CiderCon® 2024 Tasting Sessions

Tasting sessions have long been one of the most popular features of CiderCon®. Attendees can gain a wealth of knowledge while sipping on ciders that delve into the styles, production practices, flavors, and terroir available. Below you will find the CiderCon® 2024 tasting sessions outlined with dates and times as well as cost per session. It is important to note that some of these sessions may overlap, so be sure to check the schedule carefully. Don’t forget to add on any tastings that catch your eye during the registration process, as they are sure to sell out quickly!

An Introduction to Low-ABV & Non-Alcoholic Cider Production

Date & Time: Thursday, January 18, 10:30-11:45 AM

Cost: $12 SOLD OUT

Moderator: Dave Takush

Speakers: Ellen Cavalli, Christine Walter, John Berardino, Scott Katsma

This session will provide a basic overview of the various methods that can be used to produce low-ABV and non-alcoholic (NA) ciders, including a brief introduction to the technologies and regulations that may be associated with NA cider production. We will not be covering sparkling juice production, Participants will taste a range of products and should walk away with insight into various methods that might be employed to produce low-ABV and NA products, and the knowledge that there are different regulatory hurdles associated with NA production. Attendees will learn about different methods of low-ABV production, different methods of non-alcoholic production, technologies associated with NA production, and regulatory matters associated with NA production.

Breaking Boundaries: Cider Hybrids with Beer and Grape Wine

Date & Time: Thursday, January 18, 10:30-11:45 AM

Cost: $12 SOLD OUT

Moderator: Christine Hardie

Speakers: Ryan Burk, Johan Sjöstedt, Tom Oliver, Kathline Chery, Tariq Ahmed

An increasing number of cidermakers, winemakers, and brewers are experimenting with hybrids that break down what is typically expected from stand-alone beverages. By crossing boundaries between categories, the outcomes of these blends and co-fermentations offer exciting new flavors. Join this session to hear from producers about different approaches to hybrid products and considerations when unifying cider, wine and beer. Attendees will taste cider/grape wine hybrids from North America and grafts from the U.K. and Sweden, where beer/cider hybrids have been a key to bringing new consumers into the fold of cider.

Comparing the Effect of Yeast Inoculation Rate on Fermentation Kinetics, Chemical and Aroma Compounds in Cider Fermentations

Date & Time: Thursday, January 18, 2:00-3:15 PM

Cost: $12 SOLD OUT

Speakers: Jocelyn Kuzelka & Andy Hannas

Yeast produce different types and concentrations of aroma compounds as a function of yeast strain type, fermentation conditions, raw ingredients, and juice treatments. The sensory profile of cider is significantly associated with yeast selection and the quality of cider is dependent upon predictable fermentation outcomes. During yeast metabolism subtle changes in yeast cell inoculum level, determine rate of cell division, nitrogen demand, and availability of aroma precursors. It is generally accepted in the wine world, that 106 yeast cells/mL should allow the fermentation to proceed predictably and completely with little to no residual sugar remaining; while under inoculating leads to sluggish and stuck fermentations. However, recent research in wine and beer has suggested that yeast inoculation rate can be used to drive aroma production toward an increase in positive aromas. Speakers in this advanced level sensory session will explore the effect of yeast inoculum size on the production of aroma compounds both positive and negative in a cider fermentation, by decreasing cell count to accommodate the limited carbohydrate and nitrogen present in apple juice destined for fermentation. Attendees will learn more about yeast metabolism and how yeast inoculation rates can be used to drive cider style and quality.

Pear Necessities: The Fruits and Flavours of International Perry

Date & Time: Thursday, January 18, 2:00 – 3:15 PM

Cost: $12 SOLD OUT

Moderator: Adam Wells

Speakers: Albert Johnson, Natalia Wszelaki, Laura Cherry, Tom Oliver

Riding the wave of the cider revolution, perry – perhaps the world’s best-kept drinks secret – has gradually been ascending too. In the UK, continental Europe, the USA and beyond, makers and drinkers are waking up to the unique qualities of the fermented pear. In this session Adam Wells, founder-editor of Cider Review and currently writing his first book, Perry: A Drinker’s Guide, will lead a panel discussion and tasting of some of the best perries from around the world.

