard expression and vintage variation • The role of trust in fermentation • Brooklyn Cider House's approach to craft and authenticity • Building a cider culture that values difference over uniformity Whether you're a cider maker, orchardist, or simply someone who enjoys discovering what makes a cider unique, Richard offers thoughtful insights into the balance between tradition, experimentation, and family. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Cider With Personality: Richard Yi's Approach to Craft Cider 01:34 Ciderville Standards Update 03:19 French Cider Tour 2026 Preview 04:50 Meet Richard Yi of Brooklyn Cider House 05:44 Family Roots, Wine, and the Path to Cider 07:23 Richard's Food Pairing Philosophy 09:31 Working Inside Brooklyn Cider House 10:43 Succession Planning and Learning the Craft 14:23 Building the New Paltz Farm and Orchard 17:28 Creating a Destination Tasting Room 18:27 Pizza, Barbecue, and Growing Crowds 21:10 Events and Community Building 23:15 Celebrating Korean Culture Through Cider 25:21 Craft Cider Versus Commodity Production 26:05 Native Yeast Fermentation and Cider Making 30:03 Wild Fermentation Versus Cultured Yeast 30:44 Small-Batch Ciders and Limited Releases 31:25 The Story Behind Nomad Cider 33:19 Nomad Cider Tasting Notes 35:24 Apples, Oak, and Barrel Aging 37:37 Sherry Cask-Aged Cider Explained 39:28 Lopez de Heredia and Winemaking Influence 42:15 Dance: A Basque-Inspired Fruit Co-Ferment 43:58 Dance Cider Tasting Notes and Technique 48:31 Innovation, Growth, and Consumer Trends 49:56 The Legacy of Peter Yi 51:17 Tandem Ciders Joins the CiderGoingUP Campaign 53:21 Cider Chat Summer Schedule and What's Next Mentions in this Cider Chat in Michigan joing the #ciderGoingUp campaign r – Belgium Find the full show notes for Episode 506 at Direct Link at: Listen to wherever you get your podcasts and don’t forget to so you never miss what’s coming next in Ciderville. Prefer to watch? Find for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture. 💛 Enjoy cider? Help keep #ciderGoingUP - by supporting Your support helps keep the podcast on the air and makes it possible to share more conversations like this one. #cidergoingup /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/41510420

505: Cider Senseis: Discipline, Craft, and the Cost 05/27/2026

505: Cider Senseis: Discipline, Craft, and the Cost There is a question that keeps coming up in cider, small business, and independent media: Is this sustainable? In this episode, Ria sits down with Adrian Luna, known as the Hard Cider Guy, for a conversation that goes well beyond cider. What starts as a discussion about content creation quickly turns into something deeper. Two practitioners, each with their own discipline, circling around the same hard truth: if you do not value your work, no one else will. This is not about rejecting collaboration or generosity. It is about understanding the long-term cost of working for free, and what it takes to build something that lasts. From orchard life to media strategy, from martial arts philosophy to the realities of burnout, this episode asks what it really means to take your role seriously, whether you are making cider or telling its story. Timestamps 00:00 Is Cider Work Sustainable 01:28 Episode Theme and What’s at Stake 02:12 Orchard Life and Spring Work 03:47 Planting, Grafting, and Growing Trees 07:02 French Cider Tour and Limited Spots 10:22 Meet Adrian Luna The Hard Cider Guy 11:20 The Cider Sensei Mindset 13:42 Finding Cider and Career Shift 15:51 Building the Hard Cider Guy Brand 17:21 From Scholarship to Cider Career 19:13 Too Many Hats Small Business Reality 20:53 Burnout in Cider and Media 24:20 Mission Statement Versus Making Money 26:03 Does Cider Need Independent Media 27:54 Should Creators Be Paid 29:32 Why You Should Not Work for Free 29:59 Martial Arts Discipline and Cider Ethics 30:50 Why Cider Media Needs Support 32:24 Finding Your Lane in Cider 33:16 Education and Audience Building 35:29 Hooks Versus Authentic Content 37:19 Discipline Through Adversity 42:33 Community Responsibility in Cider 48:15 Key Takeaways from the Conversation 49:12 Support Cider Chat and Keep It Going 50:12 Strange Apples Outro Find the full show notes for Episode 505 at CiderChat.com Direct Link at: Listen wherever you get your podcasts and do not forget to subscribe so you never miss what is coming next in Ciderville. Prefer to watch? Find for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture. Enjoy cider? Help keep #ciderGoingUP by supporting Cider Chat. Your support helps keep the podcast on the air and makes it possible to share more conversations like this one. /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/41430450

