Posts by Woodley Smith
ACA Announces Keynote Speakers for CiderCon® 2025 from New York and Minnesota
Speakers to Focus on Conference Theme: “Cider’s Balanced Future: Planet, People, Profit”
The 15th annual CiderCon® will take place in Chicago, Illinois from February 4-7, 2025 at the beautiful Hilton Chicago. CiderCon®, the world’s largest professional cider conference, will feature a stellar line-up of speakers who will delve into the 2025 theme, “Cider’s Balanced Future: Planet, People, Profit.” Speakers will cover a wide range of topics on sustainability, ranging from agricultural practices to business practices, manufacturing, people management and beyond.
The ACA is thrilled to feature three keynote speakers who will touch on a sustainable approach to cider that addresses the planet, people and profit. Scott Ramsey, Executive Director of the New York Cider Association, will facilitate a “fireside chat” with New York Liquor Commissioner Lily Fan. They will discuss how a liquor authority can work to support a sustainable craft cider industry and celebrate the recent historic win of a state bill that expanded market access for cidermakers in New York. Debbie Morrison of Yellow Belly Cidery and Sapsucker Farms in Minnesota will share how she and her husband Jim approach sustainability at their operations from multiple perspectives.
Lily Fan / NY Liquor Commission: NY Liquor Commissioner Lily Fan was nominated to lead the New York State Liquor Authority by Governor Kathy Hochul and is the first woman to head the agency. She is an engaging and heartfelt speaker that will share how she has effectively shaped the liquor authority’s approach to support small brands.
Scott Ramsey / New York Cider Association: Executive Director Scott Ramsey brings more than 30 years of corporate and non-profit marketing, communications, event production, and strategic leadership experience to his work in promoting, advocating, and building markets for New York Cider.
Debbie Morrison / Yellow Belly Cidery: Debbie and her husband Jim are the owners of Sapsucker Farms and Yellow Belly Cidery, a 179-acre regenerative farm in Quamba, Minnesota. They are well known for seamlessly integrating the natural environment in their operation, which includes growing vegetables, fruits, honey bees, maple syrup, chickens, and of course, an apple orchard. They are a regional community hub and prioritize the planet, people and profit at their cidery.
“Sustainability is an important topic for cidermakers right now,” says ACA CEO Michelle McGrath. “We’re an agricultural product at heart, so we’re especially tied to the planet, the people and the small businesses developing this industry. We’ll be looking at how to nurture a collaborative industry that supports these pillars.”
In addition to the keynote, there are several talks throughout the week in at CiderCon® 2025 that will discuss why aligning with a triple bottom line approach is particularly important to business right now, including 3 Tier Beverage’s Crafting the Future: Gen-Z’s Influence on Alcohol Brands and Tapping into Green – Marketing Sustainability In Cider with Amanda Oborne and Davey McHenry.
To learn more about the triple bottom line approach to sustainability, watch this video from Outlier.org.
To learn more about the conference, head to the CiderCon® 2025 website.
January 30: Certified Cider Guide Workshop & Certification in London, England
The world’s finest cider education programme, the Certified Cider Professional (CCP) Programme, will be back again for another Level 1: Certified Cider Guide (CCG) classroom session and exam in the heart of London on Thursday 30th January 2025. Leisurely run over the course of a day, this L1 CCG training has been developed specifically for those who work directly with consumers and trade customers, namely those working in retail and hospitality, importers, distributors, wholesalers and employees of cider producers. It is also the programme for cider fans, aficionados and drinkers who want to showcase their extra weight of knowledge and passion. It is designed to enable participants to have a professional standard of knowledge and appreciation for different types of cider and how they are achieved, an approach to assessing cider and the different sensory qualities they have, and guidance on the best practice principles for serving, storing and selling.
Candidates will receive an email containing a downloadable study guide and a link to the online exam in advance of the workshop. The day itself will consist of a presentation of the materials from the study guide, with extra elaboration and, of course, the opportunity for questions. There will also be a guided sensory session of at least 3 ciders clearly demonstrating the key structural characteristics within cider, and utilising a structured approach to their assessment.
ACA Member? Click here for your discount code in the Resource Hub.
The topics covered in Level 1: CCG are:
- Apples, Pears and Orchards
- Cider Production
- Families and Flavour
- Evaluating Cider
- Keeping and Serving
- Cider and Food
- Social Responsibility
Schedule
- 9:30 – Arrival and Check In
- 10:00 – CCG Presentation Part 1
- 11:30 – Break
- 11:45 – CCG Presentation Part 2
- 13:15 – Lunch
- 14:15 – Sensory Analysis
- 16:00 – Exam
February 5: Certified Pommelier Exam at CiderCon® 2025
Take the Certified Pommelier Exam at CiderCon® 2025 in Chicago, Illinois on February 5!
