Archive for March 2026
Introducing the ACA Advocacy Alliance
The American Cider Association is proud to announce the launch of the ACA Advocacy Alliance — a focused initiative designed to strengthen and expand cider’s voice in Washington, DC and beyond.
As our industry grows and evolves, so do the policy conversations that shape its future. From tax treatment and regulatory modernization to category definition and market access, cider must be represented clearly, consistently, and strategically. The ACA Advocacy Alliance was created to meet that moment.
A Shared Investment in Cider’s Future
The Alliance is made possible through the investment of a group of progressive producers who recognize that meaningful policy engagement requires sustained attention and dedicated resources.
This model allows advocacy efforts to scale responsibly while ensuring that the broader ACA membership benefits from stronger representation and increased momentum at both the federal and state levels. It is a shared investment approach, one that supports focused action while strengthening the entire category.
The initiative is managed by Jenn Root Martell, ACA Government Affairs Director, in close coordination with the ACA Government Affairs Committee. Together, they will guide strategy, outreach, and execution across priority issues affecting cider producers nationwide.
Early Momentum
Momentum is already building.
- The ACA will engage Washington, DC–based lobbying firm PACE, LLP to support federal strategy and congressional engagement.
- Outreach is underway with key champions to explore updating federal cider definition language through a revised “Bubble Bill,” creating a more cohesive and impactful legislative package that better reflects today’s cider market and brings fruited cider parity on many levels.
- We are developing a member poll to collect TTB labeling issues to present before the agency later this Spring.
This effort represents a significant opportunity to modernize policy in ways that support producers of all sizes while positioning cider for long-term growth.
Committed Alliance Supporters
We are grateful to the producers who have already stepped forward to support this initiative:
- Angry Orchard/Boston Beer Company
- 2 Towns Ciderhouse
- Schilling Cider
- Blake’s Hard Cider
- Ciderboys
- Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards/1911 Established
- Vermont Cider Company
- Portland Cider Company
Their leadership reflects a belief that proactive advocacy is essential to protecting and expanding opportunity for the entire cider category.
Join the Effort
The ACA Advocacy Alliance is designed to grow. As more producers participate, our collective voice becomes stronger, more credible, and more effective. If you are interested in supporting this effort or would like to learn more about how to get involved, please contact Jenn Root Martell at jenn@ciderassociation.org.
The future of cider will be shaped by those who show up. We’re excited to build it together.
CiderCon® 2026 in photos
Do you have amazing photos from CiderCon® 2026 you would like to share? Please email jennie@ciderassociation.org
Rolling Out Pressing Matters: ACA Educational Webinar Series
One of the most consistent pieces of feedback we hear after CiderCon® is that the learning shouldn’t stop when the conference ends. While the annual gathering remains a cornerstone of our community, we know many cider professionals are looking for more opportunities to stay connected, ask questions, and keep building their knowledge throughout the year.
Starting this April, the American Cider Association is launching a new monthly webinar series designed to bring practical education to cider makers and industry professionals year-round.
Held on the Second Thursday of each month at 11:00AM PT/2:00PM ET, these live sessions will feature expert speakers, practical topics, and opportunities for Q&A. Each webinar will also be recorded and archived, creating a growing library of resources that members can access anytime.
For ACA members, the webinars will be available for $5 per session, while non-members can participate for $20. This also gives unlimited access to the recorded material in perpetuity.
Because the TTB could not join us in Providence this year, our webinar series will kick off with a FREE two-part program focusing on regulatory essentials for cider producers and including much of the content the team would have brought to CiderCon®. *Due to the evolving nature of regulatory guidance, these webinars will not be recorded.
April 9th, 2026
TTB Bootcamp Part 1: Labeling and Formulas
A practical guide to navigating TTB requirements for cider labels and formulas, including when formulas are required, common approval pitfalls, and tips to help producers move through the process more smoothly.
May 14th, 2026
TTB Bootcamp Part 2: Operations Reporting and Taxes
This session will cover key compliance responsibilities for cider producers, including operational reporting, excise tax obligations, and how to stay organized with federal requirements throughout the year.
These first sessions will set the stage for a broader series of monthly programs covering topics across production, orchard management, sales, marketing, policy, and emerging trends in the cider market.
By expanding educational programming beyond the annual conference, the ACA aims to make industry expertise more accessible—especially for members who may not be able to travel to CiderCon® but still want to stay connected to the latest conversations shaping cider.
