Albany, NY - October 13, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that at least 30 New York State cider makers will take part in the 7th annual Cider Week NYC from October 20 through October 29, a celebration that comes during a year of unprecedented success for the industry at major national and international competitions. Dozens of New York City bars, restaurants and retail shops will unite for Cider Week NYC, offering 10 days of tastings, dinners, classes and more to spotlight the diverse array of ciders made in New York State and boost the agricultural industry. The event is produced by the New York Cider Association. A complete listing of events and locations is available here.
"Our state's fast-growing cider industry is making its mark not only in New York, but across the county - attracting craft beverage enthusiasts from all over the globe," Governor Cuomo said. "I encourage visitors from near and far to enjoy all that New York has to offer while sampling world-class cider produced right here in the Empire State."
Since its founding seven years ago, Cider Week has been an important way for New York's apple growers and cider makers to join with restaurants, bars, bottle shops and markets, as well as to connect directly with consumers. Cider makers from across the State participating in Cider Week NYC include:
- Angry Orchard - Walden
- Bad Seed Cider - Highland
- Big Apple Hard Cider - New York
- Blackduck Cidery - Ovid
- Brooklyn Cider House - New Paltz
- Descendant Cider Company - Maspeth
- Diner Brew Co. - Mt. Vernon
- Doc's Draft Cider - Warwick
- Embark Craft Ciderworks - Williamson
- Eve's Cidery - Van Etten
- Graft Cider - Newburgh
- Hardscrabble Cider - North Salem
- Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider - Staatsburg
- Kings Highway Fine Cider - Millerton
- Kite & String Cider - Interlaken
- Metal House Cider - Esopus
- Nine Pin Ciderworks - Albany
- Orchard Hill Cider Mill - New Hampton
- Original Sin Cider - New York
- Pennings Farm Cidery - Warwick
- Phonograph Cider - Ithaca
- Rootstock Ciderworks - Williamson
- Slyboro Cider House - Granville
- South Hill Cider - Ithaca
- Treasury Cider - Hopewell Junction
- Wayside Cider - Andes
- Westwind Orchard - Accord
Profiles of participating cider makers are available on the Cider Week NYC website.
Cider Week NYC special events include: Hidden Stars, A New York Cider Tasting Event, which showcases the diversity and quality of ciders produced in New York State; Cider in the Square Apple Market, which brings cider makers to the Union Square Greenmarket; and a grand opening party at the Bad Seed Bar, NYC's first farm cidery tasting room, located on Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights. More than 20 other events, from free tastings and tap takeovers to ticketed dinners and classes, will take place across the boroughs.
Participating bar, restaurant and retail locations include Alewife NYC, Astor Center, Berg'n, Murray's, New York Beer Company, Stinky Bklyn, Taproom 307, The Green Table, The Jeffrey Craft Beer & Bites and Upright Brew House. The complete list of participating "Cider Spots" can be found here.
This year's Cider Week NYC celebration will also include a trade and media showcase at Astor Center featuring five cider producers who traveled this summer with a delegation of New York cider makers and apple growers to England to examine its more established cider industry. During that visit, New York cideries won 17 medals, which was 25 percent of all the awards given, at the International Cider Championship of the Royal Bath & West Show. Angry Orchard Innovation Ciderhouse in Walden won the Champion International Cider award.
Earlier in the year, New York cideries from the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley were also honored with 81 medals at the 12th Annual Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition, the world's largest cider competition held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A full list of the winners can be found here.
In addition, more than 20 percent of the ciders included on Food & Wine Magazine's September 2017 list of the '30 Best Ciders' were made in New York, which was more than were selected from any other state or region. Ciders recognized include Blackduck Crabby Pip, Good Life Cider Barrel Rye, and Embark Craft Ciderworks Crab Series Vol. #1, Eve's Northern Spy, Redbyrd Workman's Dry, and Angry Orchard + EZ Orchards.
