497:Beginner Cider Makers Q&A | Advice from Professional Cider Makers (Archive)

497:Beginner Cider Makers Q&A | Advice from Professional Cider Makers (Archive)

From Cider Chat by Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist

April 1, 2026 · 1h 2m · Season 10 · Episode 497

About this episode

This episode features experienced cider makers answering questions from beginners at CiderCon 2019.

This archival episode of Cider Chat brings together five experienced cider makers answering real-world questions from beginners at CiderCon 2019 . Originally released as Episodes 174 and 175, this combined feature presents a comprehensive Q&A covering everything from fermentation and stabilization to business strategy, equipment, and scaling a cidery. The discussion bridges the gap between hobby cider making and commercial production, offering practical insights grounded in real experience. Panelists Marcus Robert – Tieton Cider Works , Washington Tim Godfrey – Golden State Cider , California Eleanor Leger – Eden Specialty Cider , Vermont Brent Myles – Sly Clyde Cider , Virginia Ben Calvi – Vermont Cider Co , Vermont Moderated by Cider Chat MC Ria Windcaller 00:00 Cider Choices Matter 01:27 Episode Setup 03:02 Ciderville Event News 05:41 Support The Podcast 06:31 Patron Shoutouts 10:34 Panel Introductions 14:34 Defining Cider 15:32 Lessons Learned 18:55 Residual Sugar Safety 23:51 Contract Vs Taproom 27:13 Ice Cider Deep Dive 33:11 Settling Juice Tips 34:40 Solids and Enzymes 35:06 Plastic Fermenters Tips 36:41 Profitability and Distribution 40:54 Learn on Someone Else 41:27…

People in this episode

Host: Ria Windcaller

Guests: Marcus Robert, Tim Godfrey, Eleanor Leger, Brent Myles, Ben Calvi

Topics covered

  • cider making
  • fermentation
  • business strategy
  • equipment
  • scaling a cidery
  • commercial production
  • hobby cider making

Keywords

  • cider
  • fermentation
  • stabilization
  • business strategy
  • equipment
  • scaling
  • cidery
  • hobby
  • commercial production

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tieton Cider Works, Golden State Cider, Eden Specialty Cider, Sly Clyde Cider, Vermont Cider Co

Places: Washington, California, Vermont, Virginia

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