Nordic Approaches to Cidermaking

Date & Time: Thursday, January 18, 3:45-5:00 PM

Cost: $16 SOLD OUT

Moderator: Gabe Cook

Speaker: Åge Eitungjerde, Olav Bleie, Mikael Nypelius, Karl Sjöström, Andreas Sundgren

This year, we’re excited to welcome a delegation of Nordic cidermakers to CiderCon®. Join this session for a unique opportunity to try ciders from Norway and Sweden and learn about different production styles and techniques used in the region.

The Ancestral Method: Between Science & Art

Date & Time: Friday, January 19, 10:00-11:15 AM

Cost: $12 SOLD OUT

Moderator: Nicole LeGrand Leibon

Speakers: Yann Gilles, Levi Danielson

This very traditional method in France makes it possible to produce sparkling ciders, fermented in bottles, while preserving some residual sugars of the apple without adding anti-yeasts or using pasteurization. Willamette Valley is home to some renowned winemakers using this technique, and more and more cidermakers are experimenting with the Ancestral Method. Hear from experts about production considerations, ways to identify the critical points, and keys to success of this demanding method, between science and art. Attendees will walk away having understood the particularities, advantages and disadvantages of the ancestral method compared to other carbonation methods. They will be able to identify the critical points and keys to success of this demanding method, between science and art.

Harvest Harmony: Exploring the Potential of Apple and Stone Fruit Co-Ferments

Date & Time: Friday, January 19, 10:00-11:15 AM

Cost: $12

Moderator: Dan Pucci

Speakers: Adam Chinchiolo, Matt Sanford, Susannah Forbes

This session’s goal is to examine the extent of the possibilities of what apples plus+ can do. Co-ferments have been adopted across the fermentation world as a fun and exciting entry point both for producers and consumers alike. This session will focus on two different co-ferment mediums that are added with apples to produce something greater than the sum of their parts. This session will talk about making co-ferments but will focus on how these cider into a portfolio of offerings and how to engage with consumers about their nature, flavor and personality.

Evaluating Ciders for the Certified Pommelier™ Exam

Date & Time: Friday, January 19, 11:30-12:30 PM

Ticketed Session: $10

Speakers: Darlene Hayes, Tim Powers

Participants will practice evaluating ciders using the ACA’s Structured Sensory Evaluation process guided by Certified Pommeliers™ Darlene Hayes and Tim Godfrey. This session will teach you how to objectively assess any cider, empowering you in the cidery and in assisting customers to find a cider they love while also helping you to prepare for the Certified Pommelier™ exam.

Foraged Fruit Project: A Discussion of Discovery

Date & Time: Friday, January 19, 1:45-3:00 PM

Cost: $12

Moderator: Scott Ramsey

Speakers: Greg Peck, Maria Kennedy, Steve Selin

Cider producers in many parts of the country are foraging apples to use in their commercial products. Some producers do this as an inexpensive way to obtain apples, others are finding unique quality attributes from the foraged fruit, and still others believe that foraging is a way to discover climate resilient genotypes that can be propagated and grown in orchard settings. In this panel discussion, Cornell and Rutgers scientists will share results from a project that interviewed dozens of producers in the Northeastern US about their foraging practices, and then chemically analyzed the foraged fruit, as well as genotyped the trees to learn about the pedigree of the trees. Commercial cider producers will be on the panel to share their stories, as well as their ciders made from foraged apples. Attendees will learn about the scale and scope of foraging, the reasons why producers are foraging, and the quality of cider made from foraged fruit.

New Frontiers in Traditional European Cider Regions

Date & Time: Friday, January 19, 1:45-3:00 PM

Cost: $12

Moderator: Abram Goldman-Armstrong

Speakers: Darlene Hayes, Gabe Cook, Yann Gilles, Edu Vazcot

In an increasingly global cider community the exchange of information is leading to truly impressive innovations in both traditional and emerging cider producing regions. This panel of international cider experts will discuss the exciting new developments taking place across Europe. Traditional ciders may have their steadfast supporters, but in order to capture new consumers innovation is essential. This panel of writers, researchers,  judges, and consultants, have a broad understanding of cider in all its forms, and will present some of the most innovative ciders from their regions. 

