Archive for September 2025
Cider Industry’s Premiere Event Coming to Providence, Rhode Island February 2026
For Immediate Release
American Cider Association
Cider Industry’s Premiere Event Coming to Providence, Rhode Island February 2026
CiderCon® 2026 is coming to Providence, Rhode Island, bringing together cidermakers, industry leaders, and innovators from around the globe to learn, connect, and celebrate the craft of cider.
This year’s theme, “Crafting Cider’s Future Together,” celebrates the collaboration and creativity driving the industry forward. While other beverage alcohol categories have suffered, cider – especially regional craft ciders – has seen an increase in sales this year.
Open to cider suppliers, makers and enthusiasts, the event features interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking, while also offering attendees the opportunity to attend a variety of experiences from the fan-favorite Cider Share to regionally inspired cider tours, tastings and a large trade show.
Highlights of CiderCon® 2026
- Expanded General Session: An expanded general session will feature speakers from the cider industry and beyond and will share insights on market trends, sustainability, and innovation, paving the way for the future of cider.
- Sessions: A variety of sessions will cover topics such as cidermaking techniques and best practices, marketing strategies, cider’s terroir, business and compliance considerations, and the history and future of cider apples. The ACA is pleased to once again partner with the Cider Institute to develop the cider production sessions.
- Trade Show & Artisan Marketplace: Discover the latest products and services available to the cider industry in the Trade Show, sponsored by FruitSmart, showcasing innovations in equipment, packaging, and more. In addition, the inaugural Artisan Marketplace will feature makers eager to share their crafts with attendees.
- Networking Opportunities: There will be a plethora of networking events available, allowing attendees to connect with fellow professionals from every corner of the cider world, fostering relationships that can lead to future collaborations.
Exploring the Region
Four tours are scheduled to take place Monday, February 2, offering attendees the opportunity to get to know the region better. There will be a Connecticut cidery tour, a Rhode Island cidery tour, a tour of the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Museum, and a Prohibition in Providence drinking tour.
Registration Information
Registration for CiderCon® 2026 is now open. Early bird rates are available until November 3, 2025. Early bird rates are $479 for members and $875 for non-members. Rates will increase to $549 for members and $945 for non-members on November 3, 2025.
For more information, including the full schedule, speakers and registration details, please visit www.ciderassociation.org/cidercon2026.
About the American Cider Association:
The American Cider Association is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to supporting cidermakers and promoting the cider industry. Through education, advocacy, and community building, the ACA works to enhance the cider experience and ensure a vibrant future for all cider professionals.
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Haritz Rodriguez Joins the Certified Cider Professional™ Program as a Licensed Educator in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico.
The American Cider Association (ACA) is proud to announce that Haritz Rodriguez, known across the cider world as @Ciderzale, has been appointed as the next Licensed Educator for the Certified Cider Professional™ (CCP) Program.
Haritz brings more than a decade of experience in cider education, culture, and promotion to this role. An independent journalist and marketing consultant specializing in the agrifood sector, Haritz has spent the last ten years working with cider producers, organizations, and festivals around the world to promote cider, cider tourism, and cider culture.
A Certified Pommelier™ with the American Cider Association and a member of the official tasting panel for the PDO Euskal Sagardoa, Haritz is a recognized authority on Basque sagardoa and international ciders. He has co-organized major cider events such as Sidrama Ponte de Lima (Portugal) and Sagardo Forum (Basque Country) and collaborated on notable competitions and festivals including the Nordic International Cider Awards, Cider World Frankfurt, and the World Cider Awards.
Haritz also advises cider houses in the Basque Country, the USA, and the UK, offers educational talks and tastings, and serves as a judge at numerous competitions worldwide. In 2018, he founded Ciderlands, an international cider tourism and culture network, expanding his influence as a connector and advocate for the global cider community.
In addition to his work on the ground, Haritz is an accomplished cider content creator. Under his personal brand Ciderzale, he shares striking photography, videos, and stories about cider with a global audience. His writing and photography have appeared in leading cider publications including Malus Magazine, Graftwood, and Full Juice. He has also contributed to travel and educational experiences for cider makers, journalists, and writers alike.
As part of his new role with the ACA’s Certified Cider Professional™ Program, Haritz will bring his extensive knowledge and international perspective to cider professionals and enthusiasts. The CCP Program is the world’s leading cider education and certification system, designed to elevate cider knowledge, improve consumer experience, and support the growth of the cider industry worldwide.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Haritz as a Licensed Educator,” says Jennie Dorsey, Director of Education and Program Development. “His expertise, energy, and passion for cider will help us strengthen our educational offerings worldwide.”
