Archive for June 2025
Sixteen New Certified Pommeliers Join the Ranks of Global Cider Experts
The American Cider Association is proud to welcome sixteen new Certified Pommeliers to our growing international community of cider professionals. These individuals earned their certifications at recent exams held in Frankfurt, Germany; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Los Angeles, California, proving once again that cider education is going global.
As cider’s presence on menus and shelves continues to expand, formal training and credentialing are more important than ever. Whether you’re behind the bar, designing a beverage program, or guiding tastings, cider knowledge isn’t just an asset—it’s a necessity.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these Certified Pommeliers to our vibrant and growing community,” said Jennie Dorsey, ACA Director of Education and Program Development. “Each one of them brings a passion for cider and a commitment to excellence that is helping shape the future of the industry.”
Meet the New Class of Certified Pommeliers
Please join us in congratulating the following individuals on achieving this rigorous certification:
- Jorn Meinderts (Vercierderij), Schiedam, The Netherlands
- Hester van Sprang (Iessel Cider), Deventer, The Netherlands
- Marin van Sprang (Iessel Cider), Deventer, The Netherlands
- Beatrix Swanson (Independent Cider Writer and Judge), Helston, United Kingdom
- Ryan Cannon (Cider Enthusiast), Ventura, California
- Emily Chebul (Benny Boy Brewing), Los Angeles, California
- Rio Connelly (Scion Cider), Salt Lake City, Utah
- Ted O’Neill (Retired Hobbyist), Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Beckett Vigh (Siciliano’s Specialty Beverage and Supply), Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Andrew Schultz (Texas Corners Brewing Company), Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Bird Peterson (Left Foot Charley), Traverse City, Michigan
- Jeffrey Cottrell (Castle Museum of Saginaw County History), Saginaw, Michigan
- Danielle Miller (Tandem Cider), Traverse City, Michigan
- Josh Sejat (Alkemista LLC), Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Scott Katsma (Seattle Cider), Seattle, Washington
- Ambrosia Borowski (Chicago Cider Week), Chicago, Illinois
Each Certified Pommelier has completed a demanding exam that includes theory, written responses, and blind sensory analysis. Their achievement represents not only personal dedication but also a commitment to advancing the cider category at large.
Why Certified Pommelier Matters
The Certified Pommelier designation is more than a title—it’s a testament to deep expertise and the ability to elevate cider service at every level.
From restaurant dining rooms to tasting rooms, beverage distributors to educators, Certified Pommeliers bring:
- In-depth knowledge of global cider traditions and production methods
- Expertise in pairing cider with food in innovative, memorable ways
- Sensory skills that rival top-level wine or beer professionals
- A competitive edge in hiring, advancement, and industry leadership
“We know that top dining experiences are built on knowledgeable, confident service—and cider deserves to be part of that conversation,” said ACA CEO Monica Cohen. “Our Certified Cider Professional program ensures that hospitality leaders are prepared to showcase cider’s full potential and deliver elevated experiences to every guest.”
About the Certified Cider Professional Program
The Certified Cider Professional (CCP) Program is the world’s leading cider education pathway, offering two levels of certification:
- Level 1 – Certified Cider Guide (CCG): A foundational exam ideal for anyone working with cider in service, sales, or retail.
- Level 2 – Certified Pommelier: A rigorous exam for professionals looking to demonstrate advanced cider knowledge and sensory analysis skills.
To support learners, the ACA offers a growing suite of resources, including webinars, study guides, and the newly updated Certified Pommelier textbook (2nd edition).
Ready to Join the Ranks?
Upcoming Level 2 Certified Pommelier exams are scheduled for:
- October 6, 2025 – Potter’s Craft Cider in Charlottesville, Virginia
- February 3, 2026 – CiderCon® in Providence, Rhode Island
If you’re ready to take your cider knowledge to the next level—or you’re just getting started with Level 1—visit ciderassociation.org/certification for more details, prep materials, and registration info.
For questions, reach out to Jennie Dorsey, ACA’s Director of Education and Program Development.
Congratulations to our new Certified Pommeliers—we can’t wait to see how you’ll shape the future of cider!
Calling All Creators: Showcase Your Work at CiderCon® 2026’s New Artisan Marketplace!
Get ready to connect with cider lovers and art enthusiasts alike! For the first time ever, CiderCon® 2026 is opening the doors to artists, jewelers, and makers of all kinds with a dedicated Artisan Marketplace—a new feature within our renowned international trade show.
Whether you craft cider-inspired illustrations, forge one-of-a-kind jewelry, design textiles, create handmade soaps, or dabble in any form of artisan goods, this is your chance to showcase your work at the largest professional cider gathering in the world.
Why the Artisan Marketplace?
Cider is more than a beverage—it’s a culture. A lifestyle. An intersection of tradition, craft, storytelling, and creativity. The cider community is passionate, curious, and deeply appreciative of handmade quality—and that makes CiderCon® the perfect space to share your work with a fresh, enthusiastic audience.
This marketplace isn’t just about selling—it’s about sharing your story with hundreds of attendees who value artistry, small business, and the spirit of creation.