Using Amphora & Terracotta Vessels in Cider Production

Date & Time: Friday, January 19, 3:30-4:45 PM

Cost: $12

Moderator: Christine Walter

Speakers: Dan Rinke, Andrew Beckham, Katie Selbee

Clay vessels have been used to ferment, store, and transport beverages since 6000 B.C. and a new wave of producers are rediscovering amphora and terracotta as a breathable, sustainable, and durable option for making cider. Andrew Beckham, the first commercial producer of terra cotta Amphorae for winemaking, cidermaking, and brewing in North America, will walk through the process of making his Novum fermenters and how to use them and care for them. Producers will discuss how they craft their ciders using terracotta, and what considerations to have when fermenting in amphora. This will also include a tasting of their ciders.

The Pasteurization Primer: Starting Out and Scaling Up

Date & Time: Friday, January 19, 3:30-4:45 PM

Cost: $12

Speakers: Aaron Homoya & Joseph Kilbourn

Anyone can pasteurize cider at any size! Learn the science, data tracking, and practical methods to start with test batches and scale up to a hundred cases per day and beyond. We will start with a brief overview of stability concerns, needs, and common methods for cider, then hone in on pasteurization theory, best practices, equipment options, and solutions for small to medium sized cideries. Topics include temperature monitoring, DIY small-scale bath pasteurization, batch pasteurizers, small tunnel pasteurizers, and brief discussion of many interrelated stability and packaging parameters. There will be a sensory tasting of pasteurized cider at different levels. Attendees will learn what a PU is, how to determine target min/max PUs, deciding what equipment options are right for you, and tips for how to scale.

ACA Welcomes Three New Certified Pommeliers

The American Cider Association is proud to announce that three individuals have successfully passed the Certified Pommelier™ examination. The new Certified Pommeliers™ are Anthony Chen–head brewer at AleSmith Brewing Company in San Diego; Lester Koga–owner of Bare Bottle Brewing in San Francisco; and Jessica Arlich–cider enthusiast from Vancouver, Washington. The rigorous exam, held in San Francisco last month, tested candidates on their understanding of cider production, history, and sensory evaluation. As a result, these newly Certified Pommeliers™ are now equipped with advanced skills to guide consumers through the wide variety of ciders available and to help elevate the cider industry at the point of sale. The ACA congratulates Anthony, Lester and Jessica on certifying their specialized cider knowledge and evaluation skills!

Lester Koga Jessica Arlich Anthony Chen

Lester Koga, Jessica Arlich, Anthony Chen

Early on, the American Cider Association recognized the need to promote specialized knowledge about the cider category. Certifications are increasingly being used to set food and beverage professionals apart. However, most certification programs cover cider in a cursory manner or not at all. With cider being a beautifully nuanced beverage with a diverse set of elements often less understood by food and beverage professionals, the establishment of the Certified Cider Professional (CCP) program in 2016 was a strategic maneuver. Today, the CCP program is designed to educate those on the front-line of cider sales, making it the world’s most comprehensive and in-depth cider appreciation program for food and beverage professionals.

The CCP program begins with a Level 1 certification to help industry professionals develop a fundamental understanding of cider. The Certified Pommelier™ certification (Level 2) takes it a step further by encouraging cider professionals to think critically and showcase a higher level of understanding of the elements of cider. The rigorous testing process consists of four types of questions, including short answer, fill in the blank, essay, and blind sensory–which is based on tasting.

The ACA is dedicated to ensuring that all information tested on the exam is made accessible to anyone who desires to learn. To that end, the ACA released a textbook in March of 2023 to help candidates prepare to take the exam with just one comprehensive resource. The textbook is available for purchase through Kindle Direct Publishing. Additionally, the ACA offers sensory analysis practice webinars and a Facebook study group, continuously updated with resources for exam candidates. Interested candidates can find links to all Certified Pommelier™ resources on the ACA’s website.

The ACA has three upcoming exam dates for those interested in pursuing their Certified Pommelier™ designation.

