New England cidermakers discuss industry resurgence (audio)
At the time of the American Revolution, one out of every ten farms in New England had a cider mill. Hard cider was practically a national drink. But a shift to urban lifestyles and the pressure of the temperance movement forced this farmhouse beverage out of favor. Now it’s coming back, in a big way. Last year, US sales were up 20 percent. One local cidermaker, The Vermont Hard Cider Company, controls more than half of the market. And other local cidermakers are starting to see remarkable success. We explore the cider revival with Ben Watson, author of “Cider Hard and Sweet: History, Traditions & Making Your Own” and we learn about the craft from the cidermakers at Farnum Hill Cider in Lebanon, New Hampshire, Citizen Cider in Colchester, and Whetstone Ciderworks in Marlboro.
Listen >> Vermont Public Radio.