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® 2025 at the Chicago Hilton, 720 Michigan Ave.
The exam will begin promptly at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, February 5.
*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 also 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 in our Resource Hub. 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 .
- 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 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.
- 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.
Member Highlight: Hale & True
Cidery Name
Where are you located and when did you start?
Located in Philadelphia, we opened our doors in 2018 (but made cider for years before that).
Describe your cidery in three words:
Welcoming, comfortable, accessible
What inspired you to start making cider?
A love of fermentation!
Describe your cider making style:
Highlighting local Pennsylvania apples and thoughtfully incorporating other ingredients to create ciders that are balanced yet complex.
What is your favorite cider that you make?
The Standard
What exciting plans or new releases do you have coming up:
We released Goldberry in August, a seasonal cider co-fermented with strawberries and finished with lemon. We also host a lot of events at our taproom, have a new partnership with a Philadelphia restaurant for food.
Where can cider enthusiasts find your products?
At our taproom in Philadelphia, online for shipping through our website, and at stores, bars, and restaurants throughout the Philadelphia region.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy cider?
After a day enjoying the outdoors, ideally alongside our friends and family.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone new to making cider or wanting to start a cidery?
From Risa on business: Be extremely persistent and remain true to yourself! From Kerry on cidermaking: Learn how to make a clean, consistent, and delicious cider from just apples before experimenting with additions.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of cidermaking?
Being outdoors (hiking, running, biking, climbing, swimming), music, our dog.
The American Cider Association Announces Departure of CEO Michelle McGrath After 8 ½ Years of Inspiring Leadership
Portland, OR–Longtime American Cider Association CEO Michelle McGrath will depart her role at the end of 2024. This change comes after more than 8 years of successful leadership overseeing significant advancements in the ACA’s mission for the benefit of the US cider community. McGrath was hired in 2016 as the first CEO of the ACA, then called the United States Association of Cider Makers. Since her hiring, she led a transformation of the ACA into the internationally-respected nonprofit trade organization that it is today.
“Michelle has been instrumental at the helm of ACA for both our organization as well as for the cider industry. We will miss her creative, strategic, and compassionate leadership, but we are excited to see where her next endeavors take her. The board is grateful for Michelle’s 8 ½ years of service during which she reached many meaningful milestones for the ACA,” says current ACA Board President, Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider.
As CEO, McGrath expanded and diversified membership, events, and programs, enhanced the association’s capabilities, reach, credibility and network, and effectively advocated for policy change supporting cider with Congress, the TTB, and state governments.
“I’m really proud of what the board, staff, volunteers, partners, and members have accomplished together over the last 8+ years. It’s been a true honor to work with such inspiring people, and although I am ready to move to the next phase of my career, I will cherish my time and the relationships I’ve built at the ACA forever,” says McGrath. “It’s hard to express how much the people in this industry mean to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships and memories made. I was a cider fan before I took the reins at the ACA, and I’ll be a cider fan for life!”
A few of McGrath’s many accomplishments:
- Increased the ACA’s membership by more than 60% to nearly 800 members
- Achieved a substantial 100% increase in annual revenue by diversifying funding sources
- Expanded the ACA’s team to several highly capable and passionate team members
- Organized and led 8 CiderCon® events, the largest cider-industry event worldwide
- Oversaw the development, growth and global expansion of the ACA’s Certified Cider Professional program, the only globally available education program for beverage and culinary industry professionals
- Championed programs and policies to support the growth of a diverse interest in cider, including the ACA’s Cider is for Everyone Scholarship
- Created a market insights program that shares market data and reports with members and the beverage industry at large
- Fostered strong relationships with key national beverage media outlets and cultivated meaningful press highlighting the growth of cider and the humans behind it
- Supported national collaborative efforts to expand small-producer tax credits
- Fought for the right to list harvest years on TTB-approved labels for cider over 7% ABV
- Led efforts in securing TTB approval for 12 oz (approved in 2020), 16 oz, and 19.2 oz packaging sizes for wine, mead, and cider over 7% ABV (TTB comments recently closed)
- Collaborated with congressional champions and allied segments to introduce the Bubble Tax Modernization Act (HR 7029) to increase allowable carbonation thresholds for fruit cider, fruit wine and fruit mead under 8.5% ABV
McGrath shared that her championing of farmers will continue in her next role. She plans to stay engaged with the cider industry, and she will be at CiderCon® 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
“I’m excited to see everyone, and to experience the cider from the featured guest country this year–Chile! Let’s share some cider together, friends!” McGrath says.