504: Why Breweries Are Making Cider (and What It Means) 05/20/2026

504: Why Breweries Are Making Cider (and What It Means) What happens when breweries start making cider… not because they have to, but because they want to keep drinking beer? That question kicks off episode 504 featuring Dan Kramer and Ben Anhalt of Element Brewing Company. “Most breweries probably see cider as a way to let them continue making beer.” That line says a lot. And it opens the door to a bigger conversation. Breweries adding cider isn’t just about diversification. It’s not just about gluten-free taps. And it’s definitely not just about adding another SKU. Something is shifting. In this episode, we dig into: • Why breweries are turning to cider right now • What changing consumer habits have to do with it • How cider fits into a beer-first business model • What this trend means for independent cider makers At Element, cider isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of a strategy to stay relevant in a changing market and a window into where craft beverages may be heading next. Time Stamps 00:00 Why Breweries Are Making Cider 02:01 Season Travels Recap and Road Notes 04:44 Tours, Travel Updates, and France Signup 06:44 Meet Element Brewing Company 07:07 From Brewing to Distilling: The Origin Story 10:43 Barrels, Aging, and Apple Brandy 15:37 Sourcing Cider and Apples for Production 19:23 Why Breweries Are Adding Cider Now 23:53 Branding and the Element Two Concept 25:44 South Deerfield Expansion Plans 29:13 Cider Making Mindset 29:40 Tasting a Dry Botanical Cider 30:36 Yeast Choices and Sweetness Strategy 32:15 Balance First: Building Flavor 33:38 ABV, Structure, and Serving Glassware 34:59 Learning Curve and Cider Books 35:50 Apple Varieties, Terroir, and Flavor 38:33 Experimentation and Small Batch Cider 41:12 Personal Palates and Fridge Favorites 42:40 The Bigger Shift: Breweries Moving to Cider 46:00 Advice: Make Your Cider Stand Out 48:53 Apple Brandy Toast 49:40 Why Independent Cider Media Matters 51:54 Tom Oliver and 500 Episodes 53:00 #CiderGoingUp Campaign 53:45 Final Sign-Off Find the full show notes for Episode 504 at Direct link: Mentions in this episode: Listen wherever you get your podcasts Prefer to watch? Find 💛 Enjoy cider? Help keep #ciderGoingUP /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/41349915

503: Audio Snapshots from the UK Blossom Time Tour | What Is Proper Cider? 05/13/2026

503: Audio Snapshots from the UK Blossom Time Tour | What Is Proper Cider? Episode 503 takes you through England and Wales with audio snapshots from the UK Blossom Time Totally Cider Tour while exploring one big question: What is a proper cider? Travel orchard roads through Somerset, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and Wales as tour guests share reflections on traditional cider, perry pears, wild fermentations, farmhouse hospitality, blossom-covered orchards, and the people keeping cider culture alive. From Ross on Wye and Oliver's Cider and Perry to Gwatkin Cider Mill and beyond, this episode captures the feeling of living inside cider country for a little while. Time Stamps 00:00 Proper Cider Defined 01:42 Tour Craft and Group Flow 04:07 Season Updates and UK Teasers 07:22 Pouring Quince and Rolling Clips 08:50 Trevor's Tour Takeaways 13:25 George and Marla's Cidery Story 20:18 France vs UK Cider Culture 24:35 Tom's Cider Journey via Spirits 32:28 Richard and Elizabeth's Mountain Cidery 39:36 Tour Gratitude Recap 40:52 UK Apple Diversity Takeaway 41:39 Cider Kindergartner Graduates 44:19 Cheese Box and Stinking Bishop 45:55 Perry Pear Center Passion 46:43 Usk Castle Cider Picnic 47:27 Blossom Tour with Syracuse Duo 49:11 Far Orchard Mystique and Bees 50:22 Cask Cider Hospitality 53:03 Gwatkins Bag in Box Secrets 55:21 Why Guided Tours Work 59:16 Last Minute Traveler Gene 01:01:08 Farmhouse Cider and Beer Overlap 01:06:33 Proper Cider at Wilkins 01:10:24 Signing Off and Theme Song Find the full show notes for Episode 503 at Direct Link: Listen wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to so you never miss what's coming next in Ciderville. Prefer to watch? Find for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture. Enjoy cider? Help keep #ciderGoingUP by supporting . Your support helps keep the podcast on the air and makes it possible to share more conversations like this one. /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/41249030

