• Bob Cork has 40 years of experience in cider making, starting in 1980.
• Initially an apprentice engineer, he transitioned to cider making, thanks to his engineering background.
• He now works as a cider-making consultant, still contributing to the legacy of Showering Cider Mill.

• Showering Cider Mill, made an undeniable mark for a perry called Babycham.
• The mill has evolved over the years, modernizing its equipment while maintaining traditional cider-making techniques.
• During the production of Babycham, horizontal tanks for producing this widely popular drink. At the time they were laid outside and eventually a buidlign was built around the tanks.
• The Shepton Mallet Cider Mill is the second largest mill in the UK and over the years it expanded to include a variety of ciders, while continuing to produce Babycham, the popular Fever brand and today a traditional cider called Showering Triple Vintage.

The Triple Vintage cider, created by the Showerings blends three vintages to produce a high-quality product.

Bob Cork in this episode discusses how it is made using bittersweet and bittersharp apples, fermented with a wee bit of natural yeast and then a cultured yeast. The cider is matured to achieve a balanced, high-quality cider. Key to the cider-making process, is low-temperature fermentation and controlled maturation.

• Bob advises aspiring cider makers to approach the craft with passion, as it requires significant investment and a long-term commitment.
  • He emphasizes the importance of a solid business plan and understanding the market’s cyclical nature.
  • Despite the challenges, he believes in the future of cider, with increasing consumer interest in high-quality, craft ciders.

• CiderCon2025 Promo Code – Once you get to the registration form, towards the end of the first page you’ll reach a section in the form that says “additional registration information” and there is a question: If you have a coupon, please enter code here (case-sensitive): CiderChat
• Totally Cider Tour to the UK – send an email to info@ciderchat.com to get on the wait list for this 2025 tour taking place August 25-31, 2025
• Wassail episode: episode 393: How to Wassail and Drink Hail

Wilding Cider, founded by Sam and Beccy Leach in 2019, uses Regenerative farming practices and a “rural method” to cider making. Based in Somerset the culinary skills of Sam blend with Beccy’s Sommelier palate. Their dedication to traditional orchards and natural fermentations has led to the creation of their standout orchard based ciders and perrys. This process sets Wilding apart, showcasing a commitment to purity, sustainability, and the land.

• Size & Scope: 7.5 acres at the home orchard and additional rented orchards.
• Varieties: Kingston Black, Stoke Red, Porter’s Perfection, and so many more.
• Regenerative Practices

The orchards provide the perfect environment for Wilding’s cider-making, ensuring low-intervention fermentations that align with the Rural Method philosophy.

Sam credits Skyborry cider in Wales for coining the phrase “rural Method”. He explains in this chat that at Wilding Cider Rural Method is an energy-efficient, traditional approach to crafting naturally sweet ciders. It utilizes:

• Cold Winter Fermentations: Utilizing natural temperatures to slow fermentation.
• Low Nitrogen Content: Achieved by using unfertilized orchards for balanced fermentations.
• Minimal Intervention: Avoiding filtration, sulfites, or pasteurization.

This method produces clean, complex ciders that capture the essence of Somerset orchards.

Wilding Cider showcases the Rural Method through their unique blends and single varietals:

• Symphony: A bittersweet blend.
• Comics: Multi-orchard cider built on Browns and Yarlington.
• Single Varietals: Stoke Red and Kingston Black.
• Perry Cider: Carefully macerated to achieve depth and balance.

These ciders are celebrated for their balance of tannins, acidity, and natural sweetness, hallmarks of the Rural Method.

• Website: http://wildingcider.com
• Open Days: Second Saturday of the month, April through September.
• UK: Independent shops and restaurants.
• International: Belgium, Japan, and limited availability in the U.S.

• CiderCon2025 Promo Code – Once you get to the registration form, towards the end of the first page you’ll reach a section in the form that says “additional registration information” and there is a question: If you have a coupon, please enter code here (case-sensitive): CiderChat
• Totally Cider Tour to the UK – send an email to info@ciderchat.com to get on the wait list for this 2025 tour taking place August 25-31, 2025

Jane Peyton, author of The Philosophy of Cider and founder of the School of Booze, brings her deep knowledge of cider and its cultural history to the forefront in this enlightening conversation.

