Board
Expanding Cider’s Voice: Board Elections 2026 Results
Each year, the leadership of the American Cider Association reflects the strength, diversity, and ambition of the cider community it serves. At CiderCon 2026 this February, ACA members cast their votes to shape that leadership—re-electing several dedicated directors and welcoming two new voices to the Board of Directors.
We’re grateful to those who continue their service and excited to welcome our newly elected board members, whose experience and energy will help shape the next chapter of cider’s growth nationwide
At-Large Cidery Seats
Re-Elected: Dave Takush, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR – Dave Takush is the Head Cidermaker and Co-Owner of 2 Towns Ciderhouse. Dave earned a Master’s Degree in Fermentation Science at Oregon State University and has over fifteen years of experience in the cider industry. His passion for fermentation led him to join two childhood friends in starting 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis, Oregon. Dave is the current Secretary of the ACA board and serves as board member of the Cider Institute.
Newly Elected: Richard Yi, Brooklyn Cider House, New Paltz, NY – Richard is the cidermaker for Brooklyn Cider House, bringing ten years of wine industry experience and a degree in winemaking to every part of their production. At Brooklyn Cider House he has helped strengthen operations and support steady growth. He also serves on the board of the New York Cider Association, where he works to advance cider education and support the industry statewide.
Regional Chair – Midwest
Re-Elected: John Behrens, Farmhaus Cider Co. and Farmhaus Farms, Hudsonville, MI – John is a longtime CPA turned Corporate Controller for a Fortune 500 company who discovered there had to be more to life. He started Farmhaus Cider Co. along with his wife 11 years ago on his 150+ year old family homestead. Three years ago they purchased a beloved apple orchard, fruit farm, farm market and bakery in Michigan and he added apple grower to my resume and list of responsibilities.
Regional Chair – Mountain West
Re-Elected: Talia Haykin, Haykin Family Cider, Aurora, CO – Talia Haykin is the co-founder of Haykin Family Cider in Colorado, which she launched with her husband Daniel in 2017 after several years as dedicated home cider makers. Talia oversees operations, finance, compliance, sales, and marketing for the cidery, bringing prior experience as the CMO of large nonprofits and as a professional writer and marketing strategist. She lives in Denver with her husband and their three children, and firmly believes apples are better fermented than paired with peanut butter.
Regional Chair – Northwest
Re-Elected: Marcus Robert, Tieton Cider Works, Yakima, WA – Marcus Robert is President, Cider Maker, and Co-Owner of Tieton Cider Works in Yakima, Washington, and a fourth-generation farmer in the Yakima Valley. With deep roots in agriculture and over a decade of cidermaking experience, Marcus brings a grower-producer perspective to industry leadership. He has served on the American Cider Association Board since 2017, representing the Northwest region and advocating for fair regulation, education, and sustainable growth. Marcus is committed to strengthening the cider community and supporting producers of all sizes through thoughtful, practical leadership.
Large Cidery Seat
Colin Schilling, Schilling Cider, Auburn, WA – Colin Schilling is the CEO and Co-Founder of Schilling Cider, where he has helped shape the company into one of the nation’s most innovative and forward-thinking craft cideries. Colin’s passion for food and beverage extends well beyond cider. He enjoys exploring new tastes and experiences and has contributed his expertise to brands in the non-alcoholic, coffee, energy, and cannabis spaces. His background includes an MBA focused on entrepreneurship and business sustainability, as well as experience in technology consulting, giving him a broad perspective on how businesses can make a positive impact.
Executive Board
We are also pleased to announce the return of the executive board members who will continue to lead the ACA:
- Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider will continue in her role as President
- Ben Calvi of Vermont Cider Company has been chosen to serve as Vice President.
- Dave Takush of 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Oregon will continue in his role as Secretary.
- John Behrens of Farmhaus Cider in Michigan will continue in his role as Treasurer.
Gratitude to Past Board Members
We extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing At-Large board member Phillipe Bishop and outgoing Large Cidery board member Chris Lacey for their dedicated service on the ACA board. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the future of the cider industry, and we are grateful for their commitment and hard work.
Meet Your 2026 Board of Directors Candidates
We are pleased to introduce you to this year’s candidates for the American Cider Association Board of Directors. With six seats up for a vote, this year’s candidates bring a wealth of experience and passion to the table, eager to steer the future of the cider industry.
Elections will take place electronically from February 3-5, with ballots sent out on the morning of February 3 and closing at 9:00 AM Eastern on February 5. Each cidery’s primary contact will receive one ballot, offering the opportunity to influence the direction of the ACA.
The board positions open this year include two at-large seats, three regional chairs, and one large cidery seat. Each nominee has put forth a bio and candidate statement which you can read below. All ACA member cideries will vote on at-large seats, while regional chairs and large cidery seats will be decided by cideries within those specific categories. This election is not only a chance to select visionary leaders but also to strengthen the community that supports and celebrates the art of cidermaking.
At-Large Cidery Seats
Denise Gardner, White Crow Cider Company, Wichita, Kansas
Bio:
Denise Gardner is the co-owner of White Crow Cider Company in Wichita, Kansas, where she helps run a cidery and taproom built through hands-on experience and determination. Over the past several years, she has truly worn just about every hat—making cider, running the taproom, managing distribution relationships, and handling marketing and social media—while learning what it takes to build a sustainable cider business from the ground up. Denise is passionate about consumer education, practical problem-solving, and supporting cideries navigating real-world challenges like labor, rising costs, and changing drinking habits. She values collaboration, honest conversation, and making sure all cider voices are heard.
Candidate Statement:
My board platform centers on listening, collaboration, and practical leadership that reflects the realities of cideries operating across diverse regions and business models.
If elected, I want to help the ACA continue to deliver meaningful value to its members. That means supporting education, advocacy, and resources that are clear, practical, and easy to apply, especially for cideries navigating tight staffing, increasing expenses, and shifting customer expectations. Strong board decisions are grounded in an understanding of how these pressures show up in day-to-day operations.
As an At-Large board member, I want to be someone members feel comfortable talking to and heard by. I believe good board work starts with listening, asking thoughtful questions, and helping bring different perspectives into productive conversation so the organization can move forward together.
My goal is to help support a resilient, adaptable cider industry and an ACA that reflects and serves its members nationwide.
Greta Pittard Wright, Wise Bird Cider, Lexington, Kentucky
Bio:
Greta Pittard Wright is an experienced strategic leader with more than 18 years in media, production, and brand development. She has guided multi-million-dollar initiatives across broadcast, digital, and feature films, consistently driving meaningful growth and creative excellence. As co-founder of Wise Bird Cider, an award-winning, family-run cidery, she brings deep commitment to quality, tradition, and community stewardship. Greta is passionate about strengthening the cider industry through collaboration, thoughtful leadership, and values-driven innovation. She thrives in environments that empower people, foster shared success, and create lasting positive impact.
Candidate Statement:
As a board member, Greta Pittard Wright will advocate for strengthening the cider industry through greater visibility, deeper agricultural support, and clearer regulatory pathways. She believes the ACA plays a vital role in expanding consumer understanding of cider as a diverse, craft-driven beverage with deep agricultural roots. Greta is committed to advancing nationwide consumer education that highlights cider’s quality, traditions, and unique styles.
She will champion policies and programs that support growers of cider-specific apples, recognizing that a thriving orchard economy is foundational to the category’s future. Additionally, Greta is dedicated to pushing for simplified, modernized distribution regulations that allow cideries of all sizes to grow sustainably and competitively. She aims to foster collaboration, empower producers, and strengthen the long-term resilience of the American cider community.
Dave Takush, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, Oregon
Bio:
Dave Takush is the Head Cidermaker and Co-Owner of 2 Towns Ciderhouse. Dave earned a Master’s Degree in Fermentation Science at Oregon State University and has over fifteen years of experience in the cider industry. His passion for fermentation led him to join two childhood friends in starting 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis, Oregon. Now one of the largest craft cider producers in the nation, 2 Towns has over 100 employees and is dedicated to producing quality craft cider from 100% fresh-pressed Pacific NW apples. Dave is the current Secretary of the ACA board and serves as board member of the Cider Institute.
Candidate Statement:
The cider industry is simply the best. I feel lucky to be present at a time when the tradition of hard cider has made a comeback into the mainstream. In the face of serious headwinds in the alcohol market, cider has shown its resilience and strength. If I am re-elected onto the ACA board, I will put my efforts into 1) Passing the bubble bill to allow fruit cider to be carbonated without penalty or fear from the TTB, 2) The ability for cider producers to put harvest dates on their labels, and 3) Financial Stability for the ACA so that we can continue to grow CiderCon® into one of the best alcohol industry events in the world. We are stronger together and there is a place for everyone in the world of cider. From apple nerds to wild fermentation enthusiasts, my goals are to create a strong marketplace for our passions and businesses.
Richard Yi, Brooklyn Cider House, New Paltz, New York
Bio:
I am the cidermaker for Brooklyn Cider House, bringing ten years of wine industry experience and a degree in winemaking to every part of our production. My work focuses on fruit, fermentation, and building cider with clear character. At Brooklyn Cider House I have helped strengthen operations and support steady growth. I also serve on the board of the New York Cider Association, where I work to advance cider education and support the industry statewide.
Candidate Statement:
My primary goal for the American Cider Association is to grow national awareness and sales by reshaping how consumers and the trade understand cider. The category still battles the misconception that all cider is sweet, which limits retailer enthusiasm and consumer exploration. The ACA can lead the industry by formalizing cider style definitions and creating clear, engaging educational tools that help retailers, distributors, and consumers navigate cider’s true diversity. This work must be done in partnership with regional cider associations to ensure aligned, consistent messaging.
I believe we can promote a fresh, contemporary identity for cider—one that feels exciting, modern, and authentic. “Pick Cider” is a strong foundation, and I would love to help build the next evolution of that message.
Regional Chair – Midwest
John Behrens, Farmhaus Cider Co. and Farmhaus Farms, Hudsonville, Michigan
Bio:
I’m a longtime CPA turned Corporate Controller for a Fortune 500 company who discovered there had to be more to life. I started Farmhaus Cider Co. along with my wife 11 years ago on my 150+ year old family homestead. Three years ago we purchased a beloved apple orchard, fruit farm, farm market and bakery in Michigan and I added apple grower to my resume and list of responsibilities. Now we grow a wide variety of apples, pears, peaches, plums and cherries for use in our ciders and others in the industry.
Candidate Statement:
Through my next term with the American Cider Association (1) I will continue to encourage the ACA to adapt its business model to improve the long term financial stability of the organization. (2) I’ll work to improve the regional engagement and connectivity of cideries across the Midwest region. (3) I’ll continue to grow and improve the perception and recognition of cider as a standalone category across the BevAlc industry.
Regional Chair – Mountain West
Talia Haykin, Haykin Family Cider, Aurora, Colorado
Bio:
Talia Haykin is the co-founder of Haykin Family Cider in Colorado, which she launched with her husband Daniel in 2017 after several years as dedicated home cider makers. Their work centers on celebrating the full range of apples and exploring how they express themselves through fermentation. Talia oversees operations, finance, compliance, sales, and marketing for the cidery, bringing prior experience as the CMO of large nonprofits and as a professional writer and marketing strategist. She lives in Denver with her husband and their three children, and firmly believes apples are better fermented than paired with peanut butter.
Candidate Statement:
I’m running for re-election to the ACA board because I care deeply about having small, independent cideries represented – especially scrappy startups without inherited infrastructure, large teams, or built-in resources. At Haykin Family Cider, I’m often the person figuring out marketing, compliance, sales, and operations as I go, and I bring that reality into board conversations. I focus on making sure the perspective of smaller producers is heard, particularly those in western states where the cider community can feel more spread out. I also enjoy contributing where I can on marketing and communication questions. I believe cider is at a tipping point, and with the right people and clear priorities, the ACA can remain a practical, steady resource for producers like me. I’d be glad to continue serving.
Regional Chair – Northwest
Marcus Robert, Tieton Cider Works, Yakima, Washington
Bio:
Marcus Robert is President, Cider Maker, and Co-Owner of Tieton Cider Works in Yakima, Washington, and a fourth-generation farmer in the Yakima Valley. With deep roots in agriculture and over a decade of cidermaking experience, Marcus brings a grower-producer perspective to industry leadership. He has served on the American Cider Association Board since 2017, representing the Northwest region and advocating for fair regulation, education, and sustainable growth. Marcus is committed to strengthening the cider community and supporting producers of all sizes through thoughtful, practical leadership.
Candidate Statement:
I am running for re-election to the American Cider Association Board to help guide American cider through its next phase of growth and opportunity. As a fourth-generation farmer and co-owner of Tieton Cider Works in Yakima, Washington, I bring a producer-led perspective grounded in agriculture, cidermaking, and scaling a national business.
Cider has proven its staying power, maintaining stability while many beverage categories have declined. With focused leadership, collaboration, and strategic advocacy, the category can continue to grow market share and strengthen its position in the beverage alcohol industry.
During my time on the ACA Board, I have worked to enhance regional representation, advance practical policy solutions, and expand resources that help cider makers of all sizes thrive. I am committed to continuing this work and ensuring a resilient, unified, and sustainable future for American cider.
Large Cidery Seat
Chris Lacey, Golden State Cider, Sebastopol, California
Bio:
Chris Lacey has spent more than 20 years in the beverage industry, leading growth across beer, wine, and cider. As CEO of Golden State Cider, he has guided the brand to become the #1 cider in California and #5 nationally.
Chris began his career in New York with American Beer before joining Rogue Ales & Spirits, where he rose to VP of Sales, overseeing expansion into all 50 states and 30 countries. He went on to lead marketing for 20+ wine brands at Precept Wine and later drove record sales for Constellation Beer at DBI Beverage in San Francisco.
Today, Chris is also launching Sonoma Craft with business partner Chris Jackson, expanding into wine, beer, and beyond. He lives in Northern California with his wife and two children and brings a lifelong passion for fermentation, craftsmanship, and community to the cider industry.
Candidate Statement:
I’m excited about the opportunity to continue working with the ACA. My key goals are to advocate for transparency and quality as the cider category continues to evolve along with supporting key legislation initiatives such as the Bubble Tax, to provide a more balanced playing field for the cider segment. Through working together, we have the potential to redefine the global standard for what cider can be for the long-term.
Colin Schilling, Schilling Cider, Auburn, Washington
Bio:
Colin Schilling is the CEO and Co-Founder of Schilling Cider, where he has helped shape the company into one of the nation’s most innovative and forward-thinking craft cideries.
Colin’s passion for food and beverage extends well beyond cider. He enjoys exploring new tastes and experiences and has contributed his expertise to brands in the non-alcoholic, coffee, energy, and cannabis spaces. His background includes an MBA focused on entrepreneurship and business sustainability, as well as experience in technology consulting, giving him a broad perspective on how businesses can make a positive impact.
Deeply committed to the idea that business can be a force for good, Colin has woven sustainable practices into every aspect of Schilling Cider’s operations. He is recognized for fostering a people-first company culture and continually strives to create a supportive and enriching work environment for every employee.
Colin is eager to connect with others who share his belief in the power of community, innovation, and positive change. He looks forward to collaborating with fellow board members to help further the mission and values of the ACA.
Candidate Statement:
- Advocacy & Fair Taxes: Support ACA lobbying to strengthen cider businesses and reduce taxes, ensuring fair treatment for cider producers.
- Grow National Cider Month: Continue to grow National Cider Month to boost sales and visibility for all cideries large and small.
- Build Industry Partnerships: Foster stronger relationships with trade associations, distributors, and partners to drive collaboration and innovation.
- Improve Business Operations: Roll out programs to help cideries run more efficiently and thrive in today’s challenging market.
I’m committed to championing the cider community and delivering real value for ACA members. Thank you for your support and your vote.
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!
Meet Your Board Member: Scott Spelbring
We’re pleased to introduce you to board member Scott Spelbring of Henway Hard Cider, who was recently elected as Southern chair. Read on to get to know more about Scott and Henway Hard Cider in this Q&A.