502: Hungary Uncorked / Cider Going UP 05/06/2026

501: How to Taste Cider 04/29/2026

How Cider Is Made | Lessons from 500 Episodes of Cider Chat 04/22/2026

How Cider Is Made | Lessons from 500 Episodes of Cider Chat In this milestone Episode 500, we return to a simple question that has come up again and again over the past ten seasons of Cider Chat: How is cider made? After hundreds of conversations with cider makers, orchardists, historians, and fermentation experts around the world, this episode brings together the core lessons shared across 500 episodes - from orchard to bottle. This episode walks through the cider making process step by step, including: Apples and cider apple varieties Milling and pressing Fermentation and yeast Malolactic fermentation Barrel aging and lees aging Blending Bottling and conditioning The science behind cider making Throughout the episode, listeners are directed to past Cider Chat episodes where these topics are explored in depth with cider makers and experts from around the world. Episode 500 also reflects on the growth of Cider Chat, the global cider community, and the people who make up Ciderville. Thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of the journey to 500 episodes. 00:00 Welcome Episode 500 00:36 Season Voices Montage 01:51 Why Cider Chat 06:12 Cider Back To Basics 08:07 Orchard And Apples 11:10 Apple Stories And Resources 13:11 Milling And Pressing 16:57 Fermentation Essentials 18:27 Barrels And Oak Choices 19:30 Blending Art And Science 24:58 Time Bottling And Patience 25:43 Episode 500 Reflections 28:15 Thanks And Season Eleven 29:14 Outro And Bonus Banter Find the full show notes for Episode 500 at Direct Link at: Listen to wherever you get your podcasts and don’t forget to so you never miss what’s coming next in Ciderville. Prefer to watch? Find for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture. 💛 Enjoy cider? Help keep #ciderGoingUP - by supporting Your support helps keep the podcast on the air and makes it possible to share more conversations like this one. /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/40746460

499: The Omnia Era of Cider | Pommes in Art Revisited 04/15/2026

498: Heeman's Cellar | Somewhere Cider from Ontario 04/08/2026

497:Beginner Cider Makers Q&A | Advice from Professional Cider Makers (Archive) 04/01/2026