The ACA Board of Directors is accepting applications for its next dynamic and visionary CEO until November 24. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Those interested in applying can learn more here.
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Join the American Cider Association as Our Next Visionary CEO!
Are you a dynamic leader looking to dive into the hard cider industry to fight for cider’s rightful place in the beverage alcohol space? Are you an energetic convener who specializes in bringing people together behind a shared vision? Do you love championing agriculture, apple growers and innovators? Do you get excited about new market stats, storytelling, event planning? Are you inspired by partnering with members of Congress to help position the cider industry for more success? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please consider learning more about the American Cider Association’s current open position for our next CEO!
The Organization
The American Cider Association (ACA) is a nonprofit membership-driven trade association that supports commercial hard cider and perry producers in the U.S. Our mission is to build and protect a sustainable and diverse cider industry in the United States through targeted education, effective advocacy, and a welcoming, thriving cider community. We were founded by commercial cidermakers for commercial cidermakers at CiderCon® 2013, the annual gathering of professional cidermakers from across the country and the globe which the ACA has managed since 2016.
Our programs include government affairs, CiderCon®, member education, market data insights, the Cider is for Everyone scholarship, media engagement, and the only globally available cider education and certification program for food and beverage professionals–the Certified Cider Professional program. We are a big tent organization and all commercial cider producers are welcome to join and engage in our work.
The Market
The cider industry has grown sustainably over the last 13 years and it is continuing to see growth through the success of regional cider businesses. Today the cider market is 10X the size it was a decade ago, and there are 1,300 commercial producers with at least one producer located in every state. The beverage industry is very dynamic, and many segments of the beverage industry are experiencing contraction. Cider could be poised for continued growth with its popularity with Gen Z consumers and its relative environmental footprint compared to other beverages. The vast majority of cider businesses are small, and more than half of the producers in the US grow at least some of their own apples. Business models are very diverse in the cider industry, with small and large, urban and rural cideries all playing important roles.
The Role
The next CEO of the American Cider Association will provide strategic, dynamic and inspiring leadership for the cider industry and the organization. The CEO holds overall operational and fiscal management responsibilities for the association. They lead the ACA in accordance with our mission, the evolving needs of our members, and strategic guidance from our board of directors. The role is comprised of:
- 25% Strategic Management
- 25% Event Management (CiderCon®)
- 15% Fiscal and Operational Management
- 15% Partnership and Member Management
- 10% Advocacy
- 10% Board Management & Development
Application Process:
- To read the full job description for this position, click here.
- To apply for this position, send your resume and cover letter to careers@ciderassociation.org. Please include 3 professional references in your application.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early.
- The application window will close when the position is filled or at 9PM PT on November 24, 2024.
- We kindly ask that you refrain from reaching out with inquiries about this position. Only applications submitted through the instructions provided on ACA’s website will be considered. Thank you for your understanding!
November 13: Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Tandem Ciders
You’re invited to a Live Sensory Analysis webinar on Wednesday, November 13, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Pacific Time!
Join our Certified Pommelier panel as they guide you through an immersive sensory experience featuring cider from Tandem Ciders from Michigan. During this live practice session, you’ll learn how to analyze and appreciate cider like a pro and prep for your Certified Pommelier exam.
Not able to make it to the live event? No worries! The webinar will be recorded and available for you rewatch at any time with your initial purchase.
Cider must be purchased separately. Please be aware that it may take several days to receive your cider order, so we encourage you to purchase your ciders as soon as possible. Also, please verify that cider can be sent to your state before purchasing ciders. Ciders can be purchased directly from Tandem Ciders by clicking here.
Cost to register for the webinar is $30 for non-members and $20 for ACA members. Are you an ACA member? You can find your discount code in the Resource Hub by clicking here.
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email. This email is a placeholder for the event. The evening before the event you will receive an email with a Zoom link to the webinar. Please note this link will be sent to the registered email.
November 18: Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Workshop at Bauman’s on Oak
Join us on Monday, November 18, 2024 from 2:00 – 6:00 PM Pacific!
The American Cider Association is excited to collaborate with Bauman’s On Oak to host this Certified Cider Guide Workshop, which includes a tasting experience and certification opportunity.