Where do you work and what is your position?
I am the Director of Enology and Viticulture for Henway Hard Cider and Bluemont Winery located in Bluemont, VA in northern Virginia
Tell us about your cidery/farm/orchard
We’re on a 400 acre farm at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Loudoun County, Virginia. The Zurschmeide family has been farming in Loudoun County since the 1970s but established the current farm (Great Country Farms) and orchard operation in 1993. In addition to the cidery and winery we have a large u-pick operation for a variety of apples, peaches, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables as well as 45 acres of wine grapes under vine.
How did you get into cider?
I began drinking cider at a relatively young (too young?) age courtesy of an English family that I was close to. When I was interviewing for the winemaker position at Bluemont back in 2016 one of the questions asked was “how do I feel about cider?”. That question and suddenly having access to a variety of estate apples quickly sent me down the path of making cider!
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
Having been in the wine, cider and craft beverage industry for 15+ years I understand how hard it is to navigate and succeed in this industry. I’m hoping to be able to use my experiences to contribute to the success, growth and passion of this amazing industry!
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
I’m hoping that more attention will be brought to cider as a whole and that it gains traction as a stand alone category a la wine, beer and spirits. Bringing awareness to cider’s diversity and history would be amazing!
How do you describe your cider region?
It’s the “Apple Capital” of Virginia! 16,000+ acres of apple orchards producing roughly 6,000,000 bushels of apples annually
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
I wish I were more diverse in my apples – I tend to work more with blends from our orchards or surrounding properties. Typically I work with everything from Pippin, Arkansas Blacks, a little Crab, York, Pink Lady’s, etc.
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
I love a dry crisp cider with sushi or Thai!
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
Maple bourbon barrel finished cider and a campfire
What would you like our members to know about you that they might not know?
I am an avid dog lover, prefer the beach over the mountains and ex-rock and roll musician
Meet Your Board Member: Tom Hart
We’re pleased to introduce you to board member Tom Hart of Humboldt Cider Company, who was recently elected as Pacific Coast chair. Read on to get to know more about Tom and Humboldt Cider Company in this Q&A.
Where do you work and what is your position?
Humboldt Cider Company in Eureka, CA. I am Co-Owner/Operator. I manage our sales and distribution departments and work with our local orchard partners.
Tell us about your cidery/farm/orchard
We started in my friend’s garage in 2014 and have grown incrementally over the years. We make a wide variety of ciders from small batch single-varietal orchard based ciders to large batch fruited ciders. We help manage two local orchards and work with the California State Parks and the National Park Service on fun historic orchard restoration projects.
How did you get into cider?
My friend told me about my current business partner’s plans to start a cider company in Eureka. I reached out and started as the first employee. I realized early on that I had discovered my passion: apples. After a couple years, I bought into the company and the rest is history!
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
I have strong relationships with cider companies large and small throughout the Pacific Coast region. I want to be a voice for all sizes and types of cider companies within the region and help highlight all the Pacific Coast has to offer.
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
I want to continue to see our market share grow within the alcohol industry. I also want to help inform the public about cider’s deep history in this country and the contributions cider companies make in their local communities.
How do you describe your cider region?
The Pacific Coast region features some of the most diverse brands in the industry. We range from high-end small batch companies like Tilted Shed, Two Broads, Raging Cider and Paradise to larger well-known brands like Golden State, Ace and Two Rivers. We are fortunate to live in a region full of natural beauty and are proud to share a strong sense of community.
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
My favorite apple to work with is the Wickson Crab. First and foremost, I am an Albert Etter enthusiast through and through. Second, the Wickson is a very small and unassuming apple, but it packs quite the punch. It has deep historical roots to our region and makes for a wonderful cider.
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
Don’t judge me, but I am partial to pairing Humboldt County’s Cypress Grove chèvre with a cold glass of Humboldt Cider Company’s Gravenstein.
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
Humboldt County is home to Six Rivers National Forest and Redwood National and State Parks. My favorite summer activity is drinking cider alongside the Smith or Trinity River while taking in all the natural beauty that surrounds me.
What would you like our members to know about you that they might not know?
Humboldt Cider Company is proud to feature artwork from Dave Van Patten. Did you know Dave recently won a Grammy? His album artwork on the Grateful Dead’s “In and Out of the Garden” box set took home the trophy for Best Recording Package in 2023.
ACA Announces 2025 Board Election Results
The American Cider Association (ACA) is excited to announce the results of our recent board elections. We welcome new and returning members who will continue to drive our mission to grow a diverse and successful U.S. cider industry.
New Appointments and Re-elections
We are pleased to announce the following individuals who have been elected to serve on the ACA board:
Tom Hart of Humboldt Cider Company in California has been elected as the new Regional Chair for the Pacific Coast.
Scott Spelbring of Henway Hard Cider in Virginia has been named the new Regional Chair for the South.
Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider in Oregon has been re-elected to the At-Large seat.
Eleanor Léger of Eden Ciders in Vermont has been re-elected as the Regional Chair for the East.
Ben Calvi of Vermont Cider Company has been re-elected to a Large Cidery seat
Executive Board
We are also pleased to announce the executive board members who will lead the ACA:
- Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider will continue in her role as President
- Ben Calvi of Vermont Cider Company has been chosen to serve as Vice President.
- Dave Takush of 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Oregon will continue in his role as Secretary.
- John Behrens of Farmhaus Cider in Michigan will continue in his role as Treasurer.
Gratitude for Past Service
We extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing board member for the Pacific Coast Sarah Hemly and outgoing board member for the South David Glaize for their dedicated service on the ACA board. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the future of the cider industry, and we are grateful for their commitment and hard work.
We look forward to a productive year ahead with our newly appointed board members and executive team as we continue to champion the growth and success of the cider industry.
Meet Your 2025 Board of Director Candidates
The American Cider Association was founded 12 years ago by a group of individuals with a clear vision of a nonprofit structure, controlled by its members. In doing so, this ensured that those most impacted by the association’s work would be the same people in decision making roles. Today, the ACA has a Board of Directors, made up of its members, that help to expand its reach and impact. The founding board of directors took great care to protect geographic and business size diversity through the founding bylaws, a choice that still benefits the association today through our current board.
As cidery members of the ACA, this means that your input helps to shape the organization. One of the benefits of your ACA membership is the ability to participate in voting. Every cidery, no matter the size, gets one vote as part of the ACA’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in its board, which represents a range of cidery business models, sizes, and regions.
The 2025 ACA Board Elections are rapidly approaching. If you are an active member of the ACA and a bonded active cidery, your principal contact will receive an electronic ballot on Thursday, February 6, 2025 via email at 8:30 AM Central Time. You can vote from your hotel room at CiderCon® or from the cellar back home–all voting is done remotely. The ballot will close at 11:30 AM Central Time on Friday, February 7, 2025.
This year there are 5 open seats on the ACA Board of Directors. They are:
- At-Large Seat
- Large Cidery Seat
- Regional Chair – East
- Regional Chair – Pacific Coast
- Regional Chair – South
Please take the time to learn about the candidates running for the 2025 ACA Board by reading about them below. Candidates are listed by position for which they are running, and then alphabetically if more than one candidate is running for a seat.
At-Large Seat
Christine Walter
Christine grew up on her family’s farm, Bauman Farms, in rural Oregon. Raising apples and pressing juice with her family are some of her earliest memories. She studied biochemistry in college, and started and ran a small retail company for 22 years before discovering and quickly falling in love with cider. It took her a couple years to convince her family that cider was a real thing and that I might be able to make it on the farm if they would only let her use a small corner of a barn to launch Bauman’s Cider. As you can imagine she has since taken over the whole barn, and created a huge following among her family. She is also currently a member of the board of the The Cider Institute of North America and regular guest instructor.
Candidate Statement
I personally straddle the line between making nuanced, apple-honoring traditional ciders and pushing the edge of innovation in dessert apple-centric recipe-driven ciders. With exceptional quality as my guiding light, I seek always to grow the pool of people who hold cider in high regard. The more people who appreciate the art and craft of cider, and the more people who look for it when they choose to drink, the better we can all do as an industry to foster relationships, build diversity and to contribute to the social and financial economy of the communities we live in.
Large Cidery Seat
Ben Calvi
Ben Calvi is the Director of Cider Making for Vermont Hard Cider Co. in Middlebury, Vermont. Previously, he made cider at Champlain Orchards in Shoreham, Vermont, and wines at Esser Vineyards and Quintessa in the Napa Valley, for Burklin-Wolf in Germany, and at the Robert Mondavi Institute in Davis, California. Ben lives on a tiny apple orchard in nearby Cornwall with his wife, Sophie, and two children, Arthur and Delfina. He joined the American Cider Association board of directors in 2016.
Candidate Statement
As a board director for the ACA since 2016, I bring continuity, valuable perspective, and a wealth of experience. I am currently serving as interim Vice President on the executive committee. Over the years, my board service has focused on supporting key initiatives, including the founding of the CCP and DEI committees, and spearheading Legislative efforts. It is crucial for cider makers to continue fostering unity and a shared voice, enabling us to effectively showcase American ciders in an ever-evolving, hyper-competitive beverage landscape. Together, we can ensure the future success and growth of the cider industry.
Regional Chair – East
Eleanor Léger
Eleanor Léger is the Founder of Eden Specialty Ciders of Vermont. Eden was established in 2007, and is a leading producer of ice ciders and heritage ciders. Eleanor has served on the Board of the American Cider Association, as a member of the Vermont Working Landscape Enterprise Board, and was a founder of the Vermont Cider Makers Association. In addition to leading the team at Eden, Eleanor writes about the economics of small cider production at Cidernomics.com
Candidate Statement
Hello from Vermont. It has been a great honor to serve as Eastern Region Chair. I’ve met so many wonderful cider makers of all sizes and types from across our large region. I’ve traveled to Philly CiderWeek and the PA Cider Fest to the Hudson Valley and the Finger Lakes, Franklin County Cider Days, Cider Feasts, and Maine Apple Camp. Whenever I’m in conversation at the ACA Board, I’m thinking of all of you, your needs, and how we can work together to make the cider business easier, more visible in the market, and more successful. I’m looking forward to supporting our new CEO and our Board President, and partnering with NY and PA Cider Associations, as we continue to fight for things like bubble-tax relief, harvest dates, and ensuring our continued ability to ship DTC. Don’t ever hesitate to contact me with your questions, concerns and ideas!
Regional Chair – Pacific Coast
Tom Hart
Tom Hart began his cider journey as the first employee at Humboldt Cider Company in 2015. He became a co-owner in late 2016 and has been following his passion for apples ever since. Tom’s cider journey started in the cellar cleaning tanks, pressing apples and pitching yeasts, and has grown to include nearly all aspects of the industry since then. He currently helps manage two orchards, runs Humboldt Cider’s sales and distribution departments and handles the day-to-day issues that come with owning a small business.
Tom has worked with California State Parks and the National Park Service on historic orchard restoration projects, including the restoration of the Tower House orchard after the devastating 2018 Carr Fire. His love of history has led him to become a quasi-expert on Albert Etter and he helps maintain Etter’s 1894 homestead orchard. Tom derives a lot of his industry passion from these areas and hopes to work with the ACA to help highlight cider’s rich history and deep roots in his region and country.
Candidate Statement
I am excited for the opportunity to work with the ACA and represent cider companies large, medium and small for the Pacific Coast region. I believe it is important to take a big tent approach and listen to all the opinions and needs of cideries in our region. It is my goal to help make the ACA more accessible to individual companies and highlight our region’s rich history, contributions and desires at the national level. I know how hard it is to run a small business in our industry, and I will work diligently to assist and advocate for the Pacific Coast region at the national level in any way I can. My door is always open.
Regional Chair – South
Daron Ford
Since 2006, I’ve pursued a passion for fermentation science crafting wine across Napa Valley, Western Australia, and Northern Michigan, as well as brewing beer and cider in my home state of Minnesota. Now living in Williamsburg, VA, with my wife and three boys, I’m focused on bringing modern ciders to Coastal Virginia at Sly Clyde Ciderworks. With a background in life sciences, art, and business, I bring a unique blend of scientific technique and creativity to the cider world.
Candidate Statement
I bring a serious passion for science, creativity, and business efficiency to the ACA. My experience with producers of all sizes gives me insight into our industry needs at every scale. As Southern regional chair, I will advocate for our unique challenges, foster connections among producers, and amplify the voice of our special region. I’m committed to maximizing our resources, contributing scientific expertise, and collaborating on innovative solutions. Dedicated and approachable, I aim to build on our impressive foundation, represent you effectively, and celebrate our shared successes – ideally over a glass of cider.
Scott Spelbring
Scott Spelbring is Director of Winemaking and Cidermaking for Bluemont Vineyard and Henway Hard Cider, located in Northern VA at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a passion for crafting exceptional beverages and using local resources, Scott’s 15 years of wine and cidermaking combines innovative techniques and traditional methods to create unique wines and ciders that reflect the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Always creating, Scott thrives on “start-ups” and building brands and was involved in the music industry and internet technology prior to wine and cider. He is a Virginia Cider Association board member.
Candidate Statement
As an advocate for craft beverages and a dedicated member of our cider community, I have witnessed firsthand the potential of our region’s cider industry. My vision is to strengthen collaboration, help amplify our voices in national and local conversations, and foster a vibrant culture of cider appreciation. Our industry is shaped by passionate large and small business owners who pour their hearts into their craft and it’s vital that we create a supportive ecosystem to help them succeed through wide ranging initiatives. Whether it’s supporting legislation such as the Bubble Bill Modernization Act, creating marketing initiatives and consumer connections or supporting entry level cider-makers and cideries I want to help drive cider forward! Together, we can grow and foster our industry while preserving its unique heritage.
2025 Board Nominations Now Open
Do you have a passion for growing the cider industry? Are you looking to find a platform for your ideas, where you will be seen and heard? Would you like to work with a group of like-minded industry leaders to create positive change?
Five seats on our Board of Directors are up for grabs in 2025. Seats that will be up for election this year are as follows: 1 Large Cidery Seat, 1 Regional Chair – South, 1 Regional Chair – East, 1 Regional Chair – Pacific Coast, and 1 At-Large Seat. Our annual nomination window is now open, and we want to hear from you!
Elections will take place electronically during CiderCon® 2025 in Chicago, Illinois on February 6-7. All U.S. member cideries are eligible to vote (1 vote per cidery).
Although it is not required, we strongly encourage candidates to have an ACA volunteer history before running for office.
Please see below for more specifics on service and how to apply:
- Positions are open to any active ACA member cidery in the U.S., regardless of size.
- Applications are due by November 14th, 2024.
- To qualify for candidacy, you must be a permanent employee of a bonded cidery, producing cider in the U.S.
- Incumbents may be running for their seats again.
- Terms are three years.
- Applicants will be reviewed when the submission window has closed
- Qualified candidates will receive further instructions on developing their platforms and what board service includes.
Have more questions about board service? Schedule a chat with ACA CEO Michelle McGrath by clicking here.
To submit your nomination by the November 14th deadline fill out the self-nomination form.
Meet Your Board Member: Josie Mielke
Josie Mielke is the co-owner and operations manager at Urban Orchard Cider Company in Asheville, North Carolina. She was elected to the ACA board of directors in January 2024 to an At Large Seat.
Tell us about your cidery/farm/orchard
Urban Orchard Cider Company is family owned and operated by a crew of passionate and fun-loving cider nerds. We source ALL of our apples from North Carolina, and utilize multiple yeast strains to craft a diverse offering of cider flavor and aromatic profiles. Our current collection of recipes contains over 80 innovative and creative ciders, utilizing fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, flowers, and hot peppers. All of our ciders are aged a minimum of six months, to allow for natural clarification, and the maturation of natural flavors and aromas.
How did you get into cider?