Registration for the April and May sessions is now OPEN. Register with the links above. This series is designed to grow with the industry. ACA members are invited to suggest topics they’d like to see explored in future sessions. Please email jenn@ciderassociation.org if you would like to submit webinar topic suggestions.
Cider Sensory Workshops Coming to Canada with Licensed Educator Jenna Boucher
The American Cider Association is bringing cider education to Canada this spring with a series of interactive cider sensory workshops designed to help participants taste cider like a professional.
Led by Canadian Licensed Educator Jenna Boucher, these hands-on workshops will take place in Victoria, Vancouver, and Ontario, offering beverage professionals and cider enthusiasts the chance to deepen their tasting skills and build confidence evaluating cider.
Whether you work in hospitality, retail, cider production, or simply want to understand cider on a deeper level, these workshops provide an engaging introduction to professional cider sensory analysis.
Learn to Taste Cider Like a Pro
Cider is one of the most diverse fermented beverages in the world, with flavor influenced by apple varieties, fermentation methods, orchard terroir, and regional traditions. Developing sensory skills helps tasters recognize these differences and communicate them clearly.
During these workshops, participants will learn how to:
- Identify key cider aromas and flavor characteristics
- Recognize common cider faults and off-aromas
- Develop a structured tasting vocabulary
- Understand cider styles and production influences
- Evaluate cider using professional sensory techniques
The workshops include guided tastings, aroma training exercises, and practical evaluation methods used by cider professionals around the world.
Upcoming Cider Sensory Workshops in Canada
London, Ontario – Cider Sensory Workshop
Heeman’s Cellars- Cider Salon Canada
March 27th
2:00–4:30 PM
Set in Ontario’s growing cider community, this event takes place alongside Cider Salon Canada, an event featuring Ontario’s finest cidermakers. Taste the best orchard-based regional ciders and grow your palate and learn sensory evaluation techniques like a pro.
Victoria, British Columbia – Cider Sensory Workshop
Junction Orchard & Cidery
April 11
3:00–5:30 PM
Set among the orchards of Vancouver Island, this workshop provides a beautiful setting to explore cider aromas and flavors. Participants will taste through curated cider samples while learning professional sensory evaluation techniques.
Vancouver, British Columbia – Cider Sensory Workshop
Parallel 49 Brewing Company
May 7
6:30–9:00 PM
Join us in Vancouver for an evening cider tasting workshop focused on building sensory confidence. Through structured exercises and guided discussion, participants will learn how cider professionals evaluate aroma, flavor, and balance.
Meet the Educator: Jenna Boucher
These workshops are led by Canadian Licensed Educator Jenna Boucher, an award-winning cidermaker, judge, and Certified Pommelier™. Known for her approachable teaching style, Jenna helps participants break down complex sensory concepts into practical tasting skills.
Her experience across Canada’s cider industry makes her uniquely positioned to guide both professionals and enthusiasts through the nuances of cider flavor and aroma.
Who Should Attend?
These cider sensory workshops are ideal for:
- Hospitality professionals
- Sommeliers, Cicerones, and beverage directors
- Retail buyers and bottle shop staff
- Cidermakers and orchardists
- Certified Pommelier™ candidates
- Cider enthusiasts who want to deepen their knowledge
Participants will leave with stronger tasting skills, a deeper understanding of cider styles, and tools to confidently talk about cider in professional or social settings.
Expanding Cider Education in Canada
The American Cider Association continues to expand cider education programs across North America, helping build knowledge and appreciation for cider through certification programs, professional training, and public workshops.
Bringing sensory workshops to Canada reflects the growing interest in cider education, professional cider certification, and sensory training within the global cider community.
Join a Canadian Cider Workshop
Seats for these hands-on workshops are limited to ensure an engaging learning environment.
If you’ve ever wanted to improve your cider tasting skills, understand cider aromas, or learn professional sensory evaluation techniques, these workshops are the perfect place to start.
Come curious. Leave tasting cider like a pro.
Interested in learning more about global cider education programming? Email Director of Education Jennie@ciderassociation.org or visit our Certified Cider Professional™ educational programming pages.
August 30th Certified Pommelier™ Exam in PDX
TAKE THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM AT BAUMAN’S ON OAK on AUGUST 30th, 2026!
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 that a Certified Pommelier™ Exam will be held at Bauman’s On Oak in Portland, Oregon. The exam will take place on Sunday, August 30th, 2026. The exam will begin promptly at 9:00 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 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 workshops available on the ACA’s website or a regularly scheduled webinar. Access to pre-recorded webinars and registration for upcoming workshops are 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.)
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.
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.