Click here to learn more about the Certified Cider Professional™ Program.
ACA Partners with Brock University to Offer Certified Cider Guide™ Workshop in Canada
The American Cider Association (ACA) is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University. Together, we are bringing our Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ (CCG) training to Canada with a one-day, in-person workshop designed to prepare participants to earn their first level of cider certification.
Our Certified Cider Professional™ Program is the global gold standard in cider education. This new partnership with Brock University expands access to high-quality cider training for beverage professionals, educators, and enthusiasts throughout Canada.
During this immersive workshop, participants will explore cider history, production methods, styles, sensory evaluation, and food pairing. Attendees will leave with the knowledge and confidence to successfully complete the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ exam.
Workshop Highlights:
- A full-day of expert-led training aligned with ACA standards
- In-depth tasting, evaluation, and style analysis
- Access to the online certification exam
- Networking with peers in the beverage, hospitality, and education sectors
- The opportunity to earn internationally recognized cider credentials
This is a landmark moment for cider education in Canada, and we’re proud to partner with CCOVI at Brock University to make it happen. Registration details and the full schedule are available through Brock University.
February 3: Certified Pommelier Exam at CiderCon® 2026
TAKE THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER EXAM AT CIDERCON® 2026 IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD!
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional development in the cider industry?
If you have already passed the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide exam and are looking for that next challenge? Now is your chance!
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce a Certified Pommelier Exam will be held at CiderCon® 2026 in Providence, RI . The exam will take place Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The exam will begin promptly at 8:30 AM. *Registration to CiderCon® is not required, but highly encouraged.
*Level 1 Certified Cider Guide certification is a prerequisite for taking the Certified Pommelier Exam. (Haven’t taken your Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Exam? Buy the bundle here! ACA Member discounts for Level 1 are available in the Resource Hub.)
There’s a discount code available for ACA members for the Certified Pommelier Exam. You can find that code in our Resource Hub.
WHAT IS THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER EXAM?
The American Cider Association’s mission is to grow a diverse and successful cider industry by providing valuable information, resources and services to our members and by advocating on their behalf. One way to fulfill this mission is through the Certified Cider Professional Program, a program aimed at educating the front-line of cider hospitality (distributors, retailers, bartenders and more!) while also welcoming journalists and serious cider enthusiasts.
The exam for the introductory level certification, Certified Cider Guide (CCG), is an online test that can be taken at any time. The exam for the more advanced second level of certification, Certified Pommelier, is only available in person. The exam consists of two parts, a written theory exam comprising short answer and essay questions and a blind sensory evaluation of a number of ciders. Passing the introductory level exam is a mandatory prerequisite to sitting for the Level 2 Certified Pommelier exam.
Certified Pommeliers must have a fundamental understanding of all topics covered at the introductory level, but must also be able to think critically and demonstrate a deeper understanding of cider and the cider industry.
The topics covered in the exam are:
- Apples, the Orchard & History
- Cider Making
- Flavor & Evaluation
- Cider Families
- Keeping & Serving
- Food & Cider
- Social Responsibility
The exam is meant to be challenging. The only information necessary for successfully passing the theory section of the exam is contained in the Certified Pommelier Study Guide available on Amazon. To study for the evaluation section of the exam, candidates should consider attending one of the sensory analysis videos available through the ACA’s website or attend one of the regularly scheduled webinars. Access to pre-recorded webinars and registration for upcoming live webinars is available directly through our website.
WHY BECOME A CERTIFIED POMMELIER?
Cider is a beautifully nuanced beverage that is less well understood by most consumers. Having the knowledge and skills required to become a Certified Pommelier will equip you to better serve customers, enhance your standing in the beverage community, and give you a unique and valuable professional qualification. Being recognized as a Certified Pommelier will put you in the vanguard of advanced cider specialists in this ever growing category.
HOW MUCH DOES THE TEST COST?
The registration fee for the exam is $350. Current members of the ACA can register at a discounted price of $250 by using the discount code that can be found here. If a candidate sits for the exam but does not pass either section, or only passes one of the two sections, theory or sensory evaluation, they can resit for the section of the exam that they did not pass at a future date. The fee for retaking the exam is $175 for non-members and $125 for current members of the ACA.