Like a lot of people I am gluten intolerant. I had dabbled in cidermaking because I went gluten free in 2006 and could not find a cider that I enjoyed. Unfortunately, at that time there was not a lot of selection and I found that they were all too sweet for me. At the same time I had moved back to Asheville and was having a very hard time finding employment due to the recession and Asheville being a service based city. Our family had discussed starting a business after the recession and with the craft beer boom and the accessibility of apples in our area this seemed like the perfect fit. 11 years later, we’re still here, and sometimes I really can’t remember how it all happened. Small business is a whirlwind.
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
The pandemic had a big impact on my view of community. Pre-Covid I felt like an isolationist. I kept my head down and plowed through, focused solely on our business operations. Post-Covid and now 11 years in the industry I have a more holistic view of what we can accomplish together. A thriving cider industry is good for all of us. I would be lying if I also didn’t mention that I was getting a little stagnant in my position. The opportunity to branch out of my daily routine and make an impact invigorates me. As a political science and history double major there really is nothing more exciting than dropping a bill in Congress and trying to get it passed. I can’t wait to witness and be a part of the process for the Bubble Bill.
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
I’d like to see cider valued for the artful product that it is. The entire industry has been working for a long time to overcome stereotypes about our category. The fact is that the US is producing some fantastic cider and I think that the public is finally catching on that cider is a versatile, creative and sophisticated beverage. Not to mention it tastes damn good.
How do you describe your cider region?
The South is full of old generational apple farms. Many of which in our area used to grow for Gerber. Urban Orchard has made it a point to always buy local, and now it’s as important as ever. Asheville is booming and the housing market is hungry for land. Many farms are considering sales to real estate developers and farming is a tough gig. Now that Gerber is gone, cider is stepping in as a value added product for growers. While the majority of our fruit is dessert and eating apples, we think that you can craft fantastic cider from blending the variety of cultivars which provide some lovely acids and great sugar content.
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
I don’t really have a favorite apple. While the apple is always the star in Urban Orchard products, I really enjoy experimentation with complementary fruits, herbs, vegetables, hot peppers, etc. That may set me apart from a lot of producers as I am not a traditionalist, but my passion comes from a culinary inquisitiveness and it’s the most fun aspect of the business to me.
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
Ginger infused cider and sushi (yum). Really any nice cider with spicy Asian food is delicious. Cider and ice cream is also very tasty.
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
Cider on the beach baby! A better beverage has never been made for a hot day in the sun.
What would you like our members to know about you that they might not know? –non-cider related!
Traveling is my passion, as well as staying fit by challenging myself at the gym, outdoor activities, dancing and yoga. I have two energetic Airedales and a blind little poodle who keep me on my toes. I recently became a certified scuba diver and went to Norway to swim with Orcas! I also do volunteer work such as working the polls during elections, planning fundraisers for food security, and assisting with care for mistreated animals.
Meet Your 2024 ACA Board of Directors
Last Friday, the American Cider Association (ACA) announced the results of their annual Board of Directors Election at their 2024 industry trade conference, CiderCon®, held this year in Portland, Oregon. There were two At-Large positions up for grabs, with 7 candidates in the running.
Josie Mielke of Urban Orchards Cidery in Asheville, North Carolina and Shannon Edgar of Stormalong Cider in Sherborn, Massachusetts were elected as Directors At-Large. Both new board members bring a shared passion for the land and communities that they are a part of. Their unique perspective of establishing and growing their cider businesses within the last 10 years will meaningfully contribute to the perspective of the ACA Board of Directors and how the ACA can support the cider industry.
New ACA Board Members
Josie Mielke is the Operations Director and founder of Urban Orchard Cider Company in Asheville, North Carolina. She was trained in the art of cider making in the United Kingdom at the Cider and Perry Academy in 2012 and opened Urban Orchard in the fall of 2013. Through Urban Orchard, Josie has championed North Carolina agriculture, by committing to purchase apples from North Carolina. Her cidery has only purchased juice from Hendersonville, North Carolina in the 11 seasons they have produced cider. Josie strongly believes in promoting the local economy, supporting local farmers, and knowing where your food comes from.
Shannon Edgar founded Stormalong Cider in 2014 in the pursuit of making ciders that showcase the unique flavors fermented from cider-friendly apples. Taking inspiration from the hard cider history in his adopted home of Sherborn, MA, the historical nature of some of these apple varieties and their connection to New England history has always been an interest to him. Over the last 9 years, Stormalong has grown into a passionate team of “Cider Geeks” evangelizing cider with a deep appreciation for apples and their craft.
2024 Officers Announced
The ACA Board Officers were also chosen by the incoming board of directors last week. The ACA is excited to announce:
-Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider in Oregon as Board President
-Sarah Hemly of Hemly Cider in California as Vice President
-Dave Takush of 2 Towns Ciderhouse as Secretary
-John Behrens of Farmhaus Cider in Michigan as Treasurer.
Eleanor Legér, ACA Board President 2021-2024
Eleanor Legér of Eden Cider in Vermont was elected by her fellow directors as Board President in 2021. She is rotating off the executive committee to empower other leaders but will remain on the board in her continued role of Eastern Chair. First elected to the board in 2015, the ACA is incredibly grateful for her long and dedicated service to our mission and our members. She has served the role with honor!
Retiring Directors
Soham Bhatt and Brooke Glover are both retiring from their service as directors this year. The ACA is extremely grateful for their service and the unique perspectives they brought to the board.
Soham Bhatt served on the ACA Board of Directors in an At-Large position from 2021-2024. He started Artifact Cider Project in 2014, with co-founder Jake Mazar, with the desire to create exceptional cider that expresses the Northeast as it is today. With this philosophy and a commitment to helping sustain local orchards, especially in western Massachusetts, they started Artifact as a boot-strapped passion project that crisscrossed the state.
“Soham has been a very engaged and committed board member. He asks good questions and has a mind for strategy. He’s been critical to our education committee, and we’re excited that he will stay involved with our work to grow the Certified Cider Professional program moving forward,” said ACA CEO, Michelle McGrath.
Brooke Glover served on the ACA Board of Directors in an At-Large position from 2018-2024. Brooke is one of the owners of Swilled Dog Hard Cider, a family-owned company based out of West Virginia. Brooke is a Certified Cider Maker through CINA, Level I certified in Spirits through WSET, and a frequent lecturer at WVU. Her passions include dogs, family, learning, adventures, and tater tots.
“Brooke didn’t miss a single board meeting in her 6-year tenure on the board of directors. She has served on several ACA committees and has been a tremendous member of the ACA Executive Committee in her role as ACA Vice President,” McGrath said.
The ACA would like to thank all of the 2024 board candidates for their hard work and dedication not only in this election process but within the industry as a whole. We look forward to continuing to work together to push the envelope forward for cider in America.
2024 ACA Board of Directors Candidates
The American Cider Association was founded 11 years ago by a group of individuals with a clear vision of a nonprofit structure, controlled by its members. In doing so, this ensured that those most impacted by the association’s work would be the same people in decision making roles. Today, the ACA has a Board of Directors, made up of its members, that help to expand its reach and impact. The founding board of directors took great care to protect geographic and business size diversity through the founding bylaws, a choice that still benefits the association today through our current board.
As cidery members of the ACA, this means that your input helps to shape the organization. One of the benefits of your ACA membership is the ability to participate in voting. Every cidery, no matter the size, gets one vote as part of the ACA’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in its board, which represents a range of cidery business models, sizes, and regions.
The 2024 ACA Board Elections are rapidly approaching. If you are an active member of the ACA and a bonded active cidery, your principal contact will receive an electronic ballot on Thursday, January 18, 2024 via email at 8:30 AM Pacific Time. You can vote from your hotel room at CiderCon® or from the cellar back home–all voting is done remotely. The ballot will close at 11:30 AM Pacific Time on Friday, January 19, 2024.
This year there are two At-Large seats open on the ACA Board of Directors and 7 candidates in the running to choose from. Please take the time to learn about the candidates running for the 2024 ACA Board by reading about them below. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Brooke Glover and Soham Bhatt are both rotating off the current board after completing their elected terms of service. Both were dedicated and supportive board members who will leave behind big shoes for new directors to fill. We’re incredibly grateful for all they’ve contributed to shaping and growing the ACA. Thank you Brooke and Soham!
Casey Baxter has 20 years of beer/cider sales experience at both the distributor and supplier level. He is the National Key Account Director for the newly formed Blake’s Beverage Company that includes Blake’s Hard Cider, Austin Eastciders, and Avid Cider. Casey has been with Blake’s for 3 years and most recently spent time with Founders Brewing & Vermont Hard Cider. He is also a proud member and chair of the data insights committee for the American Cider Association.
Candidate Statement
I have had the pleasure of serving on the ACA Data Insights committee for a couple of years now, and my experience there has shaped my interest in running for the ACA board of directors. What I’ve noticed in my role at Blake’s and on the committee is that the cider industry’s ability to innovate is stifled by a lack of tax parity and uneven regulations. As a board member, I would support a full review of state tax laws and TTB regulations. I want to support the ACA to do more to create change and help grow the industry. I am also excited to continue supporting the ACA’s efforts to be the best source of cider industry data available, by clearly defining Regional/National or Craft Cideries and seeing how each are represented by the ACA, including small cideries not typically found in SKU data. I will use my expertise to support a focus on generating data stories within cider for press coverage. Lastly, I look forward to further engaging with the cider community and ACA members to understand needs outside of my current perspective while making lasting relationships and providing insight through my experience.
Shannon Edgar founded Stormalong Cider in 2014 in the pursuit of making ciders that showcase the unique flavors fermented from cider-friendly apples with high levels of acid, tannins, and sugar. The historical nature of some of these apple varieties and their connection to New England history has always been a focus and interest. Stormalong was born in a barn in the town of Sherborn, MA, which was once home to the largest refined cider mill in the world in the late 1800’s. Prior to starting Stormalong, as an avid musician, Shannon spent 20 years working in various roles throughout the music industry for both major and independent record labels as well as in artist development. Shannon currently resides in Sherborn, MA on a small farm with his wife, 2 children, and apple trees close by.
Candidate Statement
I have been fortunate to follow my passions in my professional life starting in music and now spending the last decade in cider. In my world, passion drives everything and provides that extra level of resolve and determination needed to move forward in the face of adversity. Keeping that spark alive is key to building and growing cider and our community.
I’ve been told “no” a lot, and have dealt with the criticism, discouragement, and frustration that comes along with the territory in hyper competitive industries like music and beverage. Learning to deal with setbacks and challenges is a skill set I have honed well.
Cider to me can be captivating, inspiring, and can help give your soul the fuel and support it needs. It can also bring frustration and disillusionment. I ask myself on a regular basis “why am I doing this?” But I always find the inspiration to forge ahead from witnessing the pleasures of others tasting our ciders, or the fulfillment of a win in the industry. On top of that, the personal joy and satisfaction of taking something grown from the earth and transforming it into something beautiful is a reward in and of itself. Commercial success is an added bonus.
For my part in the ACA, I would help those that need inspiration and those that need help getting back up after being knocked down. I would lend my knowledge and resources to help all members on their journey in cider. The cider community is unique in its’ underdog status, diverse mix of people and cultures, and the challenges it faces. I would like to continue educating and campaigning for cider and provide a passionate voice of advocacy and support.
Meet Jeremy “Skywolf” Fleming, a California native whose professional journey mirrors the diverse landscapes that surround him in his home state. He is currently the Head Cidermaker at SLO Cider Co, in San Luis Obispo, California, a company he and 2 partners established in 2020. Beyond the cidery, Jeremy serves as a Member-At-Large on the Central Coast Cider Association board of directors where he focuses on sponsorship outreach and media coordination. Jeremy regularly speaks at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to graduate and undergraduate students regarding fermentation science and the nuances of manufacturing hard cider on a large scale. In addition, on a yearly basis he mentors several interns at his cider facility, designing senior projects for their graduation requirements, and offering them much needed hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.
In years past, Jeremy began his professional beverage journey as co-founder and Head Brewer of a small craft brewery in San Luis Obispo. While immersed in the craft beer scene, Jeremy had the honor of contributing as the acting Treasurer on the board of directors for the Central Coast Brewers Guild. During this period, he played a pivotal role in expanding the guild’s reach across three counties, achieved through two successive bylaw updates spanning his four-year tenure. This era of growth significantly boosted the guild’s revenue by over 2,000% and helped foster collaboration within the beer community as well as enhance the sense of collective purpose among guild members. His experience in construction, engineering, and nuclear power systems hasn’t been the only thing that has contributed to his success in the craft beverage industry. He would point out that his experience in open-ocean outrigger racing and professional baking are just as important to his current career as a craft beverage specialist. Outside of his professional pursuits, you’ll find Jeremy immersed in fantasy novels, shredding on his snowboard, or finding peace paddling on the open ocean.
Candidate Statement
Over the past few years, I have grown to believe that the cider industry in the US is one of the most equitable and inclusive groups that I have ever known. After attending multiple CiderCon® events, and becoming a member of our local cider association, I’ve come to appreciate the diverse tapestry of voices that enrich this industry. I’m proud to be part of this industry and promise to always hold a welcoming space to contribute, collaborate, and thrive. As a Member-At-Large on the ACA Board, my goals would be twofold. My first goal would be to promote an industry wide strategy for Cider to be universally represented as its own unique category, not just another alternative beverage. Moving cider offerings from the bottom of the menu to its own dedicated section will increase confidence in the cider category, drive greater cider sales, and assist the cider industry’s growth. As a second goal, I plan to advocate for fair tax legislation at the state and federal levels. My overall goal would be encouraging new legislation to amend the CBMA, which would allow the addition of other fruits and flavorings to carbonated hard cider without triggering the Artificially Carbonated Wine tax.
Josie Mielke is the Operations Director and founder of Urban Orchard Cider Company in Asheville, NC. She was trained in the art of cider making in the United Kingdom at the Cider and Perry Academy in 2012 and opened Urban Orchard in the fall of 2013. Through Urban Orchard, Joise has championed NC agricultural, by committing to purchase apples from North Carolina. Her cidery has only purchased juice from Hendersonville, NC in the 11 seasons they have produced cider. Josie strongly believes in promoting the local economy, supporting NC farmers, and knowing where your food comes from. Josie has served on the Marketing Committee for the American Cider Association, is the Treasurer for the North Carolina Cider Association, mentors’ interns via AB Tech’s Brewing, Fermentation, and Distillation Program, and planned and executed Urban Orchard Cider Company from the ground up. When she is not working at Urban Orchard, you can find her either with her 3 dogs, at the gym, enjoying nature, dancing, volunteering for the community or traveling around the world.
Candidate Statement
Small business can be so difficult that it is often hard to think of the whole when you are fighting so hard for yourself; but the trials of post-pandemic operation have shown me that even a little bit of fellowship and sometimes commiseration can boost morale and be motivating for change. I believe that by having more routine and personalized interaction with Regional and State Cider Associations that the American Cider Association will be able to motivate more grassroots participation and increase the membership. It is imperative to our industry to look out for each other, to protect the value of cider in an ever-changing beverage landscape, and to have a cooperative Association that has the resources and backing to advocate for us at a federal level. Whether that’s lobbying for tax rates that fit the product, fairness in labeling, or a cohesive construct for consumer education and marketing, the ability to be successful starts with membership. I look forward to focusing on meeting Cider Makers from across the nation, collaborating to move the cider industry forward, and working with other like-minded individuals to identify what obstacles we need to overcome so that we all have the opportunity to be successful.
Jeff Parrish grew up in Eugene, Oregon and attended the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls earning a degree in Laser Optical Engineering. The idea of starting a cider company wasn’t in his wildest dreams back then. His cider adventure started a few years later when he discovered Woodchuck Cider in 1995 at a Trader Joe’s in the Bay Area while buying alcohol for his brother’s bachelor party. Apples had always been his favorite fruit, and he absolutely loved fresh juice, but the concept of apples to cider was unheard of to him until then. His mind was blown that night, both figuratively and literally! The next chapter in Jeff’s cider story was in 2003 when on a trip to Victoria, BC, he discovered Merridale Cider. He had purchased a keg or two of Strongbow by then as that was the driest cider he could find locally at the time, but his mind got blown again when he was introduced to real craft cider made with English cider apples. A trip to Merridale became an annual pilgrimage to fill his car with coolers and bring back as much as he could carry.