Cider’s Cultural Significance

• The apple as a symbol in global traditions and languages.
• Historical mentions, from Norse mythology to Captain Cook's voyages.

Defining Cider

• Cider is pressed, not brewed, differentiating it from beer.
• Diverse expressions of cider, from tannic and dry to sweet and fizzy.

The Legacy of Susanna Forbes

• A heartfelt tribute to Susanna Forbes' impact on the cider world.

Jane’s Philosophy on Cider

• Advocating for better representation of cider on menus.
• Mainstream vs. artisanal cider perspectives.

The School of Booze

• Jane’s initiative to educate on cider, beer, and more.
• Her work as a writer and accredited pommelier.

• Recommended Reads and Tastings:
  • The Philosophy of Cider and Jane’s other publications.
  • Examples of cider diversity, including champagne-method ciders.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “Slow cider is sunlight in a glass, the liquid expression of the orchard's soul.”
  • “Cider is not apple beer—it’s pressed, not brewed.”
• Ciders and Perries Mentioned:
  • Little Pomona’s offerings
  • Ross on Wye ciders

• Website School of Booze
• B.A. Summers novels Sole Brethren: Left To Their Own Devices & Sole Brethren: If The Shoe Fits

• Hereford Applefest 2024 film - https://www.herefordshirelifethroughalens.org.uk/cider-perry/
• CiderCon2025 Promo Code – Once you get to the registration form, towards the end of the first page you’ll reach a section in the form that says “additional registration information” and there is a question: If you have a coupon, please enter code here (case-sensitive): CiderChat
• Totally Cider Tour to the UK - send an email to info@ciderchat.com to get on the wait list for this 2025 tour taking place August 25-31, 2025

The magic of Ciderville awaits you.

In this special holiday episode, Cider Chat invites you to step into the enchanting world of the Talking Pommes. The Night Before the Holiday Pressing is more than just a story—it’s a celebration of all things pome, community, tradition, and the joy that comes with every glass of cider.

The cider house hums with anticipation as Ria, Perry Pear, Mr. Quince, and the Medlars prepare the night before their annual pressing. But as every year before there is always magic in the air for Ciderville. With the Talking Pommes truly anything can happen and so it does!

With snow blanketed orchards, and just the right amount of “Believe” a sleigh pulled by apples glides through the starry sky.

Raise a glass and join us on this festive adventure—because in Ciderville, the magic is always just a sip away.

This holiday episode of Cider Chat brings together some of Ciderville’s most delightful characters:

• Apple: The vibrant leader with a twinkle in their eye.
• The Medlars: Sweet, quirky, and always ready with a witty remark.
• Mr. Quince: The wise and slightly stern elder who keeps everyone on track.
• Perry Pear: Full of charm and flair, a natural performer.
• A Wide Assortment of Pommes: From Dabinett to Kingston Black, they bring their unique personalities to the mix.

This story is for anyone who cherishes the magic of the season. As Apple says, “Every glass of cider holds a story, and this one’s for you.”

From Cider Chat to all of Ciderville, we hope this episode brings joy to your holiday season. Raise a glass, gather ‘round, and join the Talking Pommes and Ria in Ciderville!

• CiderCon2025 Promo Code – Once you get to the registration form, towards the end of the first page you’ll reach a section in the form that says “additional registration information” and there is a question: If you have a coupon, please enter code here (case-sensitive): CiderChat
• Totally Cider Tour to the UK - send an email to info@ciderchat.com to get on the wait list for this 2025 tour taking place August 25-31, 2025

Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the recipe for growth. In this episode of Cider Chat, we explore how the #xpromotecider campaign over the course of 2024.