Read Terms & Conditions before registering.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDY FOR THE EXAM?
- The Certified Pommelier Study Guide is available directly through Amazon. It is also available at all of Amazon’s international sites.This is the official study guide for the second level of the American Cider Association’s professional certification program. It contains all of the information needed to study for and pass the examination. No other reference materials are required.
- There is also a dedicated Facebook Group (that is open for all to join) with prep materials and in-depth peer conversations that many candidates have found useful.
- Sensory evaluation is an important part of being a Certified Pommelier which is why we test your ability to accurately analyze the structural components, aromas, and flavors of a variety of ciders. In order to aid in the development of your sensory evaluation skills and understand the approach to testing them, we have several pre-recorded videos available for purchase. In addition, we host several live sensory analysis webinars each year. You can access the videos and look for scheduled webinars here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(Download the Frequently Asked Questions document.)
- When will we receive our graded exams? Exams are not returned to candidates, however you will be notified as to whether or not you have passed about 6 weeks from the exam date. If you did not pass a section of the exam, you may request a breakdown of your points by general topic to help you identify areas in which you could improve your score should you wish to retake the exam.
- What is the grade needed for passing? 60% of the possible points for sensory evaluation and 70% for theory
- Is there a tasting section on the test? Yes. You will be asked to evaluate six ciders in two flights, one flight that assesses your ability to distinguish between key structural elements and a second where you are asked to complete a full evaluation of three ciders using the Structured Sensory Analysis format. The possible aromas and flavors document will be supplied for use during the exam.
- How long does the test take? You are given 2 hours to complete the theory section of the exam and 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the sensory evaluation section. There is a 15 minute break in between sections.
- Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends? Registrations are not transferable, so the name on the I.D. presented when checking in for the exam must match the name on the registration.
- What happens if I cannot attend my registered exam? Please see Exam Rescheduling, Timelines and Fees in the Terms and Conditions Document for full details. If you do need to cancel your registration, exam registration fees can be refunded up to 14 days before the exam. Please note that a $25 administration fee applies to any cancellation.
- When can I register for the exam? Exam registration is open until 14 days before the posted exam date.
- How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please contact Director of Education Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org.
- What can I bring into the event? Bringing a personal water bottle is recommended for both sections of the exam. Cell phones, smart watches, computers, books or papers, and any and all other personal items must be left at a designated storage area in the exam room. Pencils will be provided, and spare paper will be available on request. Spit cups, and water will be provided during the evaluation exam. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle for the theory exam. Please contact Director of Education Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org prior to registering for the exam if you wish to request special accommodations.
- Is the Certified Pommelier Exam available in my area? Certified Pommelier exams are held periodically throughout the year and in a variety of locations. Please check our current exam schedule to find an exam suitable for you.
- How many Certified Pommeliers are there currently? You can find the current number of Certified Pommelers here.
- Do I need to pass the Certified Cider Guide exam to take the Certified Pommelier exam? Yes. Passing the introductory exam to become a Certified Cider Guide is a prerequisite. If you have not yet taken this exam, you can purchase a package which includes an instructional video, study guide, and access to an online exam HERE.
- Are there ID or minimum age requirements to sit for the event? YES. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you sit for the exam, and when checking in at the exam you must provide a photo ID that will both verify your age and identity.
February 2-5: CiderCon® 2026
Member Registration Information
- Conference Registration – $479 per person (September 30th – November 3rd)
- Late Registration – $549 per person (November 4th – February 3rd, 2026, or until conference space is full)
- On-site Registration – $695 per person, as space allows
- Are you a student or academic, or registering more than ten people from your company? Contact info@ciderassociation.org for discount details
Non-Member Registration Information – save money by joining the American Cider Association before registering!
- Conference Registration – $875 per person (September 30th – November 3rd)
- Late Registration – $945 per person (November 4th – February 3rd, 2026, or until conference space is full)
- On-site Registration – $1095 per person, as space allows
Included with your Registration
- Full access to all CiderCon® programming, from the expanded opening general session to the wide range of educational tracks packed with insights and information from industry experts and peers
- Full access to the Trade Show presented by FruitSmart
- Tuesday long sessions including TTB Bootcamp, Newcomers Networking Event and LQBTQIA+ Social
- Lunch on Wednesday and Thursday
- Coffee in the Trade Show presented by Amoretti
- Wednesday Happy Hour in the Trade Show
- Scion Exchange/Orchard Networking Session
- Free Conference App presented by Juicing Systems – download EventMobi: Event code: JuicingSystems26
- A wide selection of educational workshops covering cider production, business practices, and insights from industry experts and fellow cider professionals.
