Posts by Woodley Smith
Explore the Art of Food & Cider Pairing with Jennie Dorsey’s New Book
For those who have ever wondered how to elevate their dining experience with the perfect cider pairing, Jennie Dorsey, the Director of Education at the American Cider Association, has crafted the ultimate guide. Her new book, Cider Paired and Plated: The Art of Food and Cider Pairing, is a sensory-driven journey that caters to professionals, enthusiasts, and curious drinkers alike and is now available for purchase on Amazon.com. In addition, it will be available for purchase at CiderCon® 2026 where Jennie will be happy to sign it for you!
Cider Paired and Plated weaves together foundational pairing theory with practical applications, exploring how elements like acidity, tannin, sweetness, carbonation, and aroma play with texture, fat, spice, and umami on the plate. Whether you’re a fan of crisp modern ciders, tannic bittersweet varieties, or sweet dessert ciders, you’ll find strategies to enhance your dining experience without feeling overwhelmed.
Cider Paired and Plated offers curated pairings across multiple courses, including:
- Cheeses
- Small plates and appetizers
- Entrées
- Desserts
- Cider-based cocktails
Each section features thoughtfully developed recipes, complete with step-by-step cooking instructions and practical notes on why each pairing excels. The cocktail recipes, in particular, highlight cider’s versatility as both a primary ingredient and a structural element behind the bar.
Designed to be both a reference and an invitation to experiment, Cider Paired and Plated encourages readers to think seasonally, locally, and creatively. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner, developing a beverage program, or studying for professional cider certification, this book empowers you to place cider at the heart of modern food and drink culture.
With an emphasis on sensory awareness, storytelling, and shared experiences, Cider Paired and Plated positions cider not as an alternative but as a centerpiece of contemporary culinary experiences. It’s an invitation to discover new dimensions of taste and enjoyment, one glass at a time. Check it out today!
New Dietary Guidelines Reinforce a Science-Based, Moderate Approach to Alcohol
The newly released U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans reaffirm a long-standing, evidence-based approach to alcohol consumption—one grounded in moderation and informed by the full body of peer-reviewed research. For the American Cider Association and our members, this outcome reflects the importance of keeping science, not bias, at the center of federal health policy.
Throughout the Guidelines development process, ACA worked alongside the Science Over Bias coalition, a group of beverage alchohol associations and additional stakeholders committed to transparency and scientific integrity. The coalition formed in response to proposals that would have dramatically lowered recommended alcohol limits based on selective research, advancing a “no consumption is best” approach. Ultimately, the final Guidelines maintained moderation standards that reflect decades of scientific consensus and real-world context.
The official DGA alcohol recommendation:
- Consume less alcohol for better overall health.
- People who should completely avoid alcohol include pregnant women, people who are recovering from alcohol use disorder or are unable to control the Sodium amount they drink, and people taking medications or with medical conditions that can interact with alcohol. For those with a family history of alcoholism, be mindful of alcohol consumption and associated addictive behaviors.
This change removes the previous daily guidance of up to one beverage for women and two beverages for men, shifting away from gender-specific intake recommendations.
This broad coalition of the nation’s agriculture, beverage and hospitality industries issued the following statement in response to the alcohol guidance in the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans:
“The Dietary Guidelines’ longstanding, overarching advice is that if alcohol is consumed, it should be done in moderation. These updated guidelines, underpinned by the preponderance of scientific evidence, reaffirm this important guidance.”
For cidermakers, this matters. Cider is an agricultural product rooted in orchards, rural economies, and small businesses—many of them family-owned and women-led. Federal nutrition guidance has real implications for how our industry is perceived, regulated, and communicated to consumers. Balanced, evidence-based policy allows producers to continue promoting responsible consumption while supporting local agriculture and hospitality.
ACA supports clear consumer education, transparency, and ongoing research into alcohol and health. At the same time, we believe that public policy must consider the totality of evidence and the diverse communities affected by it—from farmers and producers to consumers and public health professionals.
We appreciate the work of the many scientists, advocates, and coalition partners who spoke up during this process. The ACA will continue engaging with Congress, federal agencies, and allied organizations to ensure that future alcohol policy discussions remain fair, data-driven, and free from predetermined outcomes.
More resources about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans:
The Year in Cider from Feel Goods Insights
Each month consumer insights platform Sightlines will share one quick hit you can use to make confident decisions. Also, ACA members get 50% off a Sightlines subscription. Find the discount code in the Resource Hub.