Contact the ACA’s Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey if you have questions about the Certified Cider Professional program or are interested in taking either the Level 1 or Certified Pommelier™ exams. You can also learn more at https://ciderassociation.org/certification

New York Cider Week Certified Pommelier Exam

Are you looking for the next big step in your professional development? If you’ve already passed the Certified Cider Professional Level 1 Certification, then the American Cider Association has an exciting opportunity for you! We will be hosting a Certified Pommelier™ Exam on October 11, 2023 at the Angry Orchard Innovation Cider House in Walden, NY during New York Cider Week.

As a Certified Pommelier™, you’ll be recognized as an expert in the cider industry, with in-depth knowledge of apple varieties, orcharding, and cidermaking techniques. The exam will cover a wide range of topics, from the history of cider to the sensory evaluation of different ciders.

Don’t worry, though – you won’t be going into the exam blind! The ACA has provided plenty of resources to help you prepare, including study guides, online courses, and a Facebook study group. And if you’re an ACA member, you can even get a discount on the exam fee by logging into your account and finding the discount code.

So what are you waiting for? Register now for the Certified Pommelier™ Exam and take your cider knowledge to the next level! The registration deadline is October 1, 2023 so there’s no time to lose! Remember, the exam takes place on October 11, 2023, and registrants are asked to arrive by 7:45 AM. Good luck!

In Person CCP Level 1 at Angry Orchard

Are you ready to take your passion for cider to the next level? Join us at Angry Orchard Innovation Cider House during New York Cider Week for an in-person Certified Cider Professional Level 1 certification workshop! We are thrilled to collaborate with the American Cider Association to bring you this amazing opportunity to become CCP Level 1 certified.

During the workshop, you will learn about the history of cider, the cider making process, and the different styles of cider. This workshop also features a Certified Pommelier™ led tasting experience featuring New York Ciders! After the training, participants can take the test online immediately (BYO computer) or at a later date.

The cost per person for this fantastic experience is $65, which includes the test fee. But that’s not all! Lunch and, of course, more cider will be available for purchase at our tasting room after the training.

We would love to see anyone who sells cider, works in a tasting room or retail shop, owners, chefs, sommeliers, cicerones, buyers and cidermakers who are interested in cider education and adding a cider certification to their accreditation sign up and join us!

Space is limited, so register now and get ready to become a Certified Cider Professional!

Learn more about the ACA certification programs.

Pour Your Cider at Cider Share at CiderCon® 2024

Ever dream of pouring your cider for the entire cider community while chatting with makers from around the world? Here’s your chance!

Applications are now being accepted for those interested in pouring their cider at Cider Share, CiderCon® 2024’s welcoming reception. Cider Share will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 17 at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center. In order to pour at Cider Share the individual cidery must be participating in CiderCon® as a full attendee. Local cideries who are attending can request a temporary pourer pass for their staff. Pouring space is limited so please submit your application for consideration as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is October 31. 

Cideries accepted to pour will be notified and asked for additional details.

Learn more about CiderCon®!

Additional Employee Retention Credit Eligibility & Other Tax Planning Opportunities – What Your Cidery and Accountant May Not Have Considered

Hey ACA members! Get your calculators ready and join us for an informative webinar on November 14 at 2:00 PM Pacific!

Many businesses took advantage of COVID-19 relief programs such as PPP and EIDL, but many more are still missing out on funds from the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and have not filed for all quarters in which they are eligible (up to 7 quarters). Eligible employers who paid qualified wages can claim up to $26,000 per employee in refundable tax credits. Another missed opportunity occurs when companies do not effectively utilize tax planning strategies. These strategies include the work opportunity tax credit, research and development credit, planning for long-term sustainability, bonus depreciation, and business expenses. Join Strategic Tax Planning, a licensed CPA firm for a discussion on the common tax planning techniques that could increase your business’s after tax cash flow.

Tina Azarvand

Tina joined Strategic Tax Planning and is a Tax Manager with the firm. While working as a Tax Attorney, Tina became interested in the Employee Retention Credit through the ever-evolving legislation, where she decided to shift her focus to assisting small businesses with ERC while it is available. 

As a Tax Attorney, Tina focused on assisting individuals and businesses facing tax controversies with the IRS and local taxing authorities. In 2022, Tina was selected to the SuperLawyers: Rising Stars list and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list, both of which are distinctions given to less than 3% of the attorneys in each respective state. Tina was also selected as the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) Young Volunteer of the Year for 2022.

