Best Hardcider Podcasts (2026)

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484: Rethinking American Cider History with Patrick McCauley 1:09:59

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39m ago1:09:59

1:09:59

Meet Patrick McCauley, a Michigan-based cider maker and researcher, who is questioning some of the most common myths about American cider history. What Patrick uncovers is a far more regional, farm-based, and resilient cider story than the usual "cider died because of Prohibition" narrative. 00:00 Introduction to Cider and Prohibtion 00:23 Meet the…

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483: The Talking Pomme's Grand Winter Party 14:23

1d ago14:23

14:23

Enjoy this annual winter tale from Cider Chat Central! In this special holiday episode, Cider Chat invites you to step into the enchanting world of the Talking Pommes. The Talking Pommes Grand Winter Party is more than just a story - it's a celebration of all things pome, community, tradition, and the joy that comes with every glass of cider. The c…

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Michigan Beer Series 057 | Kuhnhenn Brewing Solstice Festival 1:05:20

13d ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Every year, like clockwork, we celebrate the winter solstice in December. Kuhnhenn Brewing is celebrating this year by releasing 13 heavyweight beers. They will be on draft and your preorder bottles are ready for pickup. Wendy and Rob catch up with Eric and Bret on the night before their festival which begins December 20th and they still have a lot…

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482: FLX Cider & Cheese Pairing with Cheesemonger Rachel Freier 41:53

8d ago41:53

41:53

At the New York Cider Fest in November, there were 2 Cider and Cheese sessions. Cider Chat Emcee Ria Windcaller attended one featuring ciders from 4 different makers. This cider and cheese pairing was led by Rachel Freier, a cheesemonger who is based in the Finger Lakes. She brought deep knowledge, humor, and a whole lot of heart as we tasted our w…

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Better on Draft 381 | Beer News 1:01:30

11d ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Wendy and Rob prepare for Christmas with a little beer news and a lot of Christmas beer discussion. 39 Affordable Towns With the Most Craft Breweries Per Capita -- With some suspicious math but could help with planning a move or vacation. MLive's Analysis of the brewery scene in Michigan with parallels to the US. The Michigan Craft Beer Community o…

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481: Totally Cider Tour: A Merry Visit to Tom Oliver's 44:34

16d ago44:34

44:34

Tom Oliver is delightfully talented, mischievously witty, and not only a renowned cider maker but also a top-notch perry maker. He may say, "If you're going to make perry and work with pears, you've already identified yourself as being criminally insane," but what we found was simply a bold maker willing to go the extra mile for every bottle. Enjoy…

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480: Holiday Cider Gift Guide 2025 and Playing with Pommeau 46:36

27d ago46:36

46:36

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:32 French Pronunciation Fun 02:27 Holiday Gift Ideas for 2025 02:59 Cider Chat News and Updates 04:42 Listener Stories and Experiences 07:49 Upcoming UK Cider Tour 2026 12:47 Featured Presentation: 2025 Holiday Cider Gift Guide 13:35 Cider Chat Partners and Supporters 25:30 Stocking Stuffer Tips and Cider …

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Better on Draft 380 | Carmen Amato's Galliano Club Series 1:12:34

1M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

Wendy and Rob talk with Carmen Amato, author of the Galliano Club book series. This series takes place in upstate New York (Rome, NY is the inspiration) during prohibition. Beginning as a murder mystery and continuing as a power struggle for different factions related to the distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages (such as beer, of cour…

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479: New York Cider Fest | Audio Snapshots 51:45

1M ago51:45

51:45

New York Cider Fest 2025 brought together makers and enthusiasts for an unforgettable day at City Winery Manhattan. In this special collection of on-the-floor recordings, Cider Chat® captures Audio Snap Shots with festival patrons. Hear how attendees at the New York Cider Fest are viewing cider today — what styles they're excited about, how they're…

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478: Pommeau: What Happens When a French Classic Lands on U.S. Labels 51:18