Jeff’s cidermaking adventure started in 2007 when he discovered he could buy fresh pressed bittersweet juice from a local farm each fall. A few years later he began seeing the pioneers in NW craft cider at a local apple festival and the light bulb came on that maybe this passion could be turned into a living. A few years after that in 2012, burned out with our corporate sales jobs, and with all caution being thrown to the wind, his wife Lynda and he decided to start the Portland Cider Company. Now 11 years in, they love what they do, they love the cider community they are part of, and they take great joy in having created a workplace full of passionate cider lovers that they consider family.
Candidate Statement
As a member of the ACA since nearly its inception, I have enjoyed watching it grow from the small collection of passionate cidermakers to the entity today that speaks for over 800. Like the cidermakers it represents, the organization has learned as we’ve gone along and is better today than we were yesterday. I have been a member of the Legislative Committee for the past 4 years. That experience has shown me just how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go to mold state and federal regulation to eliminate the barriers to making and marketing our cider. Should I be elected to the board, my focus will be on governmental engagement seeking change to the laws and regulations that stand in our way. Craft beer enjoys the freedom of innovation that allows them to basically put anything they want in their beer, in any size container they want, and at any ABV, with a single tax rate and little to no restrictions on how they market it. Cider should enjoy those same freedoms. I will do everything I can to help us get there.
Colin Schilling is the CEO and Co-Founder of Schilling Cider, one of the nation’s largest independent fresh pressed based cideries. In addition to cider, Colin has a passion for food and beverage broadly and has created and consulted on brands in the non-alcoholic, coffee, energy, and cannabis spaces. He has an MBA focused in entrepreneurship and business sustainability and worked in tech consulting prior to founding the cider company. In addition to the wholesale business, Schilling Cider operates two retail locations in Seattle and Portland which are the largest cider taprooms in the world by draft cider offerings! Colin strongly believes business is a force for good and change and has integrated numerous sustainable practices into the core business. He is also an industry thought leader on people-first company culture and works to deliver a best-in-class employment experience for every employee.
Candidate Statement
Hello Cider Friends! The cider industry is at a pivotal moment with shifting consumer preferences and demographics. While these shifts present challenges I see big opportunities and feel cider has never been in a better position to grow rapidly! I have long been an advocate for a collaborative all boats rise mentality for cider, and I want to extend this work through a board seat with the ACA. Specifically, our industry and our trade groups need to further strengthen our collaborative nature to present a united front in a landscape of distributor consolidation and changing consumer preferences. We need to work hard to gain share of mind with wholesalers and retailers as a collective and educate the next group of LDA consumers that cider is the BEST beyond beer option with amazing historical and agricultural stories. Additionally, I see the ACA as the strongest trade organization to represent cider’s interests in DC and will work to advance legal changes to continue to allow our industry to thrive. I have worked in the past to showcase and support cider of all styles and sizes through our two Cider Houses that carry more guest offerings than our own, I worked successfully to get cider the opportunity to pour at the nation’s largest craft beer festival, I helped build an annual selling occasion for cider through National Cider Month, and I have passed 3 cider focused laws in my home state. My goal is to further extend this work while serving on the board of the ACA! Cheers! PS – I would also love to talk about people first company cultures and environmental sustainability – but I am already over on my word count…
Brian Wing is Co-Owner and Head Cidermaker of Green Bench Mead & Cider of Saint Petersburg, FL. Opened in 2015, Green Bench seeks to showcase amazing craft cider to drinkers in the Sunshine State. Brian is an ACA Certified Pommelier™ and holds a position as instructor for University of South Florida’s Brewing Arts program where he teaches courses on production to aspiring professional cider and mead makers. Previously, Brian served 6 years on the Board of Directors for the American Mead Makers Association; four years as Treasurer and two as President. Brian holds an MBA from the University of South Florida and lives in Seminole with his wife and 6 month-old daughter.
Candidate Statement
We picked an unlikely spot to make cider when we started Green Bench in St Pete…but we were passionate about bringing excellent cider to Florida and nearly 10 years later, we are still committed to that goal. If elected to the board, I would like to see further development of our regional chapters; helping to create new events and workshops, focusing our marketing strategy, and creating a stronger sense of camaraderie amongst our members. For many of us, CiderCon® is the only time we are gathered in a room together and I’d like to see that change. We’re seeing an explosion of interest in cider here in the South, and strong regional partnerships will help ensure the cider produced here is of the quality our industry demands and will allow members to benefit from the help available all around them. I’d also continue to push for legislative reform on taxation to lower the barriers to entry for new cidermakers (and the barriers to profitability for existing cidermakers). I have years of experience sitting on the Board of other non-profits in the alcohol industry to help with that. Above all that, my role on the Board is to serve the needs of the members. I am very excited to meet with you in Portland so please come say “Hi”. We can share some cider (and maybe a few stories about the insanity that is running a small business over the past few years) and I can learn how my service can help you.
Now Accepting Nominations for ACA Board of Directors
Do you have a passion for growing the cider industry? Are you looking to find a platform for your ideas, where you will be seen and heard? Would you like to work with a group of like-minded industry leaders to create positive change?
If you answered “Yes” to these questions, YOU ARE IN LUCK! The ACA is looking to fill two At Large seats on our Board of Directors. Our annual nomination window is now open, and we want to hear from YOU! Elections will take place electronically during CiderCon® 2024 in Portland, Oregon in January. All U.S. member cideries are eligible to vote (1 vote per cidery).
Although it is not required, we strongly encourage candidates to have an ACA volunteer history before running for office.
Please see below for more specifics on service and how to apply:
- Positions are open to any active ACA member cidery in the U.S., regardless of size.
- Applications are due by December 8, 2023.
- To qualify for candidacy, you must be a permanent employee of a bonded cidery, producing cider in the U.S.
- Incumbents may be running for their seats again.
- Terms are three years.
- Applicants will be reviewed when the submission window has closed
- Qualified candidates will receive further instructions on developing their platforms and what board service includes.
Have more questions about board service? Schedule a chat with ACA CEO Michelle McGrath by clicking here.
To submit your nomination by the December 8 deadline fill out the self-nomination form.
Declaration of Appreciation for Founding Members
Meet Your 2023 Board of Directors
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce the results of this year’s board elections. Congratulations to new board members Sarah Hemly and Breanne Heuss, and welcome back returning board members Dave Takush, Philippe Bishop, Marcus Robert, Talia Haykin, and John Behrens.
The board also re-elected Eleanor Leger as Board President, Brooke Glover as Board Vice President, Dave Takush as Board Secretary, and John Behrens as Board Treasurer.
Visit our About Us page to learn more about all your American Cider Association board of directors.
2023 ACA Board Candidates
The 2023 ACA Board Elections are around the corner. If you have an active and current membership with the ACA and you are a bonded active cidery, we will email the principal contact as they are designated on your account with an electronic ballot on Thursday, February 2, 2023. Please read below to meet the 2023 candidates for the ACA Board.
Midwest Chair:
Candidate Statement: My goal and the number one priority for the ACA is to help cideries sell more cider. This needs to be accomplished using a variety of strategies. These include providing educational opportunities to continuously improve the overall quality of cider in the marketplace and encouraging new faces to join the industry, promoting the diversity of cider and cider styles so consumers realize there is a cider for everyone, engaging with media to promote what makes cider unique and working with elected officials and agencies to create and promote common sense legislation that is fair and reasonable.
I am proud of the work of everyone on the current board and I look forward to continuing that work. I am also proud of my work as Treasurer to put the ACA back on a path of financial sustainability, creating our first reserve fund to help us better weather future economic downturns and approach those situations from a position of offense. My goal is for that to continue to ensure the long term viability of the organization.
About John: John Behrens is the Founder and President of Farmhaus Cider Company located in Hudsonville, Michigan. This company was founded in 2015 and has gone on to win many national and international accolades and awards. John began his first term as President of the Michigan Cider Association in 2018. Previously, he worked as a Certified Public Accountant for over 10 years at BDO USA and Steelcase. John holds an MBA from Grand Valley State University, in addition to degrees in Accounting and Finance.
Mountain West Chair:
Candidate Statement: Serving on the ACA board since 2020 has taught me so much about the broader cider industry and cider legislation. I have enjoyed learning how impactful the work that the ACA has done is on cideries of all sizes. I also enjoy being a conduit for the Mountain West Region – both sharing the work the ACA does with member cideries and communicating the unique needs of Mountain West cideries to the ACA. I see such a huge value in coming together as a group and advocating for what we need and want. And that generally starts with the apples. From recognition of different varietals and their unique flavor profiles, to terroir and its impact on cider, to harvest dates and transparency of what we’ve put in the bottle and where it came from. Teaching consumers the value of learning more about their regional apples and cidermakers, is a passion of mine. I can’t wait to keep working with the ACA to promote cider making, cider drinking, and apple literacy.
About Talia: In 2017 Talia, along with her husband Daniel, founded Haykin Family Cider in Colorado. Their cider journey began in 2013 as hobbyists in their living room. As they learned more about the rich history of apples and hard cider in the United States their cider became strongly focused on single varietals and family farms with whom they have personal relationships. In addition to her work with their cidery, which encompasses all business areas, Talia is a Denver-based writer and social media strategist. She formerly was the CMO of large non-profits and worked as a freelancer, prior to managing the cidery (and family) full-time. Talia lives in Denver with Daniel, their three children (who fight over who gets to ‘run the cider house’ one day), and their fluffy pup Soba Schnoodle.
Northwest Chair:
Candidate Statement: The American Cider Association’s mission is to provide valuable information, services, and resources to its members as well as advocate on their behalf. The organizations work has helped the cider industry grow by guiding legislation to reduce taxes and streamline governmental processes, providing vital industry statistics to our members and industry partners, and taking the lead as a voice in all corners of our market. During my time on the Board of Directors I have served on the legislative, membership, and finance committees, as well as serving as Treasurer on the Executive Committee. During my time as treasurer, I helped lead the organization through the toughest financial situation we have ever faced. Now, seemingly on the other side, I’m ready to help keep building the organization to better serve our members and the cider industry.
About Marcus: Marcus grew up on a family orchard, which he still owns and operates in the Yakima Valley. He owns and operates a winery with his wife Amy and has been involved in the beverage business for 20+ years. Marcus is the Cider Maker, President, and Co-owner of Tieton Cider Works where he has helped grow the company for the past 12 years.
Pacific Coast Chair:
Candidate Statement:
My name is Sarah Hemly and I’m President of Hemly Cider in Courtland California (An enormous town of over 140 people just south of Sacramento). In 2015 I co-founded Hemly Cider with an intent to showcase the fruit coming out of our families sixth generation pear and apple orchards. Our passion has been a focus on Perry, and I’d love the opportunity to bring another “pearspective” to the board.
My primary interest in joining the board as the Pacific Coast representative stems from a desire to strengthen the relationships and opportunities between cider and commercial agriculture. The past few decades of exposure to the family business of agriculture has offered me the amazing opportunity to learn about and work with some amazing farmers and diverse crops in our state. I’ve had the privilege to be able to travel and meet farmers through the IFTA (International Fruit Tree Association) and take some side trips to visit cider makers both domestically and globally. From San Diego, down to Tasmania, Germany, Spain, and Tennessee, I’ve seen the importance of growing the cider industry’s connection to commercial agriculture as well as the opportunity cider offers in return.
In California, over the past few years, we’ve seen pear and apple crops become the most expensive crops grown in the state. Coupled with canneries leaving, increases in costs of labor, land, water and added regulations, margins have shrunk while costs continue to rise. This in turn has affected costs of and access to juice for the cider industry. I think we all see potential in the cider industry as a “home” for high-quality culled fruit and seconds as well as an opportunity to convert dessert variety blocks to cider-specific varieties with the potential of reduced costs and increased margins to both farmers and the cider industry as a whole. I look forward to any opportunity to contribute to your organization and would be honored to be the ears of the board for the cideries in the Pacific Coast Region, so we can continue supporting the region appropriately.
About Sarah: In 2015 Sarah launched Hemly Cider with Co-Founder Chris Thomson. With help from her Tasmanian Business partner, Sarah built and grew Hemly Cider into an award-winning cider company that showcases the fruit grown by the family’s sixth generation pear and apple orchards. As the company has grown, the focus has shifted to include fruit from multiple California crops. Previous to Cider, Sarah earned a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of California Berkeley. After spending 8 years in architecture and project management, she left the field and now serves full time as President of Hemly Cider as well as on the board of Greene and Hemly, the family orchard and packing company.
At Large Cidery Seat
Candidate Statement: I believe that the American Cider Association (ACA) is very good operating as a megaphone for the U.S. cider industry. This does not happen with out good leadership and a diverse board of volunteers willing to lend their time, discuss issues, share stories and help steer the industry to a place where we can all succeed. My voice comes from the perspective of a very small family run cidery, making under 5,000 gallons a year, growing traditional cider fruit in a maritime climate and trying to sell primarily large format bottles of harvest driven cider in a market that is heavily influenced by the beer world. Not the easiest thing to do, but being able to share this voice with the board members and help steer our decision making for producers like us is why I do it.
I wanted to take a more in active role in shaping the cider industry and was elected to the ACA board in 2020, previously serving on the board of the Northwest Cider Association. I have worked on multiple committees in the past 3 years including the Cider Market Data, Cider Marketing and Lexicon/ CCP as well as co-organizing regional cider maker industry socials the last one with well over 100 cider professionals from 3 states. My main goal is to help educate distributors, trade professionals, and consumers of the intricacies of cider. Not all cider is the same and cannot be presented in the same way. I bring experience from the perspective of owning a small company, spending most of my time on the sales side and having worked for a small craft distributor where I saw the frustration and challenges from both the sales rep and producer perspective. With proper tools, training and education, we can increase cider appreciation helping individual producers sell more cider and the cider industry as a whole. I look forward to continue working toward this goal collectively with Michelle, my fellow board members and everyone who has volunteered their time to committees.
About Philippe: I am a co-owner of Alpenfire Cider in Port Townsend, WA where I was raised. Some of my earliest memories are playing under ancient apple trees, that smell will be with me forever. After bouncing through many different jobs including wildland firefighter, commercial photographer, house salvage and deconstruction, to running the operations for a craft beverage distributor I fell in love with cider, following my folks foot steps. I primarily handle the sales and education side of things, but with any small company I wear many hats. Whether it is pruning or picking apples in our small cider orchard to washing tanks to blending cider in the production room that’s my life now. I live in Seattle, WA with my wife and kids Sierra and Cortland, enjoying a fine beverage or two with friends or hiking deep in the woods when I can find the time.
At Large Cidery Seat
I am so darn excited to be running for the member at large ACA board position. As a board member I intend to help promote positivity and unity within the cider community. I will focus my efforts on encouraging legislative initiatives that will bring positive change for all industry members.
About Dave: Dave Takush is the Head Cidermaker and co-owner of 2 Towns Ciderhouse. Dave earned a Master’s Degree in fermentation science at Oregon State University and has almost over a decade of experience in the craft beer, wine and cider industries. His passion for fermentation led him to join two childhood friends in starting 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis, Oregon. Now one of the largest craft cider producers in the nation, 2 Towns has over 100 employees and is dedicated to producing quality craft cider from 100% fresh-pressed Pacific NW apples. Dave is also a board member of the Cider Institute of North America.
Large Cidery Seat:
Candidate Statement: While on the ACA board, I want to create more brand awareness of the cider industry; help create guidelines for consumer-facing messages across the category and share the benefits cideries bring to the environmental communities around them. It’s important for the cider industry to become a key player in the beverage category.