Optional Add-Ons
TOURS – Monday, February 2nd
Connecticut Cidery Tour – $150 per person 8:30am – 6:15pm Spend the day exploring the rich cider traditions of Connecticut on this exclusive CiderCon tour. You’ll visit four standout cideries, meet the makers, and taste the diverse styles shaping the state’s cider scene.
Rhode Island Cidery Tour – $127 per person 9am – 4pm Ease into CiderCon with a day trip through Rhode Island’s cider country. This tour balances cozy tastings, farm-fresh flavors, and conversations with the makers who bring Rhode Island apples to life in the glass.
Prohibition in Providence: A Drinking History Tour – $79 per person 1:30pm -3:30pmThis downtown cider and spirits tour brings guests back to prohibition in Rhode Island, which was a bootlegger’s paradise! Includes three restaurants cider & spirit tastings with food provided. Walking tour – dress appropriately.
Culinary Arts Museum Tour & Demonstration – $20 per person 2pm – 4pm Join us for a behind-the scenes experience at Johnson & Wales University’s Culinary Arts Museum, a world class facility celebrating the history, craft, and future of food and beverage. This free tour is a change to explore an incredible resource in Providence and see culinary education in action. This tour includes transportation to the venue, tour, and demonstration. Attendees will be responsible for return transportation.
Tuesday Workshops:
Understanding & Unlocking the Chemistry of Cider Aroma $90 8:30am – 12pm Unlock the hidden language of cider aroma in this interactive sensory workshop. Using a base cider spiked with key aroma compounds, participants will explore how different chemical families shape a cider’s character—from bright top notes of fruit, floral, and perfume, to complex layers of spice, smoke, and earthy tones. Designed for both newcomers and seasoned cider professionals, this workshop blends hands-on tasting with practical insights. You’ll sharpen your ability to identify and describe sensory attributes, link aromas to fermentation and production choices, and gain confidence in influencing the aromatic profile of your ciders to achieve stylistic goals.
From Vision to Viability: Start-Up Cider Business Bootcamp $75 8:30am – 12pm Where to begin? There are so many hurdles and challenges that face a startup cidery in today’s economy that it is hard to even know the right questions to ask. We can help! We’re going to spend three and a half hours addressing the fundamentals of the startup process through the experience of people who have been there before and done things “mostly right”. We’ll take you from start to finish in a cidery startup lifecycle and go over business plan development including: Financing; Real estate/buildout decisions; Branding; Licensing and compliance; Employee/equipment acquisition; and more! This will be a moderated panel discussion led by industry experts, followed by a Q and A with cideries of different sizes who can provide insights on models that may be similar to your own. Our hope is that you walk away feeling confident in your startup strategies and armed with the tools needed to operate a sustainable cider company for years to come.
Certified Pommelier Exam – $350 Are you ready to take the next step in your professional development in the cider industry? If you have already passed the Certified Cider Professional Level 1 Certification and are looking for that next challenge, Register here for the Certified Pommelier Exam.
CiderCon® Welcome Reception:
Cider Share – Sponsored by Voran – 5:00pm – 7:30pm $25 for a tasting ticket. Join the world’s largest Cider Share and the official kickoff of CiderCon! Featuring 50 cideries pouring cider from all over the world, delicious food, and all of your cider friends in one room. If you would like to pour your cider at Cider Share, you can apply here. If you are accepted to pour at the event, two complimentary tasting tickets are included for the people pouring your cider.
Tasting Sessions – Please note that sold out tasting sessions will have limited room in the back for those who want to listen to the lecture but not taste (free of charge). These are offered on a first come, first serve basis as space allows. Please be patient while ticket holders are seated first. Note: Some tasting sessions overlap! Don’t purchase tickets to every session – save some tickets for others, please. We charge a nominal fee for tasting sessions to create ticket-holder accountability, support our drink coordinator staff, buy our volunteers coffee, and cover any shipping costs for our generous speakers. Tasting session tickets are refundable and transferable before a session has taken place.