Off-Premise
Cider was a quiet standout among alcohol categories this year. At a time when nearly every subset of the industry struggled—from high-end spirits to wine to craft beer—cider posted positive volume growth in the off-premise, with convenience stores representing an especially strong channel. Cider volume was up +1.7% in the off-premise through the end of November, according to Nielsen multioutlet and convenience store data, while dollar sales were up +2% in those aggregate stores. In convenience stores, cider dollar sales rose even higher, up +6%. The on-premise picture was less rosy, however cider still outperformed some other segments. Given signs of acceleration in the waning months of the year, cider is poised to enter 2026 on relatively strong footing.
The takeaway: As other categories like hard seltzer and craft beer decline, cider is showing signs of long-term resilience in flavor-forward spaces. Imperial, flavored, and single-serve cider have helped the category make continued inroads in convenience stores. The challenge ahead is to maintain momentum as c-store points of distribution fill in.
Beer Purchasers Index (BPI)
The National Beer Wholesalers Association’s forward-looking Beer Purchasers Index (BPI) for November—the most recent month for which data is available—shows cider as the lone category that wholesalers feel more optimistic about than they did in 2024. The November 2025 BPI reading of 41 also marks the first time in five years that cider has enjoyed a BPI over 40. That’s a bright spot; however, a BPI less than 50 still indicates a category in contraction, as wholesalers anticipate purchasing less of it compared to the year prior.
The takeaway: Cider has a compelling story to tell its wholesale and retail partners right now. Message around these wins (or, in some cases, its strength relative to other categories’ losses). There’s data to support an argument that certain flavored cider brands deserve coveted display space alongside ready-to-drink cocktails. Retailers might be willing to swap in cider at a time when flavored malt beverages and hard seltzers are cooling.
On-Premise
The on-premise, however, offers less positive numbers for cider. Volumes fell -9% over the past 52 weeks, according to NIQ, with those losses accelerating in the last 12 weeks. As with chain retail, other categories such as craft beer and hard seltzer suffered steeper declines, so cider held its volume share of the beer category (1%) on-premise. Dollar sales showed similar trendlines.
The takeaway: In a world where on-premise placements are still limited to a single draft handle or a few cooler spots, cider isn’t able to maximize on the strength of its flavor variety the way it does on retailers shelves. But it’s still an environment where cider isn’t ceding ground. Flavored malt beverages, craft beer, and hard seltzers all saw steeper volume declines this year than cider, meaning cider can potentially capture a portion of those drinkers looking for seasonal and fruit-forward offerings.
April 18: Certified Pommelier™ Exam at Cider World
TAKE THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM AT CIDER WORLD IN FRANKFURT, GERMANY ON APRIL 18, 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 a Certified Pommelier™ Exam will be held at Cider World in Frankfurt, Germany. The exam will take place Saturday, April 18, 2026. The exam will begin promptly at 8:30 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 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.
ACA Now Accepting Nominations for 2026 Board of Directors
The ACA Board of Directors is comprised of passionate, active cidery owners – large and small – who are committed to shaping the future of the organization and the greater cider industry. If you’d like to be part of that and are ready to lend your voice, ideas, and leadership to this important work, now’s your chance!
The American Cider Association (ACA) has six seats open for election on our Board of Directors in 2026. The available positions are as follows:
- 1 Large Cidery Seat
- 1 Regional Chair – Mountain West
- 1 Regional Chair – Northwest
- 1 Regional Chair – Midwest
- 2 At-Large Seats
Our annual nomination window is now open, and we want to hear from you!
Election Details
Elections will be conducted electronically during CiderCon® 2026, taking place in Providence, Rhode Island, from February 3-5. All U.S. member cideries are eligible to vote, with each cidery having one vote. Primary cidery contacts will receive an email on February 3 inviting them to vote for board members.
While previous volunteer experience with the ACA is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged for those considering a run for office.
Application and Eligibility
Here are the specifics for those interested in applying:
- Eligibility: Positions are open to any active ACA member cidery in the U.S., regardless of size, excluding the Large Cidery Seat which must be filled by a cidery making 1,000,000+ gallons annually.
- Application Deadline: December 19, 2025.
- Candidacy Requirements: You must be a permanent employee of a bonded cidery producing cider in the U.S.
- Term Duration: Each term lasts for three years.
Please be aware that incumbents may be running for re-election. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline, and qualified candidates will receive further instructions on the board election process.