I’d love to create more structure regarding how cideries promote fruit-based ciders, the definition of fresh-pressed, and how we talk about additional wellness benefits with consumers. As more consumers today seek “better for you” alternatives it’s important for us as an industry to set the standards of what consumers can expect when they purchase cider. I believe my expertise in brand marketing and leveraging emerging categories will help the ACA extend its influence with key government agencies, companies, and distributors across the US. All the while we continue to evolve as a major industry player within the beverage category.
About Breanne:
Breanne Heuss is a brand marketing leader with a reputation for identifying emerging consumer trends and market opportunities, launching first-to-market products, and establishing early market dominance across multiple beverage categories. With more than a decade of branding experience in the beverage industry, she has worked on everything from established national wine brands including Sutter Home Family Vineyards and FRE Alcohol-Removed Wines to developing new brands within the low/no alcohol space. Breanne currently serves as the Marketing Director for Golden State Cider and Seismic Brewing Company overseeing the marketing department driving new consumer acquisition, new brand development, and growth within direct-to-consumer channels.
Born and raised in California, she is happy to combine her love for supporting local agriculture with brands that expand consumer occasions and experiences. Breanne is enthusiastic about cider-making and looks to bring more Millennial and of-age Gen Z consumers into the cider category. She is excited to make this wonderful beverage a staple in every household.
Cheers to 10 Years: ACA Celebrates Its Tenth Year Since Incorporating
It’s time to raise a glass and cheers to the American Cider Association’s first 10 years of success!
Thank you, dear members, for working with us over the last decade to grow the status and connectedness of the cider industry. On this anniversary, we want to express our gratitude to the growers, the harvesters, the makers, the go-getters, and the storytellers. Without the contributions of members like you, the ACA doesn’t work. Thank you for sharing your time, showing up, and pouring your passion into our industry.
“Cider Is Stronger Together” is our motto, and by working these past ten years as a community, we’ve proven it true. We are proud of the cider industry’s greatest strength: our collective grassroots nature.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on all we’ve done in the last 10 years.
Thanks to the vision of our founding board and members, the American Cider Association officially incorporated in 2013. Since forming the ACA, the board, the staff, and our members have made huge impacts in the cider world:
- Changed the definition of hard cider for federal excise taxes to include all ciders less than 8.5% ABV, less than 6.4 g/L CO2, and made from apples or pears.
- Ushered in the permanent passage of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which saved our industry millions of dollars by expanding the Small Producer Tax Credit and allowed sparkling cider producers to receive the credit for the first time.
- Advocated successfully for three new standards of fill for wine and cider: 355 ml (12 oz), 250 ml, and 200 ml. Without ACA’s work behind the scenes, 355 ml and 200 ml would not have been included in this 2020 update.
- Educated thousands of beverage pros across the country and the world about the diversity of U.S. cider’s flavor, apples, and styles. We’ve also helped over 2,100 professionals to level up by certifying them as Cider Professionals and Certified Pommeliers™.
- Nurtured relationships with food and beverage media to champion three core messages: (1) cider has a wide range of flavor possibilities; (2) cider pairs better with food than beer, wine, or spirits; and (3) cider is fundamentally about apples.
- Invested in gathering market data, surveys, and research to highlight the nuances and segments of the cider category, so that wholesalers, retailers, and media could see the industry as more than a single number. We are a category, not a beverage!
- Initiated the work to understand the demographics of cider professionals and cider consumers and ensure that cider is a safe and welcoming community for all.
- Collaborated with regional cider guilds to promote cider to beverage consumers from coast to coast, through sponsorships, grants, and strategic initiatives.
- Joined together each year for CiderCon®, the world’s premier professional cider conference and trade show, so we could network, learn and celebrate the greatness of our industry.
- Grew our industry and our association to band together for a long, sustainable future as a thriving, collaborative cider community.
We’re just getting started! We expect big things to come about in our 11th year and beyond. Thanks to your support, we have big plans underway:
- Create TTB-approved language to include harvest years on labels with COLAs.
- Add 16 oz and 19.2 oz to wine and cider’s standards of fill.
- Eliminate the bubble tax for all cider and wine under 8.5% ABV.
- Create marketable and consumer-recognized cider regions.
- Introduce additional data resources and benefits to our membership package.
- Launch a new member portal that adds resources for cideries each quarter, making critical information, such as rules and regulation compliance, accessible and clearly stated.
- Advocating for cider’s place in emerging market trends like plant-based food pairings, natural wine, climate-friendly goods, better-for-you products, ready-to-drink canned beverages, and more.
Those are just the plans for this year–new initiatives beyond 2023 are up to all of us. It may be a challenging year for cider, but together we’ll prevail. If the cider community continues to come together and prioritize collective impact, the industry will reap rewards for years to come.
We’ll have more to say about our first decade and all we have accomplished together, but for now, we just want to say thank you, members!
Let’s celebrate all we’ve done. CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
Sincerely yours,
Eleanor Leger, ACA Board President
&
Michelle McGrath, ACA Executive Director
Sarah Hemly Joins ACA Board as Interim Pacific Coast Chair
The ACA is happy to announce that Sarah Hemly has been temporarily appointed as the Interim Pacific Coast Chair from November 16, 2022 through to CiderCon 2023. Sarah launched Hemly Cider with Co-Founder Chris Thomson in 2015. The cidery and farm are located in the The Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta region of Northern California, a unique fruit growing area. Hemly Cider has grown into an award-winning cider company that showcases the fruit grown by the family’s sixth generation pear and apple orchards. Sarah serves full time as President of Hemly Cider as well as on the board of Greene and Hemly, the family orchard and packing company.
Sarah joins as Interim to temporarily fill in for the former regional chair, Nicole Todd of Santa Cruz Cider Company. Nicole served a three year term as the Pacific Coast Chair. She was an engaged member that led with curiosity and courage, and we are extremely appreciative of her service to the American Cider Association the the Pacific Coast member region. We thank Nicole for asking great questions and being a committed member of our team.
ACA Board Nominations Due January 17
Are you full of energy and ideas on how to support the ACA and grow the industry? Perhaps you’d consider running for the ACA Board of Directors? Our annual nomination window is now open. Elections take place during CiderCon–electronically, so all U.S. member cideries may vote (1 vote per cidery). Although it is not required, we strongly encourage candidates to have an ACA volunteer history before running for office. A couple more things to know about service:
- To qualify for candidacy, you must be a permanent employee of a bonded cidery producing cider in the U.S.
- Each seat has unique requirements. The seats open for elections this year are:
- Northwest Chair – Open to Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho and Alaska cideries producing under 1 Million gallons of cider a year
- Mountain West Chair – Open to cideries producing less than 1 Million gallons of cider a year in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas
- Pacific Coast Chair – Open to California and Hawaii cideries producing under 1 Million gallons of cider a year
- At Large – Open to any U.S. cidery regardless of size
- Large Cidery – Open to any US. cidery producing over 1 Million gallons of cider a year
- Incumbents may be running for their seats again.
- Terms are three years.
- Candidates will receive further instructions on developing their platforms and what board service includes.
Have more questions about board service? Schedule a chat with executive director, Michelle by clicking here.
To submit your nomination by the January 17 deadline:
Meet Your Board Member: Christine Walter
Where do you work and what is your position?
I am the owner and head cidermaker at Bauman’s Cider in Gervais, Oregon. I started the company in 2015, making cider on my family’s farm.
Tell us about your family farm/orchard.
My Great Great Grandmother Elizabeth homesteaded the original property back in 1895, having come from Austria-Hungary by way of North Dakota, with her two sons. Today we have nearly 1000 acres under cultivation, and about a dozen family members playing one role or another in farming, operating the farm store, and now, making cider!
We grow a wide variety of crops, including many cane berries, hazelnuts, fruits and vegetables. Currently we have about 22 acres of apple orchards.
How did you get into cider?
The first time I drank a bottle of cider was around 2013. I was on a fishing trip in rural Alaska and the beer selection was pretty slim. I ordered an Angry Orchard and it literally shocked me that it was basically fermented apple juice. Upon returning home to Portland, I began searching out all of the local craft options and just fell in love. I immediately started trying to convince my family that one of them should make cider on the farm with our own juice. In attempting to make the case for cider, I met makers and heard their stories, and began taking home gallon jugs of my family’s cider, experimenting and developing recipes.
My cousins didn’t get the cider bug right off, the way I did. But I convinced them to trust me and let me get a license and start with a little corner of one of the barns. Now I can’t get enough space and I take more than half of the apples grown on the farm to make cider, and I love it!
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
I really appreciate the role that the ACA plays in advocating for cidermakers. It is really important work and mustn’t be taken for granted. In my short tenure as a cidermaker, I have seen some really significant changes to the rules regarding land use, alcohol production and labeling, and taxation. Those changes don’t happen on their own, and not without a lot of work and planning from people who really care about the industry. I want to be part of that work. If we don’t fight for our own interests and values, no one will.
Additionally, I see that webinars and events like CiderCon® are what shape the future of the industry in keeping cidermakers and cider sellers at the top of their games professionally and educationally. If we are all left in our own little islands of knowledge and experience, we miss out on a lot of growth opportunities. CiderCon® is a big part of what will keep us as an industry moving forward, growing, adapting and innovating.
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
Of course I want to see it continue to grow, but also to be seen as a success story with regard to adaptation to changing climate and market conditions. We are perfectly poised to thrive. Apples have an amazing and diverse biological history. They have stood the test of time again and again, both through natural evolution as well as human-aided adaptation and hybridization/breeding programs. I hope that cidermakers can be as resilient and creative as an industry as our dear fruits have shown to be.
How do you describe your cider region?
I feel pretty darned fortunate to be from the Pacific Northwest. We not only have a nearly rogue sense of adventure, but the market supports this level of innovation and aversion to staunch traditionalism. Just as nature favors adaptation and evolution, the craft beverage market in this beautiful corner of the US appreciates and even demands that we always push the edge of what has been done before, in search of new frontiers of culinary and beverage experience.
At the risk of seeming irreverent, the culture of cider in the PNW can be said to take traditional methods and turn them on their heads, or maybe interpret them through a lens of kaleidoscope.
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
That’s a big old three-way tie between Porter’s Perfection, McIntosh, and Mountain Rose (aka Airlie Red). And even in saying this terribly non-committal response, I feel guilty for not saying Yarlington Mill, or Golden Russet, etc. I’m not good with decision making. Maybe my favorite apple is the one I’m picking or fermenting right at the moment…and I spent yesterday mulching my McIntosh trees, then cracked a bottle of last season’s McIntosh SV, so we can say that one for today.
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
Ok, I think I can commit here: CHEESE! and most any cider. One specific favorite combo is a French Comte and a juicy acidic Porter’s Perfection Cider.
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
Summer paddle boarding on the river with dear friends, sipping a Cosmic Crisp by 2 Towns (in a life jacket.) Doesn’t get much better.
What would you like our members to know about you that they might not know?
Once I spent the night in a hammock, alone, in the jungle of Tikal, Guatemala so that I could watch the sunrise from the top of Temple IV. I am certain that the only reason I was not eaten or attacked by wild animals was that they were in complete awe at my stupidity. I could see their eyeballs watching me.
Meet Your Board Member: David Glaize
Where do you work and what is your position?
Co-owner of Glaize & Brother Juice Co. and Old Town Cidery
Tell us about your family farm/orchard
Glaize Apples are grown in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Since the early 1900s, four generations of Glaizes have added to the history of premium fruit harvests between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains
How did you get into cider?
In 2012 my brother and I convinced our dad to top work existing trees into cider specific fruit. Around that same time I started experimenting with 5 gallon carboys and fell in love with the natural chemistry, and history, of the process. In 2017 we put in a juicing facility to service the cider/wine/beer industry with fresh pressed juice. In 2019 we hired a cidermaker (Stephen Kelly), and in 2020 launched Old Town Cidery.
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
I wanted to represent our region not only as a cidery but also as a grower. I want to help promote the growth of cider but also the expansion of apple orchards. It is important for me to keep the land in apples and working directly with cideries, orchardists, and law-makers can help achieve that goal.
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
I want to see the US Cider Industry continue to grow and establish itself as a leading producer of top notch cider throughout the world. We also need to better understand the demand for fresh juice vs concentrate, and the global supply/scale of apples and concentrate. The US Cider Industry has potential to play a large role in helping promote sustainable growing/juicing practices.
How do you describe your cider region?
Our cider region is dense with apple varietals, rich in history, and very complex. Virginia offers mass produced sweet ciders, fruity adjunct ciders, and also traditional single varietals of heirloom fruit. Virginia is home to some of the oldest apple varieties in the US, and some would argue Virginians were the first to drink, and perfect, the craft.
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
The Idared and Black Twig. The Idared is one of the first to come off the trees so it is early to the press. It is my favorite to ferment. Its flesh is straight white and loaded with fruity notes plus the perfect touch of acidity. The Black Twig is one of the last apples we pick and stores very well in cold storage. It showcases a thick body with an earthy aroma that is hard to find in any other apple. Both the Idared and Black Twig produce amazing single varietals, but also do well blended.
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
In my eyes, it all pairs well together. I’m not too picky when it comes to food nor drink. But if I had to say something, it would be pork.
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
Its hard to beat drinking a cider while walking through the orchard that helped produce it.
ACA Announces Board Election Results
Last Friday, the American Cider Association (ACA) announced the results of their annual board of directors election at their 2022 industry trade conference called CiderCon®, held this year in Richmond, Virginia. The ACA is the nation’s non-profit trade group working to protect and advance the hard cider industry. Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider in Gervais, Oregon was elected by members to the ACA board as a director-at-large and David Glaize of Old Town Cidery in Winchester, Virginia was elected as the Southern Chair, tasked with serving as the liaison for the ACA’s Southern members and the Board of Directors.
Notably, both new board members are multi-generational apple growers in addition to being cidermakers. Apples are a critical ingredient in cider’s production as all hard cider–traditional, bottle-conditioned, fruited or otherwise–is made from fermenting apple juice using the same fermentation methods as wine. Having a substantial grower presence on the board of directors connects the board further with cider’s most important ingredient–apples.
New ACA Board Members
Christine Walter grew up on the family farm, Bauman Farms, in rural Oregon. Raising apples and pressing juice with her family are some of her earliest memories. She studied Biochemistry in college, and eventually made it back to the farm where she now makes award winning Bauman’s Cider in the barn. She is currently a member of the board of The Cider Institute of North America, close partners of ACA. She is energetic, creative, and strategic.
David Glaize is a 4th generation apple grower in Winchester VA, and co-owner of Old Town Cidery. Alongside his brother (Philip) the two convinced their dad to plant cider varieties back in 2010, and to construct a processing facility in 2018. The juice company, Glaize & Brother Juice Co, provides custom juice blends to cideries, wineries, and breweries up and down the East Coast. In working to keep the family business vertically integrated, David and his brother opened Old Town Cidery in 2021. David is a member of US Apple–a trade group for apple producers–and hopes to help deepen the relationship between the two groups. He is passionate about consumer education and farmland protection.
2022 ACA Board Officers
The ACA also announced the results of their 2022 board officer elections. Dave Takush, the head cidermaker of 2 Towns Ciderhouse in Oregon joins the ACA’s executive committee as Secretary. John Behrens of Farmhaus Cider in Michigan served as the board secretary in 2021 and was newly elected as Treasurer for 2022. Brooke Glover of Swilled Dog in West Virginia and Eleanor Leger of Eden Specialty Ciders in Vermont were both reelected as Vice-President and President, respectively.
“I’m excited to work with our fantastic board and our diverse membership to move the cider industry forward with the trade and regulators. Together, we will help American drinkers of all demographics discover and enjoy the amazing range of great ciders in the marketplace,” says Leger.
Retiring Directors
Paul Vander Heide of Vander Mill Cider in Michigan and David Thornton of James Creek Cider House in North Carolina both completed their ACA board service this year.
“Paul and David are both incredibly strong leaders,” says ACA executive director, Michelle McGrath. “Paul and I have worked very closely together to grow the ACA since my hiring in 2016. It’s been an honor to work with him and learn from his mentorship. And David was a force for positive change. I am a better leader for having worked with both Paul and David, and I will miss their presence on the board tremendously.”
