Sep 25, 2023
The Brand that Started the American Cider Revolution.
With fall right around the corner, many turn their thoughts to apple picking, pumpkin carving and leaf crunching. With those iconic fall activities, there are also some fall delicacies, like pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider donuts and, of course, apple hard cider!
Most of us think of cider and apples in the autumn since that’s when apples are abundant and ready to eat right off the tree. But cider is more than just a fall beverage. Hard cider is just as refreshing in the heat of the summer as it is after a day of laps on the ski slopes. Folks looking for a fun-filled activity can check out The Woodchuck Cidery, located at 1321 Exchange Street, just off scenic Route 7 in Middlebury, Vermont. The Cider House and Tap Room welcome visitors Wednesday through Sunday with self-guided tours, tastings, Woodchuck® gear and 20 amazing ciders on tap. 
It all started along the Black River in a two-car garage, when a winemaker named Greg Failing began experimenting with apples. Woodchuck Amber was the result and it would go on to reinvent a centuries-old beverage, which had vanished from the American conscience in the wake of Prohibition. The first bottles were filled on a 1940s soda filler. It only took 10-ounces, so the last two ounces of every bottle were topped off by hand with a turkey baster. The filler constantly broke down and parts were hard to come by. It took that resilient Vermont spirit to carry on, and carry on they did!
So, if you’re looking to do a little road tripping and a place to swap stories with family and friends (and pups!) over a pint, stop by Woodchuck Cidery. Try Woodchuck’s 802® Barrel Aged which is aged in WhistlePig Rye Whiskey barrels and is crisp with notes of American oak and rye whiskey or grab a Woodchuck Brunch Box Variety Pack that includes four offerings inspired by your favorite brunch cocktails, Bubbly Pearsecco, Mimosa, Bellini and Paloma.
For more information visit www.vtciderco.com
Words: Kelly Kirkpatrick, editor, Heady Times Magazine
Photos: Mike Lianza, Marketing Director, Amoskeag Beverages