Need More Information?
For any questions regarding board service, feel free to reach out to ACA CEO Monica Cohen at monica@ciderassociation.org to schedule a meeting.
To submit your nomination by the December 19 deadline, please complete the self-nomination form. We look forward to your contributions and are excited to see the future leaders of our industry step forward!
Who’s Ready for the End of Premiumization?
Each month consumer insights platform Sightlines will share one quick hit you can use to make confident decisions. Also, ACA members get 50% off a Sightlines subscription. Find the discount code in the Resource Hub.
Consumer spending in the U.S. has, of late, been buoyed by the wealthiest Americans. Recent analysis of Federal Reserve data by Moody’s Analytics showed that the top 10% of earners in the U.S. (those whose households make $250,000 or more annually) accounted for 49% of total consumer spending in Q2 2025. That’s the highest level ever reported since such data collection began in 1989, and it’s well above the one-third of overall consumer spending that group represented in the early 1990s.
Well-off Americans have carried water for much of the economy, but they can’t do it forever—particularly not when it comes to alcohol. The discretionary spending power of the wealthy has for years been a driver of premiumization, but the tides may be turning. Those households, after all, only need to buy so much beer or wine or cider. Eventually, all but the most exclusive of luxury brands need “average” Americans to buy in, or need the wealthy to buy even more. But we are currently seeing the affluent slow their spending: Analysts at Jefferies and Moody’s have noted that affluent shoppers have pulled back on luxury spending and are showing an increased appetite for discounts and deals. As a result, mentions of “trading down” in conference calls by large U.S. consumer companies have ticked up in recent years, echoing spikes seen after the housing market crisis in 2008 and during the post-COVID inflationary period. Sales of private label staples are breaking records. Amazon Prime Day shoppers spent on staples, not big-ticket buys. Lower-cost retailers like Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, and Dollar Tree have seen stock prices rise this year as investors bet on shoppers continuing to hunt deals. Even Gen Z is taking advantage of early-bird specials and happy hours. Alcohol companies need to recognize that a broad trend toward premiumization is no longer a given. What will make up the slack when big spenders pull back?
C-Store Cider Sales Thrive This Year
Each month consumer insights platform Sightlines will share one quick hit you can use to make confident decisions. Also, ACA members get 50% off a Sightlines subscription. Find the discount code in the Resource Hub.
While alcohol has generally been in the red in most retail channels this year, cider sales in convenience stores offer a rare bright spot. Both dollar sales (+4.8%) and volume (+3.4%) are well above the negative trend lines for craft, seltzers, domestics, and even imports in Circana-tracked c-store data.
What explains the boom? Cider has finally arrived at the imperial party. In January, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) approved new standards of fill for higher-ABV cider that included 16 oz. and 19.2 oz cans. Prior to that update, those can sizes were only an option for cider under 7% ABV, excluding higher-strength cider from the single-serve can sizes that have proven so successful for imperial IPAs and high-gravity FMBs. At the time of the announcement, Jeff Parrish, co-owner of Oregon’s Portland Cider Company, called the move “a game changer,” and year-to-date sales confirm it.
But imperial cider in 19.2 oz. cans isn’t the only story line. Convenience stores’ craft beer SKU rationalization over the past year has also opened up space for higher-margin cider. And finally, cider enjoys crossover appeal with the popular RTD cocktail category—yet it may be available in c-stores where distilled spirits aren’t legally allowed. All of this presents a long runway for cider, which has yet to post numbers for October (National Cider Month), November (Thanksgiving), and December (Christmas and New Year’s Eve). We’d expect it to take an even bigger bite of the c-store apple in those final 2025 months.
Introducing the Certified Cider Guide™ Digital Flashcards
The American Cider Association is excited to share a brand-new study tool for anyone preparing for the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ exam! The Certified Cider Guide™ Digital Flashcards are now available for free, offering an easy and engaging way to test your knowledge wherever you are. Designed to help you master key terms, cider styles, and production concepts, these cards are the perfect resource for students, professionals, and cider enthusiasts alike.
Prefer something you can hold in your hands? A physical deck of the Certified Cider Guide™ Flashcards will be available for purchase at CiderCon® 2026, so you can keep learning and sharing your cider knowledge offline too.
Get started today, explore the digital deck, and take the next step in your cider education journey.
*Note: By downloading these flashcards, you agree to comply with all copyright laws protecting the Certified Cider Professional™ program materials. Unauthorized sharing, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited.