This workshop is meant for all, and is the first level of the American Cider Association’s in depth international cider education program, Certified Cider Professional.
We have a wonderful afternoon planned including a Certified Instructor led in person training, including an “introduction to sensory evaluation” tasting experience featuring the five cider families. Participants of this workshop will also be able to take the test online immediately after the training or take the test at a later date.
Cost per person is $189 which includes the in person training, instructor led tasting experience, downloadable study guide, cidery tour and online exam fee. Please note that ACA members will receive $50 off registration. Members can find the discount code in the Resource Hub by clicking here.
All are welcome! Please share this event with anyone who sells cider, works in a tasting room or retail shop, chefs, sommeliers, cicerones, buyers and cidermakers who are interested in cider education or in adding a cider certification to their accreditation or cider fans who want to up their cider street cred.
Schedule
- 1:45 PM: Arrival and Check-in
- 2:00 – 5:00 PM: Presentation (with breaks)
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Tasting Experience
- 6:00 PM: Take the Online Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Test (bring your own laptop)
- 6:30 PM: Cidery Tour and Networking
2025 ACA Award Nominations
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce that we have opened nominations for the ACA Awards for folks who are doing great things for cider! We welcome your nominations for businesses and people who have been excellent ambassadors for cider in the last year.
Please nominate only one business or person per category. Businesses should not be cideries, but those who help promote cider through their support of cideries and cidermakers. Please submit your nominations by December 1, 2024. Only submissions from active members will be accepted.
We will be presenting awards in each ACA defined region in the following categories:
- Best Cider Retailer
- Best Cider Focused Establishment
- Best Cider Distributor
- Cider Advocate of the Year: A cider tender that excels at promoting cider (Cidery employees can nominated for this award)
- Excellence in Leadership within the Industry (ACA Member)
- Significant Impact on the Industry
- Apple Advocate of the Year: an individual that excels at being an ambassador to the fruit
Awards will be presented at CiderCon® 2025!
ACA Announces 2025 Cider is for Everyone Scholarship Recipients
The American Cider Association (ACA) is thrilled to announce the awardees of the ACA’s 4th Cider is for Everyone Scholarship. Recipients are Marcio Buffolo, head cidermaker at Mountain West Hard Cider; Renaldo Haynes Sr., home brewer and meadmaker; Joanne Mumbey, founder of BeyLoved Pairings LLC and bartender at Green Bench Brewing Co.; Jonathan Osei, National Urban Fellow and Workforce Development Fellow at Project for Pride in Living; Lisa Suarez-Tadus, owner and winemaker at Suárez Wines; and Whitney Williams, food and drink content creator at @workout.to.eatout_pdx. (Photos and bios below.)
This scholarship is designed to bring individuals from historically marginalized populations within the beverage industry to CiderCon® to increase the accessibility of cider education and catalyze networking opportunities for burgeoning cider professionals.
Each scholarship includes registration, travel, and lodging to attend CiderCon® 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. CiderCon® is the world’s premier networking and educational event for the professional cidermaking community. Additionally, scholarship recipients receive a year of ACA membership and study materials and waived exam fees to pursue recognition through the Certified Cider Guide and Certified Pommelier education and certification programs offered by the ACA. New this year, scholars are also eligible for travel stipends to participate in cider judging at various cider competitions throughout the country after earning their credentials as Certified Pommeliers.
This scholarship is part of a broader effort by the ACA to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the cider industry. In 2019 the ACA launched the Antiracism, Equity and Inclusion Committee, which recognizes diversity, equity and inclusion as important and necessary principles for the present and future successes of the cider industry. Its members, in conjunction with the rest of the organization, strive to create events, opportunities and organizational policies that embody principles and practices of equity and inclusion.
“This scholarship is one of our best tools for fostering a more diverse cider industry,” says Michelle McGrath, CEO of the ACA. “The scholarship needs to work in lock step with our efforts to create a more inclusive industry so that, as we have more diverse CiderCon® attendees, they are surrounded by a welcoming community and equitable environment.”
The ACA is grateful for support from Seattle Cider, Nine Pin Cider and the Great American Beer Festival for sponsoring the Cider is for Everyone Scholarship. Additional companies who wish to support this program should contact miranda@ciderassociation.org.
Please contact Michelle McGrath at michelle@ciderassociation.org for media inquiries. Interested in helping support the Cider is for Everyone Scholarship? Please contact our Membership & Engagement Coordinator Miranda Bradeen at miranda@ciderassociation.org.