Membership Meeting
The ACA will hold its annual virtual membership meeting, with opportunities to meet board member, on March 8, 2022 at 10AM Pacific. Members will be sent meeting details by email.
“Our virtual membership meeting last year was a big success. The board loved it so much we’re going to do it every year now,” says McGrath. “It’s a great chance to talk more deeply about strategic initiatives on the heels of CiderCon® conversations.”
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ACA Board Elections
Please meet the candidates for the 2022 Board of Directors! We will email active cidery level members their ballots Wednesday and they will close Friday.
At Large Cidery Seat – 3 Candidates
Christine Walter, Bauman’s Cider Company
I know that an organization like the American Cider Association makes a thousand small decisions and hosts hundreds of conversations all along the way to be the effective industry-shaping force that it is. Casting a broad net with regard to diversity and inclusion is no little thing. Spearheading and advocating for the kind of lasting legislation that makes or breaks cidermakers of all sizes is transformative work as well. I want to bring my creativity and energy to the board, to help shape the conversations and lean on my experiences as a small farm-based producer to make the climate of cidermaking more friendly to both big and small cider businesses.
ABOUT CHRISTINE
I grew up on my family’s farm in rural Oregon. Raising apples and pressing juice with my family are some of my earliest memories. I studied Biochemistry in college, and started and ran a small retail company for 22 years before discovering and quickly falling in love with cider. It took me a couple years to convince my family that cider was a real thing and that I might be able to make it on the farm if they would only let me use a small corner of a barn.
I think you can imagine that I have since taken over the whole barn, and created a huge following among my family. And I absolutely love making cider, drinking cider and being around cider makers!
I am currently a member of the board of The Cider Institute of North America and regular guest instructor.
Adam Ruhland, Wild State Cider
I want to see your cidery succeed. The realities of owning a successful cidery extend well beyond making amazing liquid. I’d like to help support the ACA and it’s members by being a champion for practical resources and initiatives for the average cider business owner. This includes increased support and programming around finance/funding, marketing, distribution, product innovation, human resources, and retail strategies.
It’s a tough market out there for even the most established brands, and we need to work together to grow our individual cideries and, in turn, the whole category. Cider exists in a strange and ever-changing place in the alcohol market. Our relevance depends on the strategies used by our members to meet our customers where they are, which involves frequent change and re-thinking how we operate our businesses.
As a board member, I’ll help the ACA maintain a focus on how it can practically support the needs of the average member working hard to succeed in a crowded market.
ABOUT ADAM
Adam Ruhland is the co-owner of Wild State Cider and president of the Minnesota Cider Guild. WIld State is a Duluth, MN based cidery started in 2019 that sells cider in five states and employs 27 individuals. Adam spent five years as a special education teacher before making the jump to entrepreneurship. He believes anything is possible through creativity, hard work, and education. Adam is married with two young children, a dog, and a cat named Kevin. He loves cross-country skiing, trail running, and mountain biking with his kids.
Steve Hance, Number 12 Cider
One thing my experience in serving non-profits has taught me is that there is typically no shortage of great ideas but a great shortage of initiative. Volunteer board members have day jobs that take priority and organizations often struggle to find people that will actually dedicate real time and effort to the organization. For better or worse, I have always been one to raise my hand and volunteer my time when it comes to this kind of service. The reward is seeing the positive impact and being directly involved in something worthwhile.
We all want to see cider grow, and hopefully not just for the bottom line, but because we want to share the joy of cider with everyone. I think a strong ACA is critical for that goal.
The ACA has already made great strides to help cider grow since its inception. CiderCon is an incredible event for us to come together and share ideas. The CCP program is a great way for us to develop our own conventions. Gathering and sharing market data is essential for us to understand how we can fit in to the economy and grow.
Moving forward, I would like to help the Board expand on these and other existing initiatives, but also to find new ways to connect with more of those potential cider-makers and drinkers out there. One thing I see for cider compared to other products, is a lack of resources for people seeking to learn how to start making cider themselves and all of the different styles of cider.
We have a great foundation, lets build on that but also start looking beyond the die-hard cider fanatics and market to the next generation of cider-makers.
I would be honored to serve on the Board if you choose to elect me.
ABOUT STEVE
I am the President of Number 12 Cider in Minneapolis where I live with my wife and our 14-year-old son. I have been making cider for about 25 years. Most of that time I have been “that guy” who always had plenty of cider to share whenever the chance arose. I am a student of history, and I love learning about the tradition and history of cider.
Although I am a lawyer by trade, a few years ago I decided to follow my passion and started an orchard-based cidery in the small town of Buffalo, Minnesota with my friend and business partner Colin. We were one of the first cideries in Minnesota when we started in 2014. Four years later we built a new facility in Minneapolis.
I helped to create the Minnesota Cider Guild where I have served as its President and Treasurer. It has been a joy to see cider grow in Minnesota and nationally since then. Outside of my law career and cider, I have dedicated countless hours to other non-profits as Organizer, Board Member, President and other posts.
Eastern Chair
CT, MA, ME, PA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT.
Eleanor Leger, Eden Ciders
I believe more than ever that cider’s future is strengthened when we draw the connection from apples to orchards to cider. Stories of growers, varieties, and the flavors that apples bring to ciders and to food pairings are what can move people to a greater appreciation of the diversity among cider offerings and a greater openness to considering cider as a choice on the shelf or at the table. These stories will benefit large and small cideries alike, across all price points and methods. Our fruit is what makes our product more expensive than grain or cane sugar-based alcohols. We all must celebrate it if we are to claim the price points we need for economic sustainability across size and method. In this sense, we are truly united in our “big tent” approach. All cider is made from apples and we as a category share pride in that. As passionate as I am about the high end, expensive ciders I make from rare and delicious apples, I want cider as a broad category to succeed, at all price points and across all processes. I am excited to engage with all the wonderful cideries in the large Eastern Region, to seek their input and feedback, to work collaboratively with Michelle and fellow board members to reach sound decisions, and to move us all forward.
ABOUT ELEANOR
Eleanor started producing ice cider with her husband Albert in the basement of their Vermont farmhouse in 2007. For the next eight years they built the business themselves, planting 1,000 trees, developing partnerships with other small local orchards, and working together in the cellar to produce ice ciders, and eventually expanding into dry wine-style ciders and apple-based aperitifs.
Today Eleanor primarily runs the business, the team has grown to six people, and in 2020 they launched a new line of harvest-driven ciders in cans. Before cider Eleanor was an over-educated execu-mom who was underwhelming her potential in corporate america. Now she parses TTB forms and depletion reports with gusto. With spare time she doesn’t have, she occasionally writes about small cidery economics at cidernomics.com.
In addition to serving on the board of the ACA as an At Large Member from 2015-2018, and Eastern Region Chair from 2019 to the present, Eleanor is a founder of the Vermont Cider Makers Association, and was appointed to the inaugural Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Board, proving once again that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Southern Chair
AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV, MD, DE, DC.
David Glaize, Old Town Cidery & Glaize & Brother Juice Co.
American Cider Association is the liaison between cider-makers/enthusiasts, and law makers, consumers, and buyers. As a member of the ACA board, David will work as the voice for cideries to promote industry growth and to broaden consumer education. David is a 4th generation apple grower and fresh juice provider. His understanding of the base industry will contribute immensely to supporting sustainable practices that lead to high quality juice/cider and hopefully orchard expansion. In selling fresh juice to over a dozen cideries throughout the South, David will represent the southern region with a strong understanding of what cideries need, and what the consumer wants. David has worked/lobbied with USApple and is familiar with policy making that helps protect our industry. With an end goal to keep the land in apple trees, David will do what it takes to get more people drinking more apples!
ABOUT DAVID
David Glaize is a 4th generation apple grower in Winchester VA, and co-owner of Old Town Cidery. Alongside his brother (Philip) the two convinced their dad to plant cider varieties back in 2010, and to construct a processing facility in 2018. The juice company, Glaize & Brother Juice Co, provides custom juice blends to cideries, wineries, and breweries up and down the East Coast. In working to keep the family business vertically integrated, David and his brother opened Old Town Cidery in 2021. David resides in Winchester VA with his wife Mimi, and two children, Charlotte and Walker.
Large Cidery Seat
Ben Calvi, Vermont Hard Cider
I have served on the ACA board since 2016 as a representative for large producers. Over the years, I have worked on the CCP, Legislative, Financial, and AEI committees. As board treasurer, I advised the ACA on its business plan, financial policies, and tax returns. I continue to work on the legislative committee addressing legal and regulatory issues important to Cider following passage of the Cider Act in 2015. And most recently, I joined the Anti-racism, Equity & Inclusion committee to support its development and outreach to members. There are 2 strategic goals I am most excited to participate in: (1) building Cider’s Political Power and (2) creating a more Sustainable and Inclusive Future for cider. The ACA has a unique position to speak on behalf of the cider industry. From lobbying efforts in Washington D.C. to liaising with state and regional chapters, the ACA must work to ensure regulations align with how cider is made and sold in the U.S. and to make sure laws and regulations allow all our members to remain competitive and well represented in the bev-alc landscape. Cider is a small and niche industry, however, it is not isolated from the broader social and cultural changes rippling through our nation. In the past few years, the ACA has begun to look within our organization, to educate ourselves, and to advocate for a more diverse and inclusive industry. It is not an easy task, nor always a comfortable one, but it is necessary so that cider becomes a beverage for all and a place where all people feel welcome.
ABOUT BEN
Ben Calvi was born and raised in Vermont and is an accomplished cider & wine maker. He joined Vermont Hard Cider in 2015 and now leads operations as COO. At prior roles in California, Germany, and Vermont, he has made wines and ciders for Quintessa, Esser, the Robert Mondavi Institute, Burklin-Wolf, and Champlain Orchards. Ben earned a Master of Science in Viticulture & Enology from the University of California Davis, a post-Bach from the University of Vermont, and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Middlebury College. He serves on boards of the American Cider, Vermont Cider, and Vermont Tree Fruit Growers associations, and he was a founding member of the Atletico Middlebury Soccer Club. Ben lives in Cornwall, VT with his wife and two children enjoying music, sport, and anything outdoors.
Nominations for 2022 ACA Board of Directors Open
Running for the ACA board of directors is a great way to get involved in lifting our industry up. We are actively recruiting individuals from US-based cider companies to run for the board of directors. These are volunteer positions with a three year commitment. Active membership of the association is required and candidates must be permanent employees or owners of active bonded-cideries to run. Board seats up for election this year include:
- “At Large” (Open to all regions and cidery sizes)
- LARGE Cidery (>1M gal produced in 2020)
- Southern Regional Chair (AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)
- Eastern Regional Chair (CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT)
Interested candidates should complete the self-nomination form by January 25:
Have questions about board service? Reach out to Michelle.
Do you know who is on the current board? Meet them HERE.
Developing a more diverse and equitable cider industry and association is a long-term project that requires conscious iterative investment at every stage. Our board is actively working toward goal development in this area (read a blog post from our board vice president, Brooke Glover). We believe that representation matters in reaching those goals and we are thus encouraging diverse candidates including women, BIPOCs, LGTBQIA+, veterans and people with disabilities to run for the board of directors.
Letter from Board President Eleanor Leger
Dear Cider Friends –
As the new year begins, I am reflecting on the special challenges our incredible industry faces. 2022 will inevitably require more adaptation to supply chain issues, inflation, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic on sales channels and business models. These conditions are impacting all sectors of the alcoholic beverage market, but the special challenges we face in cider are a function of our small category size and the limited resources and power we have among ourselves to build awareness among consumers and achieve leverage in distribution.
I believe more than ever that cider’s future is strengthened when we draw the connection from apples to orchards to cider. Stories of growers, varieties, and the flavors that apples bring to ciders and to food pairings are what can move people to a greater appreciation of the diversity among cider offerings and a greater openness to considering cider as a choice on the shelf or at the table. These stories will benefit large and small cideries alike, across all price points and methods. Our fruit is what makes our product more expensive than grain or cane sugar based alcohols. We all must celebrate it if we are to claim the price points we need for economic sustainability across size and method. In this sense, we are truly united in our “big tent” approach. All cider is made from apples and we as a category share pride in that.
On an exciting note, we are seeing new cideries continue to open across the country. Also increasing are wineries and breweries who are adding ciders to their product line ups, including new orchard operations. These will be more voices helping to spread the word about apples and cider. Concurrently, as an association, we have invested this year in more projects to measure and report on the growth of cideries. Additionally, for the first time, we are reporting on trends in the segments of the market that are often missed by data services such as Nilsen and IRI, including cellar door and cider club sales and sales to smaller and/or regional on-premises accounts. This will allow us to create a fuller picture of the American cider market. Stay tuned for more exciting data announcements!
We are excited to include this new data perspective in our CiderCon® program in Richmond next month. The ACA team, volunteers and partners have worked hard to identify the best tracks, presenters and topics based on your feedback, from apples and orcharding to production, compliance and more. CiderCon® covers these important topics across a range of experience and business models: from enthusiast to expert, from taprooms to cider clubs, and from high volume cans to small batch natural ciders. Michelle and the Board are working to make sure we can hold CiderCon® safely in the current environment, and there will continue to be updates as the date draws nearer.
I wish all of you, your families and team members health and prosperity for 2022. In the meantime, if I can be of service, if you have questions, if you have comments or suggestions, I will always be delighted to hear from you.
Get to Know Your Board Member: Soham Bhatt
We’re pleased to introduce you to the newest ACA Board Member, Soham Bhatt of Artifact Cider Project who was elected to an At Large Cidery Seat on the board in 2021!
Where do you work and what is your position?
Co-founder and cidermaker at Artifact Cider Project in Massachusetts
Do you work in cider full time? If not, what is your other job?
Full-time
How did you get into cider?
As a customer! I had a few “epiphany ciders” that pushed me from customer to producer and changed my worldview on the relationship between apples and cider: West County Cider, Oliver’s, Cidre Dupont, and Gurutzeta.
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
Cider is at an exciting moment in it’s growth as an industry, and I think that I can provide a unique perspective on customer education and advocacy of cider as a category.
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
That it’s here to stay. Some alcohol trends come and go, styles come and go, but I’d really like cider to become a fundamental part of the cultural landscape of the United States.
How do you describe your cider region?
Broadly, our region is the Northeast. The apples we work with primarily grow in MA, NY, NH, and VT. When we make terroir-driven ciders, we focus specifically on the middle Connecticut River valley, upper Berkshires area.
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
Depends on the grower. I love Roxbury Russet because of its provenance, but also because of its richness, versatility, and distinct flavor profile. McIntosh is an oft-maligned apple that in the right hands with the right tools is also quite explosive aromatically and exciting. In terms of European apples, I would have to say that Yarlington Mill, with its floral, fruity softness, is also a pleasure to work with and makes me yearn for an American seedling that can supplant it.
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
Depends on the cider. I love fresh, fruit forward ciders at the start of a meal, so anything snack-y, like pâté, tinned fish, basically any cheese, raw bar, takis, cheetos, funyuns, chips of various flavors, fried goodies.
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
Also depends on the cider. I love a dry, funky cider at dusk, sitting ocean side around early May, when the flowers are beginning to bloom but the water’s still too cold to take a swim.
What would you like our members to know about you that they might not know?
My wife and I are enthusiastic travelers (pre-Covid), and love to explore new places around the world. As avid home cooks we try to take cooking classes and eat everything wherever we go. Upon returning we try to replicate our favorite dishes for our friends. Come over and eat!
Learn more about all our board members here.
Get to Know ACA President Eleanor Leger
International Women’s Day has been happening for a little over 100 years, but we all know the mark women have made upon history is much longer than that and so has been their role in cidermaking. Furthermore, we continue to see more women take a leading role in the cider industry.
You’ve already been introduced to Vice President Brooke Glover today. Now it’s time to get to know ACA Board President Eleanor Leger. Eleanor has been involved with the ACA since it’s inception and has served on the board in various capacities over the years. She was elected to be Board President in 2021.
Where do you work and what is your position?