Wednesday, February 5th:
11am – Building a Responsive Wild Fermentation Program $20 This panel brings together four cidermakers to share detailed, practical insights into their wild fermentation programs—from fruit to final packaging. Each will walk through their unique approach, focusing on how they adapt to shifting conditions, including the impacts of climate change, while maintaining quality and consistency. Attendees will gain real-world strategies, hands-on techniques, and a deeper understanding of how to build or refine a wild fermentation program that is resilient, adaptable, and responsive to evolving challenges.
11am – Regional Identity in Eastern Cider $20 Taste the magic of how place and style transform cider. In this unique panel, Eastern cideries craft their own expressions from the same blended apple juice grown at Ricker Hill Orchards. Attendees will taste side-by-side ciders while learning about regional influences, fermentation choices, and stylistic intent. A rare chance to experience the artistry of cider through a shared starting point.
2pm – Who Put the Band-Aid in the Barnyard? $20 This session will attempt to tease apart the relative effects of apple character and yeast activity when it comes to phenolic aromas in cider. Many ciders, especially those produced using bittersweet and bittersharp apples, exhibit aromatic profiles described as clove, Band -Aid, barnyard, etc. These aromas, lumped into a category described as “phenolic” by Peter Mitchell and others, are very similar to those found in wines and beers that have been exposed, intentionally or not, to certain yeast strains, most notably Brettanomyces species. What kind of aromas are possible in apples with very low polyphenolic concentrations? What effect does yeast choice have on bittersweet and bittersharp apples? What are the most effective levers to pull when seeking to increase or decrease the phenolic aromas in a cider?
2pm – Going Still: The Resurgence of a Style $20 Still ciders are making a comeback, celebrated for their elegance, depth, and ability to showcase fruit and terroir. In this guided tasting, cideries from across the globe will share their approaches to crafting still cider, from cellar techniques to cultural traditions. Panelists will discuss why these quiet ciders are special, how they fit into their portfolios, and what makes them resonate with today’s drinkers. Attendees will taste along while exploring the artistry behind this resurgent style.
3:45pm – Golden Russet: A Northeast Terroir Showcase $20 Golden Russet is a storied American heirloom apple, beloved for its rich tannins and complex character in cider. In this session, a panel of Eastern cideries will showcase single-varietal Golden Russet ciders, highlighting how regional terroir shapes its expression. Attendees will taste and compare styles while learning about orchard practices, fermentation choices, and traditions that influence the final glass. This session is a rare chance to explore the depth and diversity of one iconic apple.
Thursday, February 6th:
10:30am The Traditional Method – The Why and The How $20 Traditional Method cider, which originated in England before Champagne, relies on natural fermentation to create its signature sparkle. This approach offers numerous benefits: elegant bubbles, minimal equipment needs, scalability from home to commercial production, preservation of fruit character, and the ability to achieve high carbonation without gushing. In this session, a panel of micro, medium, and large-scale producers will demonstrate the equipment and techniques suited to each production level, with guided tastings comparing Traditional Method to other styles. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge and key process insights to apply at any scale—from home cidermaking to professional production.
10:30am Taste of the North: Ontario Craft Cider $20 Ontario, Canada is a massive province with a huge range of soils and climates. We range from zone 7 to 0 and have every type of soil imaginable. Join a panel of cider makers from distinct ecoregions to discuss their orchard’s terroir and its impact on their apple and cider flavours. How this Northern climate makes for distinct ciders and distinguishes Ontario cider from the rest of the world.
2pm Evaluating Cider for the Certified Pommelier Exam $20 Participants will practice blindly evaluating two ciders using the ACA’s Structured Sensory Evaluation process guided by Certified Pommelier and ACA Director of Education and Program Development, Jennie Dorsey and a panel of Certified Pommeliers. This session will teach you how to objectively assess any cider, empowering you in the cidery and in assisting customers to find a cider they love while also helping you to prepare for the sensory portion of the Certified Pommelier exam.
2pm Essentials of Apple Brandy Production: Capturing the Spirits of your Orchard $20 Ever wondered what it would take to turn your cider into gorgeous brandy? Unfortunately, not every cider you make would work. Learn the differences between fermentation for cider versus brandy. How different equipment, fruit, aging and other techniques impact the final product. How to work with your local distillers and regulations in your region. And what it takes to craft spirits from your orchard.
3:45pm World of Cider: The Baltic Region $20 Cider is a global tradition with deep regional roots and distinctive expressions. In this international tasting panel, producers from Ukraine, the Baltics, Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom will share their ciders and perspectives, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore how history, culture, and terroir shape cider around the world. From heritage-rich regions to emerging cider scenes, this guided tasting will highlight both the diversity and common threads that connect global cider traditions. Come ready to taste, compare, and be inspired by cider’s European story.