Senator Patty Ritchie, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee said, "The increasing popularity of New York cider has helped to create jobs, grow our agriculture industry and strengthen our overall economy. Events like Cider Week NYC are an opportunity to allow even more people to experience the quality ciders—and apples—our state is known for. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Ball for being partners in the effort to grow our state's cider industry, and hope Cider Week NYC is helpful in shining a spotlight on New York's 'good taste."
Assemblymember William Magee, Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee said, "It should come as no surprise that New York State, with its historic tradition of apple growing, produces the very best apple ciders. I encourage everyone to celebrate the success of NY farm cideries by sampling some of these delicious homegrown New York craft ciders during Cider Week NYC."
New York Cider Association Executive Director Jenn Smith said, "International competition wins and coverage in influential food and beverage publications are significant accolades, reflecting New York as the source of thoughtfully produced, orchard-based ciders."
Growing the Craft Beverage Industry and New York's Agricultural Economy
Governor Cuomo signed the Farm Cidery Law in October 2013 as part of his strong support of the state's craft beverage industry. As a result, the number of licensed farm cideries in New York has more than quadrupled, from just 8 cideries in 2014 to 39 licensed farm cideries now. The Farm Cidery legislation was established following one of three New York State Wine, Beer and Spirits Summits to hear directly from industry professionals about their needs and opportunities for growth. The summits led to rapid growth in the industry, with nearly 1,000 breweries, wineries, spirits distilleries and cideries in operation today.
New York State's apple industry ranks second in the nation in apple production. The State's more than 700 producers grow more apple varieties than any other State, providing the basis for the innovation behind New York's cideries. As the number of cideries in the state continues to increase, the demand for New York apples continues to grow.
The New York Apple Association, reports the apple industry in the Empire State provides approximately 10,000 direct agricultural jobs in New York and thousands of indirect jobs through fruit handling, distribution, marketing, and exports.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "Great apples make great cider and the Empire State has both. The quality of our growers plus the innovation and dedication of our cider makers equals a winning combination every time. It is just one reason our cider industry is second to none. Governor Cuomo's efforts to ease restrictions and pave the way for industry growth is another. There are so many exciting things happing in New York's craft beverage sector and Cider Week NYC is a great time to taste what all the buzz is about."
New York State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley said, "Cider Week NYC is not only a great opportunity for New Yorkers to sample some of the state's finest craft beverages, but a way to connect cider producers to more customers at home and around the country. Thanks to the Governor's Farm Cidery Law, passed almost three years ago today, New York's cider industry has experienced unprecedented growth, and this week-long event is an excellent way to celebrate the industry's continued success."
Ian A. Merwin, of Black Diamond Farm & Cider LLC and New York Cider Association Board Member, said, "Cider Week NYC connects cider lovers in the Big Apple with all us little cider apple growers across Upstate NY! It's a great way to celebrate 400 years of cider growing in our state, and to enjoy the festive harvest season. Come see what all the fuss is about at Cider Week NYC, and support your local cider makers."
Karl DuHoffmann of Orchard Hill Cider Mill and New York Cider Association Board Member said, "Cider Week in particular offers multiple forums for producers to engage with New Yorkers and for consumers to discover what's happening in this fast evolving category. From tastings to educational seminars, I have noticed that NY Cider Week has consistently grown in sophistication and participation each year and I am excited because this year promises to be the best yet."
About Cider Week NYC
Cider Week NYC was founded by Glynwood, an agricultural nonprofit organization based in Cold Spring, NY with a mission to ensure the Hudson Valley is a region defined by food, where farming thrives. Glynwood's Cider Project led the development of the New York Cider Association and continues to partner with NYCA and its members to support cider production that benefits orchards. Cider Week NYC's Major Sponsor is Davines North America, a family-owned international hair care brand with an innovative approach to beauty, guided by the principle of sustainability. Cider Week NYC's Media Sponsor is Edible Manhattan, a magazine and website dedicated to telling the story of how NYC eats and drinks.