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Member Highlight: Hale & True

By Woodley Smith | November 15, 2024

Cidery Name Hale & True Where are you located and when did you start? Located in Philadelphia, we opened our doors in 2018 (but made cider for years before that). Describe your cidery in three words: Welcoming, comfortable, accessible What inspired you to start making cider? A love of fermentation! Describe your cider making style:…

The American Cider Association Announces Departure of CEO Michelle McGrath After 8 ½ Years of Inspiring Leadership

By Woodley Smith | October 30, 2024

Portland, OR–Longtime American Cider Association CEO Michelle McGrath will depart her role at the end of 2024. This change comes after more than 8 years of successful leadership overseeing significant advancements in the ACA’s mission for the benefit of the US cider community. McGrath was hired in 2016 as the first CEO of the ACA,…

Join the American Cider Association as Our Next Visionary CEO!

By Woodley Smith | October 30, 2024

Are you a dynamic leader looking to dive into the hard cider industry to fight for cider’s rightful place in the beverage alcohol space? Are you an energetic convener who specializes in bringing people together behind a shared vision? Do you love championing agriculture, apple growers and innovators? Do you get excited about new market…

Cider Judges Reflect on Historic GABF Competition

By Michelle McGrath | October 28, 2024

The American Cider Association was honored to support the historic inaugural cider competition as part of the Brewers Association’s Great American Beer Festival this fall in Denver, Colorado. The cider categories were developed through ACA’s partnership with GABF and input from experienced cider sensory professionals. The ACA was pleased to share our expertise with the…

Guest Blog: Regional Cider Sales Across the U.S. Are Up

By Kristen Richard | October 9, 2024

With cider production up in over 30 states, is the beverage finally shedding its “fall-drink-only” status? When rosé burst into the wine world in the mid-2000s, producers had a lot of work to do when it came to shaking off its ‘summer-drink-only’ rank. Similarly, cidermakers have faced challenges when it comes to showing consumers the…

November 13: Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Tandem Ciders

By Woodley Smith | October 8, 2024

You’re invited to a Live Sensory Analysis webinar on Wednesday, November 13, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Pacific Time! Join our Certified Pommelier panel as they guide you through an immersive sensory experience featuring cider from Tandem Ciders from Michigan. During this live practice session, you’ll learn how to analyze and appreciate cider like a…

November 18: Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Workshop at Bauman’s on Oak

By Woodley Smith | October 4, 2024

Join us on Monday, November 18, 2024 from 2:00 – 6:00 PM Pacific! The American Cider Association is excited to collaborate with Bauman’s On Oak to host this Certified Cider Guide Workshop, which includes a tasting experience and certification opportunity. This workshop is meant for all, and is the first level of the American Cider…

Guest Blog: Leveraging Digital Marketing Channels to Educate and Engage Your Audience

By Julie Rhodes | October 4, 2024

The views, information, or opinions expressed in guest blogs are solely those of the authors involved and do not necessarily represent those of the American Cider Association. Digital marketing offers a world of opportunities for cider producers to distribute and display educational content, but where do you start? Many cider brands need help finding clarity…

2025 ACA Award Nominations

By Woodley Smith | October 3, 2024

The American Cider Association is pleased to announce that we have opened nominations for the ACA Awards for folks who are doing great things for cider! We welcome your nominations for businesses and people who have been excellent ambassadors for cider in the last year. Please nominate only one business or person per category. Businesses…

ACA Announces 2025 Cider is for Everyone Scholarship Recipients

By Woodley Smith | September 30, 2024

The American Cider Association (ACA) is thrilled to announce the awardees of the ACA’s 4th Cider is for Everyone Scholarship. Recipients are Marcio Buffolo, head cidermaker at Mountain West Hard Cider; Renaldo Haynes Sr., home brewer and meadmaker; Joanne Mumbey, founder of BeyLoved Pairings LLC and bartender at Green Bench Brewing Co.; Jonathan Osei, National…