The ACA is proud to partner with the Cider Institute to develop a robust offering of production workshops at CiderCon 2026. Many of these sessions include a tasting component. Other tasting sessions focus on sensory lexicon, flavor and terroir.
CiderCon® Tee-Shirt $25 – Must be attending the conference – no shipping available.
Don’t forget! Use this link to book your hotel room at the Omni Providence – our host hotel and it’s connected to the Convention Center!
Note: Tours, Tastings and Sessions are subject to change. Space is limited. In the event of a session cancellation, fees will be refunded.
Important! Cancellation Policy:
In the event of cancellation by attendee (in writing to info@ciderassociation.org with receipt acknowledged by CiderCon® staff): Before November 1, 2025 – all fees paid less $100 for processing will be refunded. If cancellation occurs between November 1st, 2025 and January 20th, 2026, 50% of fees will be refunded – the remaining 50% will be forfeited. After January 20th, 2026 – the full cost will be forfeited. No refunds will be processed after this date.
December 13: Taste Like a Pro Cider Sensory Workshop at Meriwether Cider
Join us for a sensory deep dive into the world of cider and learn to taste cider like a pro at Meriwether Cider on December 13, 2025! Whether you’re preparing for the Certified Pommelier™ exam or just curious how pros taste cider, this immersive, hands-on session will give you the tools to sip and share with confidence. You’ll learn how to detect flavors, spot faults, and describe cider like a seasoned cider professional. Walk away prepared for your exam, or to wow your friends with a sharper palate and a deeper love for the world’s most diverse fermented beverage.
Price: $45 Non-members, $35 ACA members (Member Discount can be found in the Resource Hub)
Location: Meriwether Cider, 224 N 9th St., Boise, ID 83702
Schedule:
- Welcome & Introduction (10 min)
- Part 1: Foundations of Sensory Tasting (25 min)
- Part 2: Structured Tasting Practice (60 min)
- Part 3: Identifying/Understanding Common Cider Faults (20 min)
- Part 4: Elevate Your Tasting Vocabulary (15 min)
- Wrap-Up + Q&A (20 min)
November 29: Taste Like a Pro Cider Sensory Workshop at Yonder Cider
Certified Pommelier™ Sensory Training Workshop at Yonder Cider in Seattle on November 29!
Join us at Yonder Cider for a sensory deep dive into the world of cider and learn to taste like a pro! Whether you’re preparing for the Certified Pommelier™ exam or just curious how the pros taste cider, this immersive, hands-on session will give you the tools to sip and share with confidence. You’ll explore the aromas, flavors, and nuances that make cider so unique. Learn how to detect flavors, spot faults, and describe cider like a seasoned cider professional, all while experiencing Yonder’s distinctive approach to cider making. Walk away prepared for your exam, or ready to wow your friends with a sharper palate and a deeper love for the world’s most diverse fermented beverage.
Price: $45 Non-members, $35 ACA members (Member Discount can be found in the Resource Hub)
Location: Yonder Cider / Balebreaker Taproom, 826 NW 49th St, Seattle, WA 98107
Schedule:
- Welcome & Introduction (10 min)
- Part 1: Foundations of Sensory Tasting (25 min)
- Part 2: Structured Tasting Practice (60 min)
- Part 3: Identifying/Understanding Common Cider Faults (20 min)
- Part 4: Elevate Your Tasting Vocabulary (15 min)
- Wrap-Up + Q&A (20 min)
September 2025: Update from ACA CEO Monica Cohen
Six plus months ago, I stepped into this role as CEO of the American Cider Association (ACA). Semi-retired after more than 30 years in food and beverage, I missed having a community and being challenged. With cider, I’ve found both.
Since its founding, the ACA has achieved a lot for this industry. But in my short time here, it’s become clear: we need to do more, and we need to do better. I’m hell-bent on it.
Through conversations with our Board, staff, and many of you, I’ve been focused on building better. Here’s what that looks like so far:
- Advocacy that punches harder. The reintroduction of the Bubble Tax Bill is worth celebrating, but it’s just the beginning. We’re preparing to bring on some D.C. heavy hitters to move the needle for cider more aggressively on Capitol Hill.
- Education that reaches further. We’ve added two licensed educators, signed a new university partnership (announcement coming soon), and begun building the next level of programming. Next up: taking cider education to wholesale distributors.