The #xpromotecider campaign started as a way to encourage cider brands and enthusiasts to cross share episodes of Cider Chat so that Cider Chat could in turn share news about their brand. The end goal was to help educate cider fans about the resources and how-tos of cider making

Brands and fans were invited to repost Cider Chat episodes and/or download the informative Cider Chat.pdf and then tack it to a bulletin board in a tasting room.

Cross-promotion isn’t just about visibility—it’s about creating a shared identity for the cider industry. Here’s why it matters:

1. Building Regional Destinations
   Regions like the Finger Lakes, Michigan, and Normandy have become cider tourism hotspots because of collaborative efforts among cideries. By promoting each other, these regions attract visitors and grow collectively.
2. Reaching New Audiences
   Sharing others’ stories helps introduce cider to new audiences who might not otherwise explore it. Cross-promotion creates opportunities to educate and inspire potential fans.
3. Strengthening Community Bonds
   When cider makers work together, it fosters a sense of unity that resonates with consumers. People want to support an industry that feels connected and supportive.

Isolation may seem like the safer route for some, but it comes with risks:

• Missed Opportunities: Without collaboration, regions miss out on tourism and media exposure.
• Industry Stagnation: Staying focused only on individual brands limits the industry’s potential to grow and attract new customers.
• Disconnection: Consumers are less likely to engage with a fragmented industry that doesn’t show unity.

By embracing cross-promotion, cider makers can avoid these pitfalls and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant community.

Throughout the year, many individuals and brands have stepped up to embrace #xpromotecider. Here are just a few examples:

• @ciderexplorer consistently reshared weekly episodes, helping to spread the word.
• Cider makers downloaded and posted the Cider Chat PDF to engage their audiences and connect with their local communities.

To see the full list of contributors, check out the YouTube version of this episode, where we showcase screenshots of posts from the past year. And stay tuned to our social media for more highlights!

Ready to get involved? Here are a few ways to join #xpromotecider:

• Share this blog post or the podcast episode with your audience.
• Use the hashtag #xpromotecider in your posts and tag your favorite cider brands.
• Download the Cider Chat PDF and display it in your tasting room to encourage guests to learn more about cider.

Together, we can grow the cider community into 2025 and continue to build a stronger, more connected industry. Join the fun and start cross-promoting cider today

Michelle McGrath, CEO of the American Cider Association (ACA), reflects on her impactful leadership, the growth of the cider industry, and her next chapter. In this episode, Michelle shares insights into her journey, upcoming transitions, and the exciting plans for CiderCon 2024 in Chicago.

• Membership Growth: ACA membership has significantly increased during Michelle’s tenure.
• CiderCon Success: The premier U.S. cider conference continues to thrive, with growing attendance and international collaborations.
• Sustainability Focus: Initiatives that support cider makers, orchardist/farmers and sustainability were central to ACA’s strategy.

Michelle will be transitioning to Salmon Safe as Columbia Basin Program Director. This nonprofit focuses on land use practices that protect watershed health and salmon populations. Her passion for collaboration and supporting farmers continues to guide her work.

• Chilean cider tastings and sessions on the country’s apple heritage.
• A session on soil health by Ashley Lindsay, a pomological expert from Oregon State University.
• Tastings featuring Porter’s Perfection cider and quince cider varieties.
• Networking opportunities and workshops for cider makers worldwide.

Michelle encourages more diversity and representation in cider leadership roles, especially for women. She invites anyone interested in joining the ACA board or participating in industry initiatives to step forward and work with the board of directors.

• Website: https://ciderassociation.org

• CiderCon2025 Promo Code – Once you get to the registration form, towards the end of the first page you’ll reach a section in the form that says “additional registration information” and there is a question: If you have a coupon, please enter code here (case-sensitive): CiderChat
• #xpromoteCider – Tips of the glass to the following brands! Do follow them on instagram!
  • @lydiaapplecore
  • Raven’s Moon Craft Cider & Blue Moon Farm British Columbia
  • Rødding – Æblets By i Salling -Denmark cider club
  • @1000StoneFarm Vermont restaurant and cidery
• #ciderGoingUP campaign page
• Cider Gift Ideas