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Meet the Recipients
Marcio Buffolo is from Brazil where he graduated with a degree in biology from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and a Master’s degree in cell biology. After moving to Utah in 2013, Marcio worked as a scientist at the University of Utah in the Metabolism and Diabetes Department. After a few years, he moved to the fermentation industry where he worked at Shades Brewing for over 6 years. He is now the Head Cidermaker at Mountain West Hard Cider. He is a professional beer judge and cider judge who hold a Certified Cider Guide designation. He is also a professor for the MBAA Malt & Beer course.
Renaldo Haynes Sr. (a.k.a. Ren) is a home brewer looking to transition into professionally and legally selling meads. His love of mead developed from his home brewing experience. Once he transitioned to mead making he discovered his true passion to create and express himself artistically. He has watched in awe as strangers lined up to taste him meads at the Barrel and Flow Festival. In the future, he aims to gain knowledge of cidermaking while incorporating elements of that into his mead making and further change the view of his culture in the industry while showcasing his talents in mead making. Ren is also a proud husband, father, and maker of meads. He is a self-described “Blerd” (Black Nerd), and enjoys sci-fi, fantasy, and comic books, Black history books, hip hop, jazz, and R&B music, and especially anything Batman related. He also enjoys reading, watching anime, and spending time with his family while enjoying a good mead or cider by an evening fire in his yard.
Joanne Mumbey is a Certified Cicerone®, founder of BeyLoved Pairings LLC and currently bartends at Green Bench Brewing Co. which produces beer, cider and mead. She is originally from Uganda, and because of the global nature of her parents’ work she was able to experience various cultures and their cuisines. Her curiosity and love for so many cuisines led her to attend Culinary School at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, where she grew a passion for craft beer. During her time at Green Bench, her first taste of a farmhouse cider opened a whole new world to her and piqued her interest in cider. From that time on she has sought out cider trainings and tastings at Green Bench and beyond to learn more about this wonderful drink. She recently launched BeyLoved Pairings LLC, where she hosts curated beer and food pairing experiences with a focus on diverse cuisines that are typically overlooked in the traditional drinks’ pairing spaces. With this scholarship, she is excited to gain her Pommelier certification to expand her food pairings to include cider.
Jonathan A. Osei, National Urban Fellow and Workforce Development Fellow at Project for Pride in Living in Minneapolis, blends his Arizona roots and Ghanaian-Black Southern heritage to fuel his passion for community work and craft beverages. His journey in the nonprofit social impact space is intertwined with his love for diverse cultures and flavors.
While studying in the Triangle area, Jonathan’s interest in the craft beverage scene blossomed, with Durham introducing him to a variety of craft drinks that broadened his palate. This experience sparked a particular fondness for cider, beginning with Bold Rock Cider and later, Bull City Ciderworks.
In Washington, D.C., Jonathan’s enthusiasm led to his roles as a DC Brand Ambassador for Artisanal Brewing Ventures (and a Beertender at his neighborhood brewery, City State Brewing), sharing exceptional craft beverages. He is committed to diversifying the craft beer and cider industry, actively promoting (DMV) Black brewers through the Black Brew Movement and fostering inclusivity and collaboration. Jonathan’s goal is to enrich the craft beverage culture with diverse flavors and perspectives, bringing people together to enjoy unique and delightful beverages.
Lisa Suarez-Tadus has been making wine since 2011 after a successful television news career in Colorado and Canada. She enrolled in a food and wine school and joined two brother winemakers who just started a winery in Ontario. Her experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake gave her a foundation in winemaking she brings home to Colorado. Today, Lisa is in a new chapter for her wine label, Suárez Wines. She planted more than 1500 cider and cider-crab apples in high density on her farm in Boulder County and is now preparing to dip her skills into producing cider.
Whitney Williams is a food and drink content creator, gym rat and cider enthusiasts from Portland Oregon. She operates an account on Instagram called @workout.to.eatout_pdx where she shares her experiences in the gym and at restaurants and tap houses around Oregon. She has always loved cider and during the pandemic found herself seeking more knowledge around the cidermaking process and becoming a cider club member at many cideries in Portland. Since then, she has been spreading the word about the complexities of cider to anyone who will listen. She hopes to translate her love for cider into hosting and educating people about cider through cider pairing dinners at local restaurants, cider centered events and working with cideries in Portland, Oregon. She hopes her presence in the cider world will inspire other women of color to get involved and chase their dreams.