Calling All Cideries: Submit Your Content for CiderCon Video!

As the cider industry continues to grow, it’s important that we come together to promote and celebrate our craft. With that in mind and CiderCon® 2024 returning to Portland for the first time in eight years, we’re going all out! To make this event even more special, we’re calling on all cideries to submit photo and video content for potential inclusion in a CiderCon® video. This is an opportunity for cideries to showcase their unique personalities and highlight what makes their brand stand out.

We are looking for content that demonstrates the authenticity and breadth of styles within the industry. This means that we want to see all aspects of cider production, from orchards and harvest to pressing and packaging and tap room facilities. But, what really makes content compelling is the PEOPLE! We want to celebrate the unique culture of cider and how much enjoyment it brings people. Shots and clips that include people are even better for all of these themes.

We want to feature a wide range of cideries, products, and individuals, so don’t hesitate to submit your content. Higher resolution is generally better, but we don’t necessarily need HD/high resolution for something to be a usable clip, and even cellphone photos or videos are great if the content is good. Just make sure that the full resolution file is uploaded and that the video is horizontal. Have questions? Reach out to Woodley!

So, what are you waiting for? Submit your content by October 18 and be a part of an exciting and representative highlight reel to celebrate our awesome industry! You’ll be able to submit your video by dropping it into this Google Drive. You’ll need to have a Google Drive account in order to upload. If you don’t have a Google Drive account, please send your content to Woodley.

ACA Welcomes Miranda Bradeen as the New Membership and Engagement Coordinator

The American Cider Association (ACA) is excited to announce the appointment of Miranda Bradeen as its new Membership and Engagement Coordinator. In this role, Miranda will be responsible for member outreach, engagement, and retention efforts, as well as supporting the ACA’s mission to promote cider in the United States.

Miranda has a long-standing history in the beverage and hospitality industry, with a passion for making people feel seen and heard. She is a sommelier by trade and has spent most of her career working with wine. However, after walking the Camino de Santiago del Norte through Spain in 2021, she fell in love with all things cider. Since then, she has been actively pursuing ways to learn about cider’s history, culture, growing regions and farming practices, cultivars, production methods, and people surrounding all of the above.

Miranda is excited to be a catalyst for growth within the industry and is eager to bring her expertise to the ACA. She is committed to supporting the organization’s members and ensuring they receive the best possible experience.

Currently, Miranda lives in Spokane, WA, with her husband, Scott, son Henry, and daughter, Dromi.

The ACA is thrilled to have Miranda on board and looks forward to the new ideas and fresh perspectives she will bring to the organization. Her extensive experience and passion for the beverage industry are sure to enhance the ACA’s efforts in promoting and growing the cider industry.

You can learn more about Miranda and the rest of the ACA staff on our webpage.

Celebrate Cider at Upcoming Festivals!

As the leaves begin to change and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a delicious cider to fully embrace the autumn season. And what better way to indulge in this quintessential fall beverage than by attending a cider festival? Whether you’re a seasoned cider connoisseur or a casual fan looking to expand your palate, there are plenty of local and regional cider festivals happening across the United States. From the East Coast to the West Coast, get ready to raise a glass and celebrate cider at these must-attend events!

Cider Summit Seattle
September 8-9, 2023
Seattle, Washington

Join the fun at Lake Union Park @ MOHAI for the region’s largest hard cider tasting event, featuring 150 selections from nearly 50 producers. Among the selections will be local, regional and international favorites, mead, cider cocktails, fruit spirits and maybe even a few surprises! This is an outdoor event – rain or shine!

Maryland Cider Festival
September 9, 2023
Gaithersburg, Maryland

Mark your calendars for the inaugural Maryland Cider Festival, happening on Saturday, September 9th from 11 am to 4 pm at Two Story Chimney Ciderworks in Gaithersburg, MD. The festival will feature ten local cideries showcasing their best hard ciders, from dry to sweet, still to sparkling, modern to heritage, and everything in between. You’ll get to sample a variety of flavors and styles, and learn more about the cider-making process from the experts.

Pour the Core NY
September 23, 2023
Yaphank, New York

Pour the Core: A Hard Cider Festival is coming to Southaven County Park in Yaphank on Saturday, September 23rd, for another fantastic fall day filled with ciders from local, national and international cidermakers, plus a donut eating contest, food trucks, and more!