496: Liberty Ciderworks | Spokane, WA 03/25/2026

495: Cider Barrels Speak | Bâtonnage & Barrel Aging 03/18/2026

494: Humboldt Cider and the Historic Orchard of Albert Etter 03/11/2026

493: Cider as a Sport | Sidra in Asturias (Archive Edition) 03/04/2026

493: Cider as a Sport | Sidra in Asturias (Archive Edition) What is Asturian cider? Asturian cider (sidra natural) is a traditionally fermented apple cider from Asturias, Spain, served through a high pour (escanciado) and shared socially in small servings called culines. This episode is part of the Cider Chat archive documenting global cider traditions and producers since 2015. In this epic replay from Season 2 of Cider Chat, Ria Windcaller traveled to Asturias, Spain, and sat down with Anzu Fernández, international delegate for La Sidra magazine and a lifelong ambassador of traditional Asturian cider culture. Find the full show notes for this episode at CiderChat.com Episode 493: Listen to Episode 493 of Cider Chat® wherever you get your podcasts and don’t forget to so you never miss what’s coming next in Ciderville. Prefer to watch? Find for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture. 💛 If you love what you’re hearing, please consider supporting Your support helps keep the podcast on the air and makes it possible to share more conversations like this one. 00:00 Cider Is Sport Intro 00:37 Asturias Sidra Legacy 01:34 Rollup To Episode 500 02:49 Season Two World Tour 05:07 Ciderville News And Tours 07:15 Hungarian Cider Salon 09:13 Setting The Asturias Scene 11:12 Meet Anzu And La Sidra 14:05 Doctor By Day Cider By Night 16:24 Home Cider And Espicha 20:04 Tasting Notes And Apples 22:59 Basque Vs Asturian Styles 24:52 Associations And Big Market 26:28 Cider Pouring Competitions 28:46 How To Drink A Culín 29:48 Sharing One Glass 30:15 Cider Pourer Etiquette 31:55 Low ABV Session Drinking 32:24 Wild Fermentation Basics 33:20 Blending Igualación 34:58 Modern Cider Innovations 36:25 Cider Tourism Grows 38:22 Where To Drink Sidra 40:40 Unlabeled Bottles Explained 41:52 Vintage And Market Shifts 43:45 Defining Cider Origins 47:12 Climate And Apple Country 48:49 Tasting The Long Pour 49:56 Tech Talk And Standards 52:54 Closing Reflections /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/40279970

492: Absolem Cider Company | Maine Cider Energy 02/25/2026

492: Absolem Cider Company | Maine Cider Energy This episode of Cider Chat explores the growing Maine cider scene through Absolem Cider Company in Winthrop, a farm-based cidery helping shape New England’s evolving cider identity. Located on a 60-acre farm in Winthrop, Maine, Absolem Cider Company is a cidery that expresses place, heritage apples, and hospitality. In this episode, Ria sits down with cider maker Zach Kaiser to explore how Absolem blends traditional inspiration with modern experimentation. From wild-foraged apples and native fermentations to wine-inspired co-ferments and Basque-style pours, Zach shares how Maine’s apple history is shaping a new generation of New England cider. 00:00 Intro Cask Cider 00:06 Meet the Guest 01:27 How Cask Service Works 03:08 Why Absolem Uses It 04:07 Episode Roadmap 04:48 Ciderville News MOFGA Workshops 07:19 Listener Shoutout Chalkys Cider 08:29 Featured Chat Begins 09:23 Absolem Farm and Tasting Room 10:31 Where Winthrop Fits in Maine 12:42 Zachs Cider Origin Story 14:24 Founding Absolem Through COVID 16:34 Coferments and Wine Blends 18:13 Wend Wild Apple Cider 22:32 Fermentation Yeast and Malo 24:57 Beer Hybrids and Collabs 25:39 Flagship Ciders to Try 27:18 Sidra Style Foeder Program 28:40 Taproom Vibe and Winter Maine 29:21 Year Round Tasting Room 29:31 Local Bar Vibe 30:41 Lake Town Tourism 31:41 Cider As Experience 32:22 Ice Cider And Mistelle 32:47 Brandy Barrel Aging 34:36 Lodging And Visits 35:14 Signature Events Calendar 35:30 Bembel Fest Details 37:57 Anniversary And Collabs 39:30 Pressing And Production 41:36 Heating And Expansion 42:58 Five Year Vision 44:30 New England Cider Association 50:12 Wrap Up And Links Find the full show notes for this episode at CiderChat.com Episode 492: Listen to Episode 492 of Cider Chat® wherever you get your podcasts and don’t forget to so you never miss what’s coming next in Ciderville. Prefer to watch? Find for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture. 💛 If you love what you’re hearing, please consider supporting Your support helps keep the podcast on the air and makes it possible to share more conversations like this one. /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/40217465