American Cider Association Welcomes New Canadian Licensed Educator
The American Cider Association (ACA) is proud to announce that Jenna Boucher has joined its growing network of Licensed Educators, bringing her award-winning expertise and Canadian perspective to the Certified Cider Professional™ (CCP) program.
Jenna is an accomplished cidermaker, judge, and educator with deep roots in Canada’s diverse cider scene. A Certified Pommelier™ and GLINTCAP award-winner, Jenna has honed her craft in cideries from coast to coast, including orchard-based, urban, and coastal operations. Known for her creativity and passion, she shares her love for cider and craft beverages through her Instagram, @bouche_bag, where she highlights both her own creations and the wider cider community.
A true cider nerd at heart, Jenna can be found experimenting with barrel aging, developing innovative blends, and leading taproom tastings in her signature overalls. Beyond production, she serves as a judge at respected competitions including GLINTCAP and the Canadian Beer Cup, and she contributes her expertise through committee work with both the ACA and the Canadian Cider Association (CCA).
“Jenna brings both knowledge and approachability to cider education,” said Jennie Dorsey, Director of Education and Program Development of the American Cider Association. “Her Canadian perspective and hands-on experience will be a huge asset as we continue expanding access to cider education.”
As a Licensed Educator, Jenna will lead Certified Cider Guide™ workshops and educational events designed to make cider learning inclusive, approachable, and full of flavor. Her role supports the ACA’s mission to advance the understanding and appreciation of cider among hospitality professionals, retailers, and consumers.
“I’m thrilled to represent Canada in this next step of cider education,” said Jenna. “Cider is such a vibrant, diverse beverage, and I’m excited to help people feel connected to it, whether they’re pouring it behind the bar, learning about food pairings, or simply enjoying it on a hike with a view.”
The ACA is excited to welcome Jenna to its Licensed Educator team and looks forward to supporting her work in building cider knowledge across Canada and beyond.
About the American Cider Association
The American Cider Association (ACA) is a non-profit trade organization that supports cider producers and advocates for the cider industry in the United States and internationally. Through education, legislation, and community-building, the ACA works to grow a diverse, vibrant, and thriving cider category.
The 2025 Government Shutdown: What it Means for You
Because Congress has not yet passed a continuing resolution to fund the government, a federal shutdown is now in effect beginning October 1, 2025. For cideries, the most immediate impact comes from the significant reduction of 87% of staff at the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The TTB will continue only essential functions. These include processing tax returns with payments, handling urgent legal matters, securing federal property, managing essential payroll and accounting, and continuing criminal enforcement. Most other services—such as label approvals, formula reviews, and permitting—are paused until funding is restored. In addition, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is also functioning at 23% of its workforce, focusing on existing loans and Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).
Here’s what you need to know from the TTB:
- Label approvals are on hold. TTB will not review new Certificates of Label Approval (COLAs) during the shutdown. You can still submit applications, but they won’t be processed until funding resumes. Expect delays once staff return and begin working through the backlog.
- Formulas and permits are paused. If you need approval for a new formula, an ownership change, or a new location, those requests will sit in the queue as well. This can be especially disruptive for small and mid-sized cideries—the majority of U.S. producers—that often run on tight timelines and seasonal releases.
- Taxes and reports are still due. Even though most TTB staff are furloughed, cideries are still required to file operational reports and pay federal excise taxes on time. There may not be anyone available to answer questions until the government reopens, so it’s best to plan ahead.
- Expect a backlog. Once the shutdown ends, TTB will face a surge of pending applications. This could stretch timelines for weeks or months, especially for labels and formulas.
What you can do:
- Keep filing everything on time, even during the shutdown.
- Submit any pending labels or formulas now, so they’re in the system.
- Build extra time into your release schedules in case of delays.
- Communicate with distributors and partners about possible timing impacts.
Here’s what you need to know from the SBA:
- The SBA has halted processing new 7(a) and 504 loans, which are crucial for financing equipment, expansion, and working capital. This suspension affects all new loan applications, even those from lenders with delegated authority.
- While new loan processing is paused, the SBA continues to service existing loans. However, borrowers should expect longer processing times and slower assistance due to reduced staffing.
What you can do:
- Cideries relying on SBA loans for expansion, equipment upgrades, or working capital may face delays in accessing necessary funds
ACA will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions—we’re here to help you navigate these disruptions. Contact ACA Government Affairs Manager Jenn Martell with questions.