Whidbey Island Cider Festival
September 30, 2023
Coupeville, WA

Check out the Whidbey Island Cider Festival. They strive to build community while highlighting the locally crafted ciders, meads, spirits and beers of their beautiful island. Come and see what Whidbey Island has to offer in locally crafted ciders, brews, spirits and mead!

Cider Week New York
October 6-15, 2023
Throughout New York State

Glynwood launched the inaugural Cider Week in 2010 as an outcome of a travel exchange between French and American cider producers. Distinctive products like hard cider evoke a local food culture and sense of place that is closely tied to agriculture in addition to garnering more profit for farmers. Recognizing these opportunities while addressing the still-real obstacles faced by our farming community, Glynwood’s goal was to foster a cider market in the Hudson Valley as the linchpin in a chain of positive social, environmental, economic and community benefits. After over 10 years of successful growth, Cider Weeks in New York are now a production of the New York Cider Association, and continue to cultivate an appreciation for New York’s orchard-based cider by showcasing NY cider’s diversity, food-friendliness, and excellent quality in cider production.

Carolina CiderFest
October 21, 2023
Asheville, North Carolina

Carolina CiderFest will feature ample tastings of hard cider, mead, apple wine, and seltzers along with artisanal food, live music, and workshops, all in the heart of Downtown Asheville. The al-fresco event will be held during the peak of fall colors and the height of the area’s busiest tourism season on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new, improved, and expanded venue, McCormick Field, home to Asheville’s own Tourists Baseball team.

Minnesota CiderFest
October 21, 2023
Minneapolis, Minnesota

The region’s premier cider sampling event, Minnesota CiderFest, will feature unlimited samples from the region’s best cideries. Join them for cider, food trucks, and music outdoors at Minneapolis Cider Company. Enjoy unlimited samples of unique ciders from your favorite local and regional cideries.

Philly Cider Week
October 21-29, 2023
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Since its inception in 2018, Philly Cider Week has connected cider enthusiasts across industries in Philadelphia through thoughtful programming. Cider sales thrive when they have their own section on a menu and our annual week of events allows establishments to experience the viability of featuring ciders more prominently year round and encourages new relationships between small businesses. At its core, PCW’s mission is to educate and raise the awareness of cider as an agricultural beverage.

Franklin County CiderDays
November 3-5, 2023
Franklin County, Massachusetts

The folks at Franklin County CiderDays are beginning the process to reinvigorate the apple and hard cider festival you know and love! Plans are afoot to present a full slate of activities on the first weekend of November for the 29th incarnation of this beloved event – November 3 – 5, 2023. Stay tuned for more details.

Virginia Cider Week
November 10-19, 2023
Throughout Virginia

Virginia Cider Week started in 2012 when the Virginia House of Delegates and the state Senate passed House Joint Resolution 105 to designate the full week before Thanksgiving as Cider Week in Virginia. Since then, cideries across the Commonwealth have celebrated Virginia Cider Week through festivals, tastings, pairing dinners, workshops, and open houses at venues throughout the state. Virginia Cider Week is a great time to celebrate the growth and variety of the Virginia cider industry.

Oregon Cider Week
January 13-21, 2024
Throughout Oregon

Oregon Cider Week Special Edition is happening in conjunction with CiderCon® 2024, hosted in Portland, Oregon. The Northwest cider community will welcome visiting conference attendees, media, buyers and cider fans at a wide variety of not-to-be-missed events. Save the date(s) and stay tuned!

Don’t see your festival on here? Let us know!

Present Your Research at CiderCon® 2024

We’re happy to announce that the American Cider Association will once again host a research poster session during CiderCon® 2024. If you have a research project you’d like to share with CiderCon® attendees, please complete this form to allow our panel to select the featured posters. Submissions are due November 22, and applicants will be notified of acceptance by December 1. Successful applicants will receive one complimentary registration to CiderCon®.

CiderCon® 2024 will be held at the Oregon Convention Center from January 17-19 and successful applicants will be expected to present their research to attendees during a specified time. Posters can also be featured digitally via our conference app.

Please reach out to Ellen with any questions and feel free to share this form with other researchers.