Founder and CEO, Eden Specialty Ciders, Newport, VT
How did you get into cider?
I started making ice cider in our basement in 2007. One thing led to another…
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
I originally ran for an ‘At Large’ position on the Board back in 2015 hoping to represent the perspective of smaller, orchard-based cideries. For the first few years I was the only woman and the only small cidery on the Board. We made good progress in professionalizing the Association, moving our finances from spreadsheets to QuickBooks, hiring our first Executive Director in Michelle, and including a track at CiderCon of relevance to smaller orchard-based producers. I was honored to be re-elected in 2019 as Eastern Region Chair.
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
I’m encouraged by the continued steady growth of regional ciders. I look forward to increasing awareness of cider’s diversity of flavors and methods, our ties to orchards and agriculture, and our efforts to welcome all to our products, our taprooms, and our industry.
What do you feel you uniquely bring to the board?
I bring a unique combination of 1) a professional background in business and product strategy, 2) 14 years as a very small scale grower and producer, 3) experience with wide distribution in the market due to our leadership in the tiny niche of ice cider. This means I have some understanding of the needs of cideries of all sizes and strategies, and of the complexities of the regulations, market dynamics and business challenges that impact them.
How would you describe the approach you plan to take in your role as president of the ACA board?
Our role is to work with Michelle to set the overall strategy and plans for the Association and support her in achieving them. I’ve been involved in the development of our new strategic plan, and am very excited about the initiatives we will be working on. I will be looking to insure our work is delivering benefits for all segments of our industry, and that we are consciously expanding our outreach – to the hundreds of small cideries that may not realize how our programming can help them, to the apple growing community that shares a stake in our future, and to Black, Indigenous and People of Color among consumers, trade, producers and suppliers whom we invite to join our journey.
Finally, I want to make sure we all have FUN doing this work. One of the things I have loved most about being in this industry is that by and large we are down-to-earth people that enjoy having a good cider at the end of the day, and are excited to have others party with us!
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
At Eden we work with so many heirloom and tannic varieties it is difficult to choose just one. For right now I will choose Belle de Boskoop – an old Dutch russet that actually became very popular in Normandy. We just released a single-variety of this from the 2019 harvest at Scott Farm. It has wonderful juicy acidity with pronounced orange and tropical notes.
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
Any dry, tannic still cider with a pan-seared pork chop, also shortbread cookies with a glass of ice cider at the end of a meal!
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
Sitting on the beach at nearby, aptly-named Crystal Lake with a can of Deep Cut.
What would you like our members to know about you that they might not know?
I have two grown children, two border collies, and am blessed to be married to a saint for more than 35 years 🙂
Get to Know ACA Vice President Brooke Glover
International Women’s Day has been happening for a little over 100 years, but we all know the mark women have made upon history is much longer than that and so has been their role in cidermaking. Furthermore, we continue to see more women take a leading role in the cider industry.
Today we invite you to get to know the two women at the helm of the ACA board–first up, Vice-President Brooke Glover. Brooke was re-elected to the board and re-elected to the position of Vice President in 2021.
Where do you work and what is your position?
I am one of the co-founders and President at Swilled Dog Hard Cider and Swilled Dog Spirits.
How did you get into cider?
The first time my husband took me back to his hometown, we went to one of his friend’s cellars and I was able to try dry cider, straight from the barrel, made from West Virginia apples. Up to that point, I had only experienced sweet cider. So that was very eye-opening for me that there were many ways to make cider and I pretty much fell in love with the beverage. We then started exploring the category more and making it at home. I also soon found out that my grandfather used to make cider when he was younger- I didn’t know that about him so it has been cool for me to talk to him about that part of his life that I knew nothing about.
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
I really enjoy being of service and feeling like I can make a difference. We have such an amazing industry and I want it to continue growing and thriving.
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
Growth. I believe that growth will come with better understanding of the category and education about the beverage, how it’s made and the passion that goes into it from the makers.
What do you feel you uniquely bring to the board?
Our board has varied and wonderful skill sets and backgrounds but something unique that I try to bring to our work every day is positivity and a growth mindset to everything we do. Challenges do (and will continue to) arise and I enjoy tackling those and always try to think of it as a chance to grow and improve.
How would you describe the approach you plan to take in your role as vice president of the ACA board?
I’ve been Vice-President now for two years and I’ve always tried to make sure I’m doing more listening than talking- I want to continue doing that this year. Also, I try to make sure everything we do is working toward fulfilling our mission and our strategic plan. The strategic plan takes a lot of time, effort, and mindshare to develop and it is important that we stay on track with working that plan. And lastly, I want to make sure I am supporting the board, Michelle, and our new President, Eleanor, as much as possible.
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
I love the Virginia Hewes Crab. It is tiny and is a ton of work but it is very worth it. The flavor that it provides is amazing and we have bunch that grow here in West Virginia, so I’m keeping it local!
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
I love a dry cider paired with a nice cheese tray.
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
My favorite nature/cider pairing is our Pumpkin Patch cider sitting around a fire in the early fall in West Virginia listening to Tony Caridi calling the Mountaineers on the radio. It really doesn’t get much better than that but my second favorite is our Pineapple cider on the beach.
What would you like our members to know about you that they might not know?
Just two fun facts: I played Division I college volleyball and we also own a distillery.
2021 ACA Board Election Results
The American Cider Association announced the results of its 2021 Board of Director Elections live from CiderCon 2021 today. The ACA membership elected Brooke Glover, Soham Bhatt and Ryan Burk. Burk and Glover are board veterans and Bhatt is excited to be serving on the board for the first time.
The Board also selected its 2021 officers. They are:
Outgoing President Paul Vander Heide will remain on the board and looks forward to working closely with the new officers.
Sam Fitz of ANXO Cider in Washington DC, board member as a Cidery-At-Large, did not run for re-election in 2021. Sam has been a very engaged and contributive board member and looks forward to staying engaged with the association as a member in the next year.
Eleanor Leger shares her excitement to be serving as the 2021 Board Presdient:
I am honored to be newly elected as Board President of the American Cider Association. We have a fantastic new strategic plan with initiatives to strengthen understanding and support in the trade, make innovation and compliance easier, to support cider makers of all sizes and models, and to specifically reach out to Black, Indigenous and People of Color to let them know we welcome them as makers, customers, influencers, trade buyers and suppliers. As we go forward, I pledge to you that as Board President, my email door is always open, that I will work with my fellow Board members and Michelle to strengthen our organization and the value it delivers to you, our members, and that we will do our work in a way that brings us together in our common goal to build a great industry for everyone. – Eleanor Leger, 2021 ACA Board President
For media inquiry about these election results, please contact Michelle McGrath: michelle [at] ciderassociation [dot] org.
2021 ACA Board Candidates
As a 501C-6 non-profit membership-based trade association for the US hard cider industry, each year the American Cider Association holds elections for our board of directors. The board members play a critical role in governance and oversight as well as guiding strategic decisions. Our bylaws have established specific seats that include representation for regions and cidery size (gallons produced). Our succession plan rotates which seats are up for election each year to ensure a mixture of new perspective and institutional knowledge. This year there are 3 seats who are up for election—2 are “At Large” and the third is for Large Cidery (>1M g; voted for among ‘Large Cidery’ members only).
Our elections are electronic with a vote by email system. Each cidery gets 1 ballot. Ballots are sent to the Primary Contact email in our database. Members are encouraged to get team input on who your cidery is voting for.
Ballots will go out Wednesday morning and will close Friday morning. Only active ACA members will receive a ballot. As there are two seats available for the At Large Director category, members will have the chance to cast a vote for two candidates.
It is our pleasure to introduce to you the 2021 ACA Board Election Candidates. At Large Candidates: Brooke Glover, James Chuck, Soham Bhatt and Tyler Butcher. Large Cidery Candidate: Ryan Burk. Scroll down to get to know all of these candidates and what they hope to do on the board of the ACA.
>>At-Large Board Candidates
Brooke Glover – Swilled Dog Hard Cider (West Virginia) Watch Brooke’s Candidate Statement and read her words below:
“My name is Brooke Glover, and I am the co-founder of Swilled Dog Hard Cider, a small cidery out of West Virginia. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Board of the ACA for the past three years, including as Vice-President for the last two, as well as chair of the Marketing Committee and as a member of the Gov’t Affairs Committee. It would be an honor to continue my service to the industry and to our members and I’d like to focus on three things should I be re-elected: 1. Regulatory affairs and lobbying for our industry. We’ve had some significant wins this year in this department and I’d like to continue advocating for our members and keep the momentum to help make regulations fair and logical. 2. Continuing to act as a representative for our smaller cideries. Smaller cideries need to continue to have a voice in the decisions that affect our approach to the industry’s growth. This includes helping to get data that can be used to make business decisions and gain shelf space. 3. Continued growth of the industry. To fulfill the ACA’s mission of having a successful and diverse industry, we need to work together and support each other. Bringing together all cidermakers in this goal needs to continue to be a focus for our organization. Thanks so much! I would love the privilege of continuing to serve you and I appreciate your vote.”
James Chuck – Empire Cider (New York) Watch James’s Candidate Statement and read his words below:
“I know how tough the cider business is. I’m running for an At Large Board position because I want to help you and your company survive COVID and thrive once it’s over. I co-founded the Empire Cider Company in New York State in 2013 to make great ciders from New York apples. We’ve had some successes and failures, won awards and helped others throughout the country do so, too. I’ve served on the Marketing committees of both the ACA and the New York Cider Association, and am a member of the NYCA’s Social Justice Committee. As an At Large member I’d apply my background in hard cider company management, strategy consulting, social entrepreneurship, economic development and digital marketing to: 1) Help us all grow the US cider category by 50% to $2 billion with gains in every region and state; 2) Protect and increase cider shelf-space in off-premise accounts; 3) Support cider’s return to on-premise accounts so that sales and margins post-COVID are better than pre-COVID; and 4) Create tools and templates to help small and medium sized cideries achieve lasting profitability. Additionally, I would support Michelle’s work advocating to ensure an inclusive and successful US cider industry in which you can achieve healthy living-wages and sustainable economic viability in order to continue your passion of cider-making, environmental and land stewardship, and job preservation and creation in your community.
I’m committed to contribution and I’d be grateful for your vote and the opportunity to serve you as an At Large member on the Board of the American Cider Association. Thank you very much.”
Soham Bhatt – Artifact Cider (Massachussetts) Watch Soham’s Candidate Statement and read his words below:
“This past July during an otherwise hilarious monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! comedian Iliza Shlesinger did a bit on hard seltzer brands. She joked, “the hard seltzer race, too many contenders!…we saw this gold rush with the flavored water game and hard cider game”. [cringe]. While it might be true that hard seltzer is getting saturated, I know for a fact that “the hard cider game” is anything but a gold rush. Having started my cidery with my best friend and our paltry pooled life savings, it was dispiriting to think that the mainstream understanding of this beverage had been reduced to a flash-in-the-pan, forgettable fad drink. Even after untold fits, starts, and the motivation pulverizing life of small business, I’m still optimistic about the promise of cider. I’m optimistic about the diversity of approaches we have in the United States and how we can collaborate with our peers across the globe. I’m excited about everything from exploring terroir in cider to the coolest co-ferment on the block. But I think that on the most fundamental level, it’s still a broadly and tragically misunderstood beverage. So my goal, if honored with the opportunity to serve on the board of the ACA, is a simple and focused one. I’d like to contribute and expand the work currently being done to figure out new and novel ways to educate the trade and our drinkers about cider, our different approaches, the value of diversity in those approaches, and why cider is not a fad. Despite our differences, there are a number of things that all cider producers can agree on and industry materials should reflect it. Perhaps someday as a result of these efforts, Iliza will know the difference between the ‘gold rush’ she referenced and the Gold Rush we care about.”
Tyler Butcher – Kekionga Cider Company (Indiana) Watch Tyler’s Candidate Statment and read his words below:
“Hello all. I am the co-founder of Kekionga Craft Company, which opened in July of 2017. We are a farm winery that is located within a historic apple mill, dating back to the late 1920’s. Cider is our primary focus, as we can and bottle for distribution in the 10-county area of northeast Indiana. I recently joined our company full time to manage all the business operations. I have 10+ years of experience in the accounting and finance industry. I have worked for companies with revenues that range from 12 mil up to 6 billion. Currently, I hold the position of treasurer for the Northeast Indiana Beer Trail. I am hoping that my passion for small business and the alcohol industry, combined with my financial background, would be a great fit for the American Cider Association.”
>> Large Cidery Board Candidate
Ryan Burk – Angry Orchard (New York) Watch Ryan’s Candidate Statement and read his word’s below.
“Hey, American Cider Association! Ryan Burk here from Angry Orchard. I am asking for your vote for my third term on the ACA board. I’m really excited to continue my work on the board, and to contribute at a high level to the cider industry at large. I definitely appreciate being able to be a bridge between CINA, that’s the Cider Institute of North America, and the American Cider Association Board. Education in the cellar is something that I’m personally interested in and invested in, not just for myself but for other cidermakers. Certainly education as relates to the CCP and the Certified Pommelier program, connecting with our friends in the bars, at the wholesaler, etc, provides an opportunity to elevate their own education and become experts in cider. We can continue to develop a shared language about what cider is. All of these things are really interesting to me, and I think are our greatest opportunities as we move forward with our dynamic and growing industry.
I think that I can share a local‑here in New York‑national, and global perspective, with the board, and with the industry, and I’m happy to continue to get that opportunity. Cheers and happy CiderCon!”
ACA Board of Directors Election Announcement
The American Cider Association is accepting nominations for joining their board of directors. Nominations are due January 22. These are volunteer positions with a three year commitment. Active membership of the association is one of the few requirements. There are three seats in this year’s election. Incumbents whose terms are up for renewal may choose to run for these seats again. The three seats up for renewal are:
- At Large 1 (Open to any permanent salaried employee of US-based ACA member cidery in any region – no size restrictions)
- At Large 2 (Open to any permanent salaried employee of US-based ACA member cidery in any region – no size restrictions)
- Large Cidery (Open to any salaried permanent employee of US-based ACA member cidery in any region where 2020 production was more than 1 million gallons of cider)
Interested candidates should complete the self-nomination form here:
Have questions about board service? Reach out to Michelle. She can send you an informational video that she recorded last year and schedule a time to chat.
Do you know who is on the 2020 board? Meet them HERE.
Developing a more diverse and equitable cider industry and association is a long-term project that requires conscious iterative investment at every stage. Our board is actively working toward goal development in this area (read a recent blog post from our board vice president, Brooke Glover). We believe that representation matters in reaching those goals and we are thus encouraging diverse candidates including women, BIPOCs, LGTBQIA+, veterans and people with disabilities to run for the board of directors.
Get to Know Your New Board Member: Philippe Bishop
Meet Philippe Bishop, who was elected to the board as an at large member in 2020!
Where do you work and what is your position?
I am a partner with my folks at Alpenfire Cider, primarily I handle our sales, designs and the marketing side of things… But as every small business owner I wear many hats when needed. For instance, I’m currently sitting on the ferry heading over to the orchard to off-load a trailer of bottles for our 2019 releases.
Do you work in cider full time? If not, what is your other job?
I am with Alpenfire full time.
How did you get into cider?
I blame my parents . My first sips of cider that I remember were around 1990 sailing up in the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. It was super sweet, came in a 2 liter plastic bottle and was flavored with peach or berries or something. Perfect for my young palate. That sparked my interest, then when we decided to get into the business and feeling the connection to the land after years of clearing it, working the soil, and planting trees is really what firmed up my love for cider. As time and Alpenfire progressed we needed ways to sell it, I jumped on that and haven’t looked back.
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
I am passionate about the cider industry and felt I could help give a voice to the über small orchard based producers out there.
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
For cider to grow, from the trees to the glass. I would like to see the industry help spur a younger generation into growing trees and working the land. I would like to see the cider lexicon educate the buyers, the media and the influencers, plus help consumers find a cider they like and realize not every cider is the same. I want people to want to learn about cider, know their apples and celebrate the differences from large to small and urban to orchard based producers like us.
