This archival episode of Cider Chat brings together five experienced cider makers answering real-world questions from beginners at CiderCon 2019.

Originally released as Episodes 174 and 175, this combined feature presents a comprehensive Q&A covering everything from fermentation and stabilization to business strategy, equipment, and scaling a cidery.

The discussion bridges the gap between hobby cider making and commercial production, offering practical insights grounded in real experience.

• Marcus Robert – Tieton Cider Works, Washington
• Tim Godfrey – Golden State Cider, California
• Eleanor Leger – Eden Specialty Cider, Vermont
• Brent Myles – Sly Clyde Cider, Virginia
• Ben Calvi – Vermont Cider Co, Vermont

Moderated by Cider Chat MC Ria Windcaller

00:00 Cider Choices Matter

01:27 Episode Setup

03:02 Ciderville Event News

05:41 Support The Podcast

06:31 Patron Shoutouts

10:34 Panel Introductions

14:34 Defining Cider

15:32 Lessons Learned

18:55 Residual Sugar Safety

23:51 Contract Vs Taproom

27:13 Ice Cider Deep Dive

33:11 Settling Juice Tips

34:40 Solids and Enzymes

35:06 Plastic Fermenters Tips

36:41 Profitability and Distribution

40:54 Learn on Someone Else

41:27 Core Ciders Strategy

45:43 Tasting Room Location

49:43 Funding and Crowdfunding

52:07 Essential Lab Gear

53:54 Filtration and Hopbacks

58:05 Fermentation Temperature Control

01:01:03 Wrap Up and Sign Off

Find the full show notes for Episode 497 at CiderChat.com

Direct Link at:https://ciderchat.com/podcast/497-beginner-cider-makers-qa/

Listen to wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss what's coming next in Ciderville.

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Find Cider Chat on YouTube for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture.

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Liberty Ciderworks in Spokane, Washington is an urban cidery focused on traditional methods. While located in the city, their cider reflects deep agricultural roots.

Cider maker and founder Rick Hastings ferments with wild yeast, ages cider for 3 to 12 months, and source fruit from nearby orchards. This approach creates cider with structure, balance, and regional identity.

This interview is with Jamie, who is a certified pommelier, and her husband Ben Pratt who both partnered with Rick in 2019. This interview was recorded at CiderCon in 2026.

00:00 Cider Eyes Open

00:40 Meet Liberty Cider

01:58 Ciderville News Kanga

04:46 Western Mass Cider Stop

07:51 Tour Prep And Pacing

12:53 Spokane Urban Cidery

15:09 Orchards And Sourcing

17:20 How They Joined Liberty

21:54 Tasting Room Third Place

23:29 Cider Series And Flights

29:33 Educating New Drinkers

31:07 American Apples Lineup

32:01 On The Table Golden Russet

32:22 Golden Russet Terroir

33:22 Tasting Notes Compared

35:31 Wild Yeast Unfiltered

38:43 Reserve Versus Core

39:19 Cider Club Shipping

41:59 Future Growth Strategy

44:14 Visit Spokane Taproom

46:38 Events Puzzle Festival

49:21 Barrel Program 55 Chain

52:39 Wrap Up Ciderchat

54:13 Closing Orchard Song

Find the full show notes for Episode 496 at CiderChat.com

Direct Link at: https://ciderchat.com/podcast/496-liberty-ciderworks/
Listen to wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss what's coming next in Ciderville.

Prefer to watch?
Find Cider Chat on YouTube for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture.

💛 Enjoy cider? Help keep #ciderGoingUP and support this podcast Cider Chat.
Your support helps keep the podcast on the air and makes it possible to share more conversations like this one.

In this archive episode of Cider Chat, we go in a barrel cellar in Prince Edward County, Ontario, with Ryan Monkman of FieldBird Cider and Lee Baker of Keint-He Winery.

Listening to Fermentation

What Is Bâtonnage in Cider?

Find Key Takeaways for Home Cider Makers

Barrel Room Glossary

SO₂ Calculator

00:00 Barrels as Dance Partners

00:29 Episode 495 Replay Setup

01:40 Ryan Monkman Spotlight

04:06 Ciderville News and Cider Salons

06:21 UK Blossom Time Tour Plans

08:18 Entering the Barrel Cave

10:38 Cellar Terroir and Humidity

13:33 Malolactic Fermentation Explained

15:32 Listening to Fermentation

17:51 Comparing Barrels With and Without Malo

21:50 Yeast Trials and Complexity

23:48 Lees Contact and Benefits

26:24 Bâtonnage Tools and Routine

30:47 Bâtonnage Demo in Action

33:49 Hands On Stirring and Smelling

34:17 Stirring The Lees

35:26 Blending For Complexity

36:47 Aging Timeline And Autolysis

38:47 Barrel Faults And Oxygen

41:58 Managing Flor And SO2

44:09 Measuring pH And Sulfur

49:56 Cleaning And Storing Barrels

53:03 Citric Sulfur Storage Method

57:04 Closing Notes And Farewell

Find the full show notes for Episode 495 at CiderChat.com

Direct Link at: https://ciderchat.com/podcast/495-barrel-aged-cider-tips/
Listen to wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss what's coming next in Ciderville.

Prefer to watch?
Find Cider Chat on YouTube for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture.

💛 Enjoy cider? Help keep #ciderGoingUP - by supporting Cider Chat.
Your support helps keep the podcast on the air and makes it possible to share more conversations like this one.