- Partnerships that deliver more value. CiderCon® is a highlight, but our work with vendors can’t stop there. Our new Preferred Vendor Program is designed to save you money and strengthen your business year-round.
- Consumers who know cider. We’ve started small but important steps to boost cider’s visibility with drinkers through social media and increased media outreach, supporting your efforts to get cider on more radars and in more glasses.
- Membership that multiplies our power. More members mean more advocacy, more discounts, more clout. Imagine the impact if every cidery in the U.S. had a voice in the ACA. That’s the future we need to build together and why we have stepped up our efforts to increase membership.
This progress matters — but it’s not enough. Every day, you’re producing world-class ciders, running taprooms, and making tough choices about where to invest. You deserve an association that delivers more: more advocacy, more awareness, more data, more wins.
Right now, ACA is too thinly resourced to deliver at the level you need. I feel that every single day in this role. There are things I want and need to do for this industry, but without more support, I can’t move fast enough or far enough.
That’s why we launched our first-ever Capital Campaign this summer. Thanks to early champions — members and enthusiasts who have contributed — we’ve built a strong foundation.
But we’re still a long way from our $250,000 goal.
This is the moment to act. Whether it’s $25/month or a one-time gift, your support allows us to do more. Together, we can build the future this industry deserves.
October is National Cider Month: ACA is a Supporting Partner
National Cider Month is back for 2025! Founded by Schilling Cider in 2022, National Cider Month has grown into an industry-wide celebration of cider, cidermakers, and the apple harvest season. Held throughout October, this is a powerful opportunity to elevate the craft, connect with consumers, and shift perceptions about cider.
A number of cider companies have participated in a variety of ways in the last few years – from organizing promotions at the store shelf to drawing consumers into their tap rooms with special events. According to IRI data, cider sales saw a 5% lift during National Cider Month in its first year, highlighting the impact of coordinated consumer-facing promotion.
As we’re all about moving more cider, the American Cider Association is proud to be a supporting partner of National Cider Month. Leading up to – and throughout the month of October, we will be amplifying National Cider Month and member events as well as securing media coverage to help drive visibility and excitement for cider.
More than 160 cideries and counting have signed on to participate in National Cider Month. Once signed up you can access National Cider Month logos and other promotion materials as well as have your cidery and special events listed. Visit www.nationalcidermonth.com to learn more, register, and get involved. Scroll to the bottom and click Participate in NCM to start the sign up process.
Let’s work together to make sure it’s cider’s time!
November 28: Certified Pommelier Exam in Hereford, UK
TAKE THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM IN HEREFORD ON NOVEMBER 28th!
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional development in the cider industry?
If you have already passed the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ exam and are looking for that next challenge? Now is your chance!
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce a Certified Pommelier™ Exam will be held at The Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford, UK . The exam will take place Friday, November 28th, 2025. The exam will begin promptly at 11:00 AM.
*Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ certification is a prerequisite for taking the Certified Pommelier™ Exam. (Haven’t taken your Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ Exam? Buy the bundle here! ACA Member discounts are available.)
There’s a discount code available for ACA members who want to take the test. You can find that code in our Resource Hub.
WHAT IS THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM?
The American Cider Association’s mission is to grow a diverse and successful cider industry by providing valuable information, resources and services to our members and by advocating on their behalf. One way to fulfill this mission is through the Certified Cider Professional™ Program, a program aimed at educating the front-line of cider hospitality (distributors, retailers, bartenders and more!) while also welcoming journalists and serious cider enthusiasts.
The exam for the introductory level certification, Certified Cider Guide™ (CCG), is an online test that can be taken at any time. The exam for the more advanced second level of certification, Certified Pommelier™, is only available in person. The exam consists of two parts, a written theory exam comprising short answer and essay questions and a blind sensory evaluation of a number of ciders. Passing the introductory level exam is a mandatory prerequisite to sitting for the Level 2 Certified Pommelier exam.
Certified Pommeliers™ must have a fundamental understanding of all topics covered at the introductory level, but must also be able to think critically and demonstrate a deeper understanding of cider and the cider industry.