How do you describe your cider region?
We have a lot of passionate good people up here making primarily modern interpretations of cider spurred by an abundance and availability of eating apples. It has closely followed the beer industry and the term “innovation.” I’m not a big fan of that word but it seems to fit where we are. We as a whole have done a great job of offering a wide selection to the consumers. That has paid off by a fair amount of shelf space and lots of taps dedicated to local cider but I feel we have a ways to go on the educational front and helping people to better understand cider.
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
Our Foxwhelp apple. It may not be the “real” one but it has all the great characteristics of the traditional bittersharp apple and does very well in our orchard. It is also a very large apple, so easy to pick though they have gotten smaller as our orchard has matured. It ferments well, and given the proper time (roughly 1.5 years), makes a stellar single varietal cider!
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
Too many to list really! I believe what grows together goes together and being in the maritime climate 1/2 mile or so from the beach I really enjoy most seafood with our Pirates Plank Bone Dry. The earthy tannins, subtle acids, and hints of salinity make things like oysters POP!
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
Our Ember Bittersweet by the glow of a campfire.
What would you like our members to know about you that they might not know?
There’s life outside of cider? My wife Shannon and I live in Seattle with our kids Sierra & Cortland along with our old cranky dog Zephyr. I love and crave being outdoors, specifically either deep in the woods or at the beach. The further away from crowds I can get the better.
Learn about the rest of your board members HERE!
Get to Know Your Board Member: Talia Haykin
Here’s another installment of Get to Know Your Board Member. Meet Talia Haykin, representing the Mountain West Region, including the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Where do you work and what is your position?
I own Haykin Family Cider with my husband Daniel. He is the cidermaker and I basically do everything else. We joke that I am the CEO/COO/CMO/CFO/CSO and any other C’s you can think of along with – salesperson, packaging expert, club manager, inventory specialist, and occasionally, bartender.
Do you work in cider full time? If not, what is your other job?
These days I mostly work in cider though I maintain my freelance business doing marketing, social media strategy, content creation, and occasionally website building. Oh and being a mom. That’s my other full time job.
How did you get into cider?
It was a complete accident. We made our first batch on October 30, 2013 just for fun and it spiraled into a business. We swore up and down that we would never professionally make cider and here we are.
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
I have worked in non-profit management for a long time. My last position was as the CMO of a large Jewish non-profit. I have worked in conjunction with and served on boards for a long time but not in the past few years. I worked with Michelle and the marketing committee as well as the CiderCon committees and really enjoyed it.
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
I hope we will be fully recognized as a legitimate and historical beverage. I hope people will see the stratification of our industry in similar ways that they view wine, beer, and spirits. There’s something for everyone and it doesn’t always boil down to “dry” and “sweet.”
How do you describe your cider region?
Impressive. Not only from a cider perspective (Colorado really pulls our weight at competitions and on the market) but also from an apple perspective. We grow exceptional fruit here in Colorado. Sometimes an early or late frost knocks us out completely but when we have the apples, they are amazing.
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
Tough question. Since we focus on single varietals, we get 40+ different apples to work with plus small batches of things that go into our blends. Honestly, my favorites are the ones that I can bring home to my kids. In season, we always have a huge box of Akane or Esopus Spitzenberg apples at our house. They also happen to make exceptional ciders.
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
Again tough question. Daniel and I tend to focus so much on the flavor profile of the cider that we forget to eat with it. However, we have worked with some awesome chefs and foodies. Maybe cheese and cider? We did an awesome five-course cheese pairing with my friend Colleen from Behind the Rind and I was able to taste incredible flavors in both the cheese and cider that weren’t there on their own. I also like a cider that pairs well with a full meal. Our 2018 Dabinett was so awesome – we brought a magnum to Thanksgiving dinner and it paired perfectly from appetizers to dessert!
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
I do love chilled cider in a sparkling wine glass at a nice hotel in the mountains… 😉
What would you like our members to know about you that they might not know?
Coming from a family of generations of rabbis, my dad hoped I would follow in his footsteps but I was dead set on pursuing acting. Before marketing and cider, I was a professional actress. There’s still a video from a commercial I did for CZ-USA floating around the internet.
Get to know the rest of your board members at Who We Are.
Get to Know Your Board Member: John Behrens
Welcome to our next installment of Get to Know Your Board Member! This time we’re featuring John Behrens, who represents the Midwest region, including the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.
Where do you work and what is your position?
I am the owner of Farmhaus Cider Co. located near Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Do you work in cider full time?
Yes, I work in cider full time.
How did you get into cider?
I started out as a CPA, so it has been an adventure getting here. Cider for me started out as a fun challenge with friends, turned hobby, turned side project, turned business, turned full on way of life. I enjoyed the fact that it was niche and you couldn’t go to the store and purchase anything similar to what we were making, which was very different than was the case with beer at the time.
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
I believe there is still tremendous opportunity in cider. To see that opportunity we need to clear some legislative hurdles and focus strategically on how we as an industry market our products. I see the work of the American Cider Association in these two areas as critical to the long-term success of the industry.
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
I want to see much more diversity in the industry: diversity in the styles of cider commercially available, diversity from the people involved in the industry, and diversity in how we position our products. To do this, we must continue to focus the majority of our efforts and energies as an industry outward instead of inward.
How do you describe your cider region?
The Midwest Region is fortunate in that we grow a huge amount of apples here, and apples that make fantastic ciders. The challenge is that the Midwest is also a very beer-heavy region which leads to a huge amount of choice for consumers in the beverage space.
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
That is a tough question because I prefer a blend of apples, but I have a soft spot for apples with a story. Forced to choose I would probably go Spitzenburg.
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
Risotto made with a dry cider pairs perfectly with an off-dry keeved cider.
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
Sitting under a shady tree on the shores of Lake Michigan drinking a dry, sessionable cider is tough to beat.
What would you like our members to know about you that they might not know?
I love a great adventure – whether running with the bulls in Spain, bungee jumping in New Zealand or doing volunteer work with Elephants in Thailand – I’ve had many great adventures and look forward to many more!
Get to know the rest of your board members at Who We Are.
Get to Know Your Board Member: Nicole Todd
Five new board members joined the American Cider Association in 2020. We wanted to give you a chance to get to know them better. First up is Nicole Todd, who represents the Pacific Region, including California and Hawaii.
Where do you work and what is your position?
Santa Cruz Cider Co. in Santa Cruz, California. Owner/cidermaker/janitor.
Do you work in cider full time? If not, what is your other job?
Yes, I do full time cider for my company and part time brewer for a friend’s local brewery.
How did you get into cider?
We were looking to buy a house and toured a property with over two acres of apples and a tiny house. We did not end up buying it, but there was no one living in the house and it was harvest time, so we went back at night and filled our truck bed with apples. We pressed them into about 80 gallons of cider and shared with friends. Everyone liked what we were making so we went back and helped ourselves to more apples. Soon after, our friend Dave ended up buying that same piece of property and gave us free reign over the apples. It was then that we learned about the different varieties and qualities of each type and my love for apples blossomed.
Why did you decide to run for a position on the board?
I love the cider industry and everyone in it! All of the folks I have met in the industry are down to earth, hard working, real people. I wanted to be more involved in the cider community and help it grow.
What are your hopes for the future of the US Cider Industry?
That it will continue to grow and educate consumers about the wide variety of ciders available.
How do you describe your cider region?
I live in Apple City. No joke, a hundred years ago Watsonville, CA was the number one grower, packer, shipper of apples in the whole world, thus its nickname of Apple City. We have a lot of old apple orchards with 5th generation apple farmers still growing apples. While a lot of the orchards have since been taken out to make room for berries, we still have Martinelli’s being made locally and keeping the demand for our local apples. The Pajaro Valley is mostly flat with some rolling hills that lead into the Santa Cruz mountains. Orchards are planted all over the county with sizes ranging from one acre to 200 acre orchards.
What’s your favorite apple to work with and why?
I think there is something really special about the way Newtown Pippins grow in our area, I think there is a true terroir here. They are a good blending apple as well as good on their own. They cold store well and are great fresh off the tree too!
What is your favorite cider/food pairing?
Cider and cheese for sure! Especially a nice hard, salty cheese.
What is your favorite nature/cider pairing?
Beach and a dry cider on a hot day.
What would you like our members to know about you that they might not know?
I love dogs! I have always had them at home and the favorite part of my bar shifts is getting to pet the dogs other people bring in.
Get to know the rest of your board members at Who We Are.
The American Cider Association (ACA) has been quiet on social media for the last two weeks. We’ve been listening, learning, and working on a sincere, actionable response. When it comes to standing up for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) we have made critical mistakes in the past and we have done harm with our silence. We recognize that we have a lot to learn, that we will make mistakes while we are learning, and that we will grow from those mistakes. We recognize that our ability to write an email like this comes from a place of privilege.
The ACA believes Black Lives Matter. We acknowledge the injustices faced by Black individuals and we stand in solidarity with those raising their voice for change. Our society upholds white privilege in unjust ways and the cider industry and the American Cider Association are dominated by white voices. We have long felt that failure to support BIPOC in the beverage and hospitality industry falls on us as an association, but we have not taken meaningful action on those feelings. Today, it’s too easy for us to feel accomplished with a donation or a hashtag. Instead we are challenging ourselves to invest in lasting change for our organization and our industry. Our commitment to antiracism in the cider industry starts here:
- ACA commits to sending out a monthly newsletter with antiracism resources to our members for the next 12 months.
- ACA commits to participate in antibias and diversity training at the board and staff level within the next six months.
- ACA commits to additional seminars and discussions at CiderCon 2021 around diversity, equity and inclusion.
- ACA commits to not promoting cideries that use racist language or imagery.
We also challenge our members to join us in creating this needed change throughout our industry. You can actively take on this challenge in your lives and businesses in the following ways.
- Collaborate with Black-owned businesses and hire Black employees and contractors. Many communities have business directories you can use to identify Black-owned companies.
- Commit to providing antiracism and antibias training to your cidery’s employees, no matter their role. If you need help finding such resources, let us know.
- Become a patron of a black-led educational platform and participate in the readings, resources and challenges.
As part of our commitment to providing antiracism resources to our members, we will share some of the tools we mention above with our members in the coming months.
As a cider community, we must address the history that has led to a food and beverage industry that rewards racist ideals, and we need to learn how to undo those systems. It’s not easy work, but together we can move toward an equitable and inclusive cider industry that directly recognizes the contributions of Black individuals and celebrates the racial diversity in this country.
Please join us in this work moving forward. Hold us accountable, ask questions, demand transparency, and join us in doing the work.
We thank our Diversity Committee for their support in helping us do this difficult work. Learn more about our committees and our organizational statement of intent regarding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the cider industry.
American Cider Association Board Announces New Seats for 2020 Election
With over 900 cider producers and counting, the cider industry is a mosaic of business models, cider styles, geographies and individuals. Since we first earned our non-profit status in 2014, American Cider Association has worked to push forward programming that benefits everybody in our industry’s ecosystem. One way we do this is by making efforts to ensure different types, sizes and regions of cideries have representation on our committees and Board. This requires regular evaluation as the industry continues to grow and our programming adapts to meet the industry’s needs.
Recently, the Board of Directors paused to examine the structure of our membership regions and board. Two changes were the result of that reflection.
American Cider Association Creates Pacific Coast Membership Region for California and Hawaii
Our membership elects regional chairs to the board of directors. The Mountain West region previously included Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. Geographically, the region is vast to say the least.
With over 100 cider producers and counting, California is vying for the most-producers-per-state distinction. The American Cider Association board felt that between unique market challenges and sheer number of producers, it was time to carve out a new region that included California. Hawaii, previously in the Northwest membership region, will also be included. We are calling this new membership area the Pacific Coast region. Next January will be the first opportunity for members from this region to elect a chair to the board of directors.
American Cider Association Board Hopes to Recruit Small Producers
The cider industry is comprised of many small operations and a few larger ones. Although we currently have smaller producers represented on our board (45% of our board members produced under 60,000 gallons each in 2018), we want to be sure that the smallest cideries are always at the table. These smaller cideries are a large volume of our membership and the industry, and we want them to feel welcome and listened to. We are adding a new ‘At Large’ seat to the roster, and we are strongly encouraging producer-growers from small-by-design cideries to run for this seat in the 2020 election.
2020 Board Elections
There are new three-year terms starting for the following 5 board positions:
Regional Chairs (4) (under 1M g/yr)
- Midwest (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI, KY)
- Northwest (OR, WA, ID, MT, AK)
- Mountain West (AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, UT, WY, SD, ND, KS, NE, OK, TX)
- Pacific Coast (CA, HI)
At Large (1)
- We are strongly encouraging producer-growers making less than 25,000 gal/year to run for this seat.
Considering running? Please join us for this information webinar on November 20 (11AM PST/2PM EST). We’ll discuss what it’s like to serve on the board and answer any questions. All board positions are volunteer roles.
Representation
Our board is increasingly diverse in some measures, but it remains homogenous in others. We have initiated efforts to address representation on our board, in the industry, and throughout the cider consumer base. Fostering diversity and equity takes commitment, and we’ve just begun our journey to define this goal and its strategy. We hope you’ll join us in inviting our colleagues of underrepresented groups to be involved in the association.
Electronic Voting
Last year we switched our voting to 100% electronic to allow our members to vote regardless of whether or not they can attend CiderCon. The voting will take place as the same time as CiderCon, January 28-31, 2020
American Cider Association Solicits Feedback On Cider Styles
It is the American Cider Association’s mission to move our industry forward and grow a cider community that is successful and inclusive, entrepreneurial and diverse. That’s why the USCAM’s style guidelines are a living document – a work in progress, open to new information and new perspectives. We encourage anyone to provide feedback through our annual style survey [Click here to access], which will be open through July 31st. Additionally, our board has begun to reach out individually to members of our diverse cider community. In particular, we have been hearing anecdotally from Heritage cider producers at CiderCon® and elsewhere about various concerns with that label. These concerns were augmented by discussions raised by a recent article.
In the coming weeks we will be soliciting feedback from all producers who primarily make that style of cider, and will use that feedback to plot a responsive course of engagement and action. It won’t be fast or easy, but we are dedicated to progress for the entire cider community. The American Cider Association is committed to inclusivity, and hope you will join us as we grow.
2019 Board Nomination Period is Open
Every year at CiderCon we honor the service of our board of directors throughout the previous year. We also hold elections for rotating board seats. About a third of the board is up for election each year. Our board is structured such that full members (active cidery level member employees) hold the seats. We have regional chairs and a limited number of designated large cidery seats. The remaining seats are designated “at large.” Service terms are for three years and these are strictly volunteer positions. Meetings are held monthly, via teleconference.
We are opening the self-nomination period for this year’s elections today.
Which seats are up for election?
- At Large Any full member producing under 1M gallons of cider a year qualifies to run. Votes cast by active cidery level members at large producing under 1M gallons. (There is a by law vote happening at CiderCon that would immediately open the At Large seat eligibility to large cideries. See next post).
- Large Cidery Any full member producing over 1M gallons of cider a year qualifies to run. Votes cast by active cidery level members in the large cidery category.
- Eastern Chair (CT, MA, ME, PA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT) Any full member producing under 1M gallons of cider a year with business headquarters in the American Cider Association Eastern Region qualifies to run. Votes cast by active cidery level members producing under 1M gallons in the Eastern Region.
- Southern Chair (AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV, MD, DE, DC) Any full member producing under 1M gallons of cider a year with business headquarters in the American Cider Association Sourthern Region qualifies to run. Votes cast by active cidery level members producing under 1M gallons in the Southern Region.
Candidates are encouraged to declare candidacy early so they may connect with American Cider Association’s executive director in advance of the membership meeting in Chicago. Candidates representing view points. currently underrepresented on the board are also encouraged to run.
These documents, always available on our website, may help you when considering candidacy:
To self-nominate, please fill out this form by clicking here.
Reach out if you have any questions!