What You Can Expect:
- A vibrant, dedicated artist zone within the CiderCon® 2026 trade show floor
- Access to engaged cider professionals, makers, and fans from across the world
- The opportunity to network with industry leaders, fellow creatives, and future collaborators
- Inclusion in the official CiderCon® 2026 program and online vendor directory
- A curated space designed to celebrate your craft—whether it’s visual, wearable, or wildly unique
Who Should Apply?
We’re seeking a diverse lineup of vendors whose work reflects craftsmanship, originality, and heart.
Think:
- Handmade jewelry
- Printmaking and posters
- Illustration and fine art
- Pottery and ceramics
- Textile and fiber arts
- Woodworking
- Soap and body care products
- Upcycled or sustainable goods
- Cider-themed or locally inspired items
- And more!
Whether you’re a full-time maker or an emerging artisan looking for your next big opportunity, the CiderCon® Artisan Marketplace is your stage.
Event Details:
CiderCon® 2026 Trade Show
Providence, RI — February 4-5, 2026
Artisan Marketplace open during trade show hours
Vendor spots are limited and curated—apply early to be considered!
How to Apply:
Applications open June 23, 2025 and close January 1, 2026. Click here to apply.
Vendor fees are kept intentionally accessible to support small businesses, artists, and emerging creatives.
Sightlines: Cross-Category Insights You Can Use June 2025
Each month, consumer insights platform Sightlines will share one quick hit you can use to make confident decisions. Remember, ACA members get 50% off a Sightlines subscription. Find the discount code in the Resource Hub.
Going Fizz-Free is Gaining New Audiences—and Cider Can Meet the Need
When drinkers reach for a packaged beverage, it’s most likely carbonated, with at least half of Americans drinking a carbonated soft drink daily. But that’s been changing, and in recent years, a growing number of beverage alcohol brands have explicitly asserted themselves as fizz-free alternatives: Brands like MolsonCoors’ Happy Thursday Spiked Refresher and Surfside Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka have made their lack of bubbles a core selling point, while NOCA Beverages (short for “no carbonation”) has made it an entire brand ethos. And one of the country’s largest RTD brands—Twisted Tea—has long won with drinkers who feel that a lack of bubbles allows them to enjoy multiple servings more easily. Carbonation can lead to feelings of bloating and fullness for some drinkers, and new, fizz-free brands help those people enjoy the pace and freedom of a lighter beverage.
Still cider is nothing new, but it’s traditionally put into a higher-end wine context and struggles to gain traction in more casual settings. But among young consumers reaching for canned cocktails and malt beverages, there’s rising interest in non-carbonated drinks, showing how different categories are working against different expectations. Beverages with lower or no carbonation also often have the advantage of not needing as much flavor to meet consumer desires (carbonation can sometimes dissipate flavor impact) and opens up serving opportunities, such as pouring over ice.
As you consider the positioning of your product—whether a traditional cider, modern craft, a flavor-driven RTD brand, or non-alc alternative to beer or wine, etc.—how you think about carbonation could be as important as “dry” or “gluten-free” or apple varietal for the consumer you’re seeking—perhaps even more so.
ACA Introduces Preferred Vendor Program
At the ACA, we know your bottom line matters and that you do better when the businesses you work with do better for you. That’s why we’re excited to launch the ACA Preferred Vendor Program: a growing lineup of businesses offering exclusive discounts for ACA members.
How It Works
We’ve done the legwork—negotiating deals with suppliers who want to support cidermakers like you with real savings on products and services you already use (or might want to use). Take advantage of our Preferred Vendor Program to enjoy:
- Exclusive discounts for ACA members
- Suppliers who understand your business
- Opportunities to save on tools, services, and materials
Newly Added Discounts:
- 25% Off Your First Year of Beer30
- Free Consultation & 10% Off Flat Fee Projects from Beer Law Center
- 10% Discount for all Classes & Workshops from the Cider Institute
- One Free Job Posting Per Year from Ciderpros.com
- 5% Off from Fountain City Logistics
- 5%-10% Off First Shipment from MyFreightWorld
- 10% Off First Design Project from Seathirst Creative
- 50% Off Annual Subscription from Sightlines
- 1/2 Off Setup and First Month Free from Tapwyse
- Savings of $3.00/case on Regulatory Fees from Vinoshipper
- 10% Off Orders from Wine Shipping Boxes
Check them all out on our Preferred Vendors Page and find links and codes for their exclusive deals for ACA members in the Resource Hub.
Becoming a Preferred Vendor
If you know a great company that supports your work and might be a good fit send them our way! Better yet, if you are a business that wants to participate, fill out this FORM and let us know. We’d be glad to bring you into the fold to pass benefits on to the whole cider community. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our Director of Member Relations Woodley Smith at woodley@ciderassociation.org.
ACA Welcomes Jessica Arlich to the Certified Cider Professional Licensed Educator Team
We’re excited to welcome Jessica Arlich as the newest member of our Certified Cider Professional Licensed Educator team!