491: Revisiting Randall Grahm | Cider Exploration Without Hesitation 02/18/2026

490: Let Cider Lead 02/11/2026

489: Natural Cider Production Seminar | CiderCon 2025 02/04/2026

489: Natural Cider Production Seminar | CiderCon 2025 Natural cider is often misunderstood as funky, volatile, or flawed. Recorded live at CiderCon 2025, this seminar reframes natural cider as a philosophy of low intervention, balance, and intentional care, not a free pass for faults. Moderator Haritz is joined by Richard of Brooklyn Cider House and Jasper Smith of Son of Man (Oregon) to explore how Basque cider traditions influence modern natural cider production in the U.S. The panel dives into fermentation choices, malolactic fermentation, volatile acidity, sensory evaluation, and why great natural cider is defined by quality, not dogma. This conversation also examines how natural cider is judged in Spain, what tasting panels consider true faults, and why these ciders are designed first and foremost to be enjoyed with food. Ciders featured: Zapiain (Basque Country), Son of Man (Oregon), and Solstice (Brooklyn Cider House) Episode 489 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Basque Cider 00:25 Meet the Host: Ria Windcaller 00:42 The Magic of Sidra Natural 01:41 Exploring Natural Cider Production 02:32 Cider FOMO and CiderCon 03:34 Cider Chat Milestones and YouTube Channel 05:21 Thanking the Cider Chat Patrons 08:44 Featured Presentation: Natural Cider Panel 09:23 Defining Natural Cider 11:32 Production Techniques and Philosophies 27:05 Harvest Strategies and Apple Varieties 36:21 Exploring the Price Range of Ciders 37:01 The Science Behind Well-Integrated Volatile Acidity 38:31 The Role of Malolactic Fermentation in Cider 39:55 Tasting Panels and Quality Control in Basque Cider 42:44 Cider Pairing with Food: A Gastronomic Experience 44:31 The Cultural Significance of Cider in Spain 51:31 The Importance of Apple Varieties in Cider Making 55:43 Challenges and Rewards of Natural Cider Production 01:01:48 Final Thoughts and Future of Cider 01:06:55 Conclusion and Farewell Find the full show notes for this episode at CiderChat.com Episode 489: Listen to Episode 489 of Cider Chat® wherever you get your podcasts and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s coming next in Ciderville. Prefer to watch? Find Cider Chat on YouTube for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture. 💛 If you love what you’re hearing, please consider supporting Cider Chat. Your support helps keep the podcast on the air and makes it possible to share more conversations like this one. /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/39904750

488: Vintage Cider Label Lawsuit 01/28/2026

487: Further Tales of Chocolate Pears 01/21/2026

487: Further Tales of Chocolate Pears In This Episode, We Cover Why Sorbus domestica is often nicknamed “the chocolate pear” (and why that name actually helps people get it) What bletting means, and why sorbs can be delicious before they turn fully brown (depending on the fruit) The “custard stage” vs. fully bletted “medlar-like” stage (and how this relates to cider pressing windows) Ben’s sorb travel finds across: Croatia (including fruit for sale at the market + trees growing in yards) Moravia (Czech Republic) — including the Sorbus museum and harvest festival France (sorb hunting with Arnold and tasting cormé/cormé-style ferments) Somerset, UK (a surprise roadside discovery!) Growth habits that can make Sorbus domestica look like an oak Why sorbs may matter in a changing climate: deep root systems drought resistance long lifespan later bloom time (less frost risk) Seed-grown vs grafted sorbs — and why Ben prefers genetic diversity (for now) The surprising reality: sorbs have already been distributed widely in the U.S. through seedlings What’s being made with sorbs in Europe: brandy co-ferments with grapes wine experiments Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to Sorbus Domestica 00:18 Meet the Podcast Host: Ria Windcaller 00:52 Exploring Sorbus Domestica: History and Uses 01:25 Cider Chat Episodes Featuring Sorbus Domestica 02:39 Sorbus Domestica in France and the US 04:05 Cider News and Upcoming Events 07:53 Interview with Ben Kunesh: Chocolate Pears 08:33 The Unique Characteristics of Sorbus Domestica 17:25 Sorbus Domestica Around the World 21:03 The Versatility and Adaptability of Sorbus Domestica 24:20 The Future of Sorbus Domestica in Orchards 25:49 Sorbus Domestica: A Historical Perspective 27:34 Ben's Travels and Discoveries 34:25 Exploring Sorbus Domestica Variations 35:30 Propagation Techniques and Genetic Diversity 37:29 Historical Context and Distribution 39:50 Nursery and Distribution Efforts 41:09 European Adventures and Discoveries 45:30 Tasting Sorbus Domestica Products 54:23 Future Prospects and Cultivation Tips 01:00:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🎧 Listen to Episode 487 of Cider Chat® wherever you get your podcasts and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s coming next in Ciderville. 📺 Prefer to watch? Find for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture. 💛 If you love what you’re hearing, please consider Your support helps keep the podcast on the air and makes it possible to share more interviews and deep-dive conversations like this one. /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/39792495

