From Apples to Expertise

Hello and welcome to my first blog post! My name is Garrett and I am a cider consultant with a passion for the cider industry. My journey into cider began with a personal project that turned out to be both challenging and unforgettable.

I remember my first attempt at making cider like it was yesterday. I decided to start with apples and ordered 250lbs from a local orchard in Cincinnati. I juiced all the apples on a tiny Jack Lalanne juicer in my kitchen, but it took me 14 long hours and made a complete mess of my small condo. Unfortunately, due to my lack of experience, I made critical errors prior to fermentation and ended up having to throw away 20 gallons of cider.

Despite this setback, I was determined to learn from my mistakes and pursue my passion for cider-making. I went back to school to obtain a degree in winemaking, interned at Soter Vineyards in Oregon, and even led the production of Eden Specialty Ciders in Vermont, one of the best cideries in North America. I also founded March First Brewing, a brewery, cidery, and distillery in Cincinnati, and served as a consultant for multiple start-up cideries and non-alcoholic beverage companies.

What drives my passion for cider consulting is the unique and interesting fruits available and the creative ways to turn them into delightful beverages. I am excited to share my expertise and experience with cider makers and enthusiasts alike, and help them create the best ciders possible. Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and stories from my cider journey!