Based in Vancouver, Washington, Jessica brings a vibrant mix of cider expertise, creativity, and educational passion to cider enthusiasts across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Vancouver, BC.
Jessica’s cider journey began behind the bar as a dedicated enthusiast and cider slinger. Her curiosity and commitment to learning led her to pursue the Certified Pommelier designation – an intensive certification that she earned in 2023. This achievement reflects her deep knowledge of cider production, history, and sensory analysis.
In addition to her credentials, Jessica is a dynamic presence in the cider world. She shares her insights on cider styles and industry trends through her blog, Esters, where she combines thoughtful analysis with a fresh voice.
“With her background as a graphic designer and community leader, Jessica brings creativity, enthusiasm, and a unique perspective to her role,” says Jennie Dorsey, ACA’s Director of Education. “Whether she’s leading workshops, tastings, or educational sessions, Jessica has a gift for making cider education both accessible and inspiring.”
Please join us in warmly welcoming Jessica to the team! We’re confident that her energy and expertise will elevate cider education throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Visit cidercertification.org to learn more about the Certified Cider Professional Program and education opportunities worldwide.
For PNW-specific inquiries, reach out to Jessica directly at Jessica@ciderassociation.org.
For all other inquiries, contact Jennie Dorsey at Jennie@ciderassociation.org.
Are You a Certified Pommelier Interested in Teaching?
We’re always looking for enthusiastic cider professionals to join our network of Certified Cider Professional Licensed Educators. If you’re a Certified Pommelier passionate about sharing your knowledge, we’d love to connect. Contact Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org to learn how you can get involved.
Celebrating Success at GLINTCAP 2025
We’re raising our glasses—filled with cider, of course—to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our incredible members at this year’s Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP). Known as the world’s largest and most esteemed cider competition, GLINTCAP is a true testament to cider craftsmanship, creativity, and excellence. With over 1,000 entries from around the globe, this competition provides a platform for cidermakers to showcase their dedication and skill.
Celebrating Craftsmanship and Innovation
These accolades are not just about the medals; they reflect our members’ innovation, dedication to their craft, and unwavering passion for crafting top-notch cider. Congratulations to all our talented members who made a splash at GLINTCAP 2025! From micro to large producers, it’s a joy to witness such diversity and excellence within our community. Check out ACA member medal winners below!
Cidermaker of the Year
- Micro Cidermaker of the Year – 5,000 Gallons or Less: Empyrical Orchard & Cidery – Snohomish, Washington
- Small Cidermaker of the Year – 5,001 to 25,000 Gallons: Haykin Family Cider – Aurora, Colorado
- Midsize Cidermaker of the Year – 25,001 to 500,000 Gallons: Snow Capped Cider – Austin, Colorado
- Large Cidermaker of the Year – 500,001 Gallons or More: 2 Towns Ciderhouse – Corvallis, Oregon
- Canadian Cidermaker of the Year: Annapolis Cider Company – Wolfville, Nova Scotia
- Click here to see the complete list of Producer of the Year honorees.
Commercial Best-in-Class
- Modern Cider – Dry: Alde Sider Fra Hardanger – Alde Sider (Norway)
- Modern Cider – Sweet: Smackintosh – Tandem Ciders (MI, USA)
- Heirloom Cider – Sweet: Chisel Jersey – Snow Capped Cider (CO, USA)
- Tannin Forward Cider – Dry: Kingston Black SV – Bauman’s Cider (OR, USA)
- Tannin Forward Cider – Sweet: Marechal – Haykin Family Cider (CO, USA)
- Rosé Cider: Airlie Red – Raw Cider Company (OR, USA)
- Low Tannin Perry: Winter Pear – Snow Capped Cider (CO, USA)
- High Tannin Perry: Principle – Empyrical Orchard & Cidery (WA, USA)
- Fruit Cider – Dry: Porters & Perry – Snow Capped Cider (CO, USA)
- Hopped Cider: Hopped Brut Apple – Island Orchard Cider (WI, USA)
- Botanical Cider: Lavender Honey – Tieton Cider Works (WA, USA)
- Wood Aged Cider: Blanc Mollet – Snow Capped Cider (CO, USA)
- Specialty Cider – Dry: Hopped Apricot – Snow Capped Cider (CO, USA)
- Ice Cider: McIntosh Ice Cider – Haykin Family Cider (CO, USA)
- Spirits: Michigan Honeycrisp Vodka – Vander Mill (MI, USA)
- Click here to see the complete list of 2025 Best-in-Class Winners
Recognizing Expertise and Growth
We are also pleased to announce that more than 20 Certified Pommeliers from across the globe were judges this year. Their high standard of sensory and technical knowledge is invaluable, and their presence highlights the growth of the certification program and the increasing professionalism within the cider industry.
In addition to these experts, we were delighted to have cider professionals supported by the ACA’s Cider is for Everyone Scholarship as judges this year. This initiative seeks to increase equity and access within the cider world, bringing new voices and perspectives to the competition.
ACA Director of Education Jennie Dorsey says, “Bringing together Certified Pommeliers and new voices through the scholarship program strengthens both the technical and cultural foundation of this competition.”