The topics covered in the exam are:
- Apples, the Orchard & History
- Cider Making
- Flavor & Evaluation
- Cider Families
- Keeping & Serving
- Food & Cider
- Social Responsibility
The exam is meant to be challenging. The only information necessary for successfully passing the theory section of the exam is contained in the Certified Pommelier Study Guide available on Amazon. To study for the evaluation section of the exam, candidates should consider attending one of the sensory analysis videos available through the ACA’s website or attend one of the regularly scheduled webinars. Access to pre-recorded webinars and registration for upcoming live webinars is available directly through our website.
WHY BECOME A CERTIFIED POMMELIER™?
Cider is a beautifully nuanced beverage that is less well understood by most consumers. Having the knowledge and skills required to become a Certified Pommelier™ will equip you to better serve customers, enhance your standing in the beverage community, and give you a unique and valuable professional qualification. Being recognized as a Certified Pommelier™ will put you in the vanguard of advanced cider specialists in this ever growing category.
HOW MUCH DOES THE TEST COST?
The registration fee for the exam is $350. Current members of the ACA can register at a discounted price of $250 by using the discount code that can be found here. If a candidate sits for the exam but does not pass either section, or only passes one of the two sections, theory or sensory evaluation, they can resit for the section of the exam that they did not pass at a future date. The fee for retaking the exam is $175 for non-members and $125 for current members of the ACA.
For non-members, the exam is $350.
Read Terms & Conditions before registering.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDY FOR THE EXAM?
- The Certified Pommelier™ Study Guide is available directly through Amazon. It is also available at all of Amazon’s international sites.This is the official study guide for the second level of the American Cider Association’s professional certification program. It contains all of the information needed to study for and pass the examination. No other reference materials are required.
- There is also a dedicated Facebook Group (that is open for all to join) with prep materials and in-depth peer conversations that many candidates have found useful.
- Sensory evaluation is an important part of being a Certified Pommelier™ which is why we test your ability to accurately analyze the structural components, aromas, and flavors of a variety of ciders. In order to aid in the development of your sensory evaluation skills and understand the approach to testing them, we have several pre-recorded videos available for purchase. In addition, we host several live sensory analysis webinars each year. You can access the videos and look for scheduled webinars here
Frequently Asked Questions
(Download the Frequently Asked Questions document.)
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to sit for the event? YES. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you sit for the exam, and when checking in at the exam you must provide a photo ID that will both verify your age and identity .
Do I need to pass the Certified Cider Guide™ exam to take the Certified Pommelier™ exam? Yes. Passing the introductory exam to become a Certified Cider Guide™ is a prerequisite. If you have not yet taken this exam, you can purchase a package which includes an instructional video, study guide, and access to an online exam HERE.
How many Certified Pommeliers™ are there currently? You can find the current number of Certified Pommelers here.
Is the Certified Pommelier Exam™ available in my area? Certified Pommelier™ exams are held periodically throughout the year and in a variety of locations. Please check our current exam schedule to find an exam suitable for you.
What can I bring into the event? You may bring only a water bottle into the exam space. Cell phones, smart watches, computers, books or papers, and any and all other personal items must be left at a designated storage area in the exam room. Pencils will be provided, and spare paper will be available on request. Spit cups, and water will be provided during the evaluation exam. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle for the theory exam. Please contact the Cider Education Operations Manager, Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org prior to registering for the exam if you wish to request special accommodations.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please contact Cider Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org.
When can I register for the exam? Exam registration is open until 14 days before the posted exam date.
What happens if I cannot attend my registered exam? Please see Exam Rescheduling, Timelines and Fees in the Terms & Conditions Document for full details. If you do need to cancel your registration, exam registration fees can be refunded up to 14 days before the exam. Please note that a $25 administration fee applies to any cancellation.
Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends? Registrations are not transferable, so the name on the I.D. presented when checking in for the exam must match the name on the registration.
How long does the test take? You are given 2 hours to complete the theory section of the exam and 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the sensory evaluation section. There is a 15 minute break in between sections.
Is there a tasting section on the test? Yes. You will be asked to evaluate six ciders in two flights, one flight that assesses your ability to distinguish between key structural elements and a second where you are asked to complete a full evaluation of three ciders using the Structured Sensory Analysis format. The possible aromas and flavors document will be supplied for use during the exam.
What is the grade needed for passing? 60% of the possible points for sensory evaluation and 70% for theory
When will we receive our graded exams? Exams are not returned to candidates, however you will be notified as to whether or not you have passed about 6 weeks from the exam date. If you did not pass a section of the exam, you may request a breakdown of your points by general topic to help you identify areas in which you could improve your score should you wish to retake the exam.