486: Apples, Cider, and Community | 450 Years of Cider Culture in Chile 01/14/2026

486: Apples, Cider, and Community | 450 Years of Cider Culture in Chile Recorded live at CiderCon, this episode brings listeners into a rare, in-depth conversation about Chile’s living cider tradition—one shaped by more than 450 years of apple fermentation, deep regional biodiversity, and community-based agriculture. Moderated by Eli Shanks, this panel features cider makers, cooperative leaders, and academics from southern Chile who explore how apples arrived, adapted, and endured across Araucanía, Los Ríos, and the Chiloé archipelago. Rather than a “new” cider movement, Chile offers something far rarer: a cider culture that never disappeared. At the heart of the discussion is Chicha—the traditional name for fermented apple beverages in Chile—and the cultural weight that language carries. Panelists unpack how Chicha and cider share the same roots, why heritage orchards matter, and what’s at stake as aging farmers, development pressure, and climate change threaten seed-grown apple diversity. Listeners will also hear about: Heritage apple orchards over 100 years old, many grown from seed The role of women as primary stewards of orchards and biodiversity Native fermentation vessels made from Raulí and other Chilean woods Cooperative cider making on the island of Chiloé The challenges of valuing cider beyond “cheap, rural” perceptions The future of Chilean cider on the global stage, including education, competitions, and potential export This episode offers an essential perspective for anyone interested in cider as culture—not trend—and in how place, people, and history shape what ends up in the glass. Panelists & Contributors Eli Shanks – Co-founder, Punta de Fierro Fine Cider; Head Cider Maker, Western Cider Gicella – President, Cooperative Chilwe (Chiloé) René Galindo – Third-generation cider maker, Araucanía Carlos Flores – Co-founder, Punta de Fierro Fine Cider; Orchardist, Valdivia Fabián Lara – Cider & beer consultant; INDAP (Chilean Ministry of Agriculture) José Antonio Aldea – Professor and fermentation educator Key Themes Chilean cider and Chicha traditions Heritage apple orchards and seed-grown ecotypes Women’s roles in orchard preservation Cooperative models and island agriculture Native materials and spontaneous fermentation Preserving cider culture in a changing landscape Timestamps ⏱️ Detailed timestamps are listed above to help you jump to specific topics, speakers, and cider discussions. 00:00 Introduction to Chicha and Cider 00:26 News Out and About Ciderville 00:43 Episode Overview: Chilean Cider Panel 03:30 Upcoming Events and Announcements 07:42 Introduction to the Chilean Panel 10:44 Chilean Cider Regions and History 16:11 Traditional Cider Making in Chile 18:11 Modern Chilean Cider and Future Prospects 20:16 Cider Tasting and Panel Discussion 29:32 Consumer Perception of Cider in Chile 30:07 Challenges and Efforts in Differentiation 30:34 Traditional and New World Ciders 31:13 Exciting Apple Varieties and Characteristics 32:19 Naming and Regional Varieties 35:40 Incorporating Local Fruits into Cider 38:09 Historical Context and Apple Lineages 41:47 Fire Blight and Disease Resistance 42:57 Modern vs. Traditional Cider Making 44:15 Collaborations with Winemakers 47:12 Preserving Heritage Apple Orchards 52:10 Forming a Cooperative in Chiloé 54:53 Market Development and Sales Strategies 57:03 Generational Gaps and Preservation Efforts 59:08 Future Goals and International Connections Support Cider Chat® If you value independent, long-form conversations that preserve cider history and amplify global voices, consider supporting . Your support helps keep these stories accessible and the podcast on the air. /episode/index/show/ciderchat/id/39722055

485: Cider as a Catalyst for Chile’s Edible Forest 01/07/2026

484: Rethinking American Cider History with Patrick McCauley 12/31/2025

483: The Talking Pomme’s Grand Winter Party 12/24/2025

482: FLX Cider & Cheese Pairing with Cheesemonger Rachel Freier 12/17/2025

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