Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Cider Chat


Interviewing cidermakers importers, orchardists, foodies, farmers and cider enthusiasts around the world. Let’s delve into the semantics of cider…or is it hard cider, cidre, sidra or fermented apple juice? The truth is out there in Ciderville and we are going to find it. We toast in celebration of cider; As a libation, a gift from the gods, a taste of terroir, and a hard pressed good time. Ready to quench your thirst? Grab a glass and join this chat! See you in Ciderville!

Feb 6, 2019

166 Cider Chat Live | Life off CiderCon2019

I was able to squeak in a mini episode before setting off to Chicago for the annual cider trade conference “CiderCon” hosted by the United States Association of Cider Makers.

I’ve been talking a lot about CiderCon leading up to this week of February 4-9, 2019. With 1000 people attending from all parts of the world, it is the Talk of the Town - for those of us who are hooked on all things cider.

Below is my schedule of recordings - I have a pretty simple set up to track who I will be speaking to and when. I am stoked that I will have more time at workshops recording, versus hidden away in a back room doing interviews. It’s not that I don’t like interviews, but when I heard last year that no one saw me for most of CiderCon in Baltimore - I realized that just ain’t right. So this CiderCon - I have set up an number on seminar and panel recordings.

Even as I am flying to Chicago right now - I am getting direct messages in Twitter from makers who are going to CiderCon and looking to chat. Luckily I have also learned to leave a few open slots for just these kind of meet ups.

Here is the recording schedule thus far -

Feb 5th Tuesday Arrive…get landed  find half and half for morning coffee that me and my hotel mate Erica can use for the bad ass French press she is bringing (dang sure glad I agreed to room with Erica who also is one of the biggest, joyful cider enthusiasts around …my kind of cider person!)

Lee Reeve - InCider Japan  6-7pm

- note to self, bring the bottle of Calvados - must do a swig with Lee, whom I am stoked to meet.

Little Pomona - 7pm - I must catch up with Susanna and James Forbes - Already have my copy of The Cider Insider, that Susanna just wrote - and would love to talk to her about this awesome book! A must have - links to buy on the Cider Chat resource page

The Northman Cider Bar tonight…maybe or lay low and pace myself…we will see

Feb 6th amWednesday

9-10 Simon Day - Once Upon a Tree | UK - I am so excited to meet Simon and hear his tales and drink his cider!!!

1-3pm Pomme Boots Meeting - Krista Scruggs of ZAFA wines is speaking!!!

3-4pm Media - I think as media I get to go to the Cider Share early - weeeeeee

4-6:30pm Cider Share - Heaven on earth - walking about a room full of cider and the makers

7pm - James Creek Ciderhouse, North Carolina - a cider dinner and recording with Ann Marie and David Thornton???? “Yes - please”

Feb 7th Thursday

10:15am - Beginning Cidermaker panel  - continental A - I get to moderate and introduce this powerhouse panel.

10:15am Dryness - Williford C - I will be recording this key presentation with folks from the New York Cider Association - Jen Smith is the Ex Director and I Heart Jen!

12 - 1pm Attorney Marc Sorini is speaking during lunch on the History of Alcohol! I had to coax Marc to allow me to record! Can’t wait to hear this presentation!!!

3-4:30pm oak - Ryan Monkman - Wiliford A-B - Ryan of Ontario - …based on Prince Edward County and maker of Field Bird Cider - If you haven’t listen to Barrels and Bàtonnage with Ryan - DO - he is amazing. and I adore him,

Feb 7th Thursday evening open - who knows where I will be once the sun goes down. One thing for sure, I will have a glass of cider in my hand.

Feb 8th Friday

10:15am Embracing & Encouraging Diversity - Continental C - yowza - this is a powerhouse panel

12:30am Michelle McGrath - lunch speaker - I want to record Michelle - she is the perfect fit for the USACM and the fact that she is doing all that she does and is pregnant to boot! Super Star!!!

Leaving Open - 1:30 - 4:30

Friday evening - Erica scored a ticket to the SpeakEasy Cider meet up - YeeHaw!

Feb 9th Saturday -

A full day at Chicago Cider Summit

Feb 10th Sunday

Fly home - Ya!