Building Backwards: A Practical Guide to Adjunct Cider Innovation

Thursday, February 5 — 10:30 – 11:45 AM

What does it take to create a standout cider that goes beyond apples? This session explores a practical, decision-tree approach to developing adjunct ciders—those made with fruits, hops, herbs, botanicals, or essences. Learn how to start with your target product and work backward to design a process that supports your vision. Panelists will share how they approach product development from concept to packaging, including sourcing strategies, processing considerations, stabilization, filtration, and maintaining identity across scale. Real-world examples will unpack the decisions behind different production paths for a hypothetical cider.

Speakers: Kate Pinsley, Alana Bordeaux, Kyle Sherrer

Thanks to the Cider Institute for their continued collaboration in creating the Craft & Production Excellence Track!