1M ago51:18

51:18

What is Pommeau? Pommeau is a: fortified blend of fresh apple must (unfermented) and apple brandy (typically Calvados in Normandy or Lambig in Brittany). The unfermented apple juice and brandy are combined before fermentation, which halts the process entirely and preserves natural sweetness. By law in France, Pommeau must be aged a minimum of 18 mo…

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Better on Draft 379 | Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative 1:05:55

2M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

Wendy and Rob talk to Jeremy, founder and operator of Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative. We talk about what it means to run a business as a cooperative, Broken Clock's philosophy about where they fit in their world, and we get a little off topic here and there... You can learn more about Broken Clock at https://www.brokenclockbrew.com/ Better on Dra…

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477: 2025 Ultimate Cider Pairing Guide for Thanksgiving 39:38

2M ago39:38

39:38

Learn how to pick the right Cider and Perry for every dish on the Thanksgiving table. This week we are not chasing brand names. We are building flavor intuition. Consider Thanksgiving not as one single taste on a plate; it is a stack of distinct taste worlds. Each one asks for its own kind of cider or perry. In this holiday feature, Ria and the Tal…

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476: Be Medieval, Rack that Cider| Secondary Fermentation 46:18

2M ago46:18

46:18

How to clarify, stabilize, and finish cider the right way The Purpose of Secondary Fermentation when Making Cider Once the apple juice has started fermented and it is now slowing down, it is time to rack over your cider for secondary fermentation. Secondary fermentation is where your cider moves from "young" to "refined." This stage improves clarit…

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Better on Draft | Tasting Flight: 2025 GABF 39:27

2M ago39:27

39:27

Wendy and Rob talk about the Great American Beer Festival's medal winners from Michigan, Indiana, and a few other places. We'd love to hear about your GABF experiences as an attendee, brewer, vendor, volunteer, judge, or concerned citizen! Reach out to us on any of our social media sites (we're betterondraft on all of them) and let us know what stu…

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475: At the UK's National Perry Pear Centre and the Story Behind 99PINES 43:52

2M ago43:52

43:52

Perry making has deep roots in Gloucestershire, stretching back to the 17th century when French wine imports were cut off during the Napoleonic Wars. Local farmers turned to their own fruit, and the rich soils around Hartpury proved ideal for growing Perry pears. This episode features audio snapshots from the 2025 Totally Cider Tour stop at the Nat…

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Better on Draft 378 | Elm Street Brewing 1:16:12

2M ago1:16:12

1:16:12

Wendy and Rob are joined by Seth from Elm Street Brewing. Hear how Seth got into brewing at Elm Street and became the head brewer there, designing and brewing his own recipes on a commercial scale. Elm Street Brewing's main space is set up to accommodate large groups easily and serve them delicious food from an exciting kitchen. We also talk about …

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474: The Romance of It All | The Temperleys of Somerset Cider & Brandy 1:09:30

2M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

At the base of Burrow Hill life moves at the pace of apples and oak. Here, Julian and daughter Matilda Temperley are testment to the value of family for carry a business such as cider and brandy forward into the next 100 years. "You have to believe in the Romance of it because you are thinking so far in advance" Matilda Temperly From orchards plant…

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473: Tiny Bubbles | How to Make a Pét Nat Cider 44:53

2M ago44:53

44:53

What makes a Pét Nat cider sparkle naturally and how is it connected to the rural method you might have heard about in the UK? In this episode, we take a practical look at: What Pét Nat cider is and how it relates to the "rural method" A clearer way to describe fermentation: Active Ferment → Quiet Phase → Maturation When and how to rack cider for c…

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Better on Draft 377 | Burn Em Brewing 1:07:10

3M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

Wendy and Rob talk to Steve Murray, one of the founders of Burn Em Brewing in Michigan City, IN. Burn Em is in a newer space with an interesting kitchen and lots of good beer on tap. You can find out more at their website. If you would like to see the labels mentioned in the show, those are also on their website.…

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472: Perry to FOMO — A Cider Dinner to Remember in the Malvern Hills 49:04

3M ago49:04

49:04

A Toast to Perry and Place Enjoy an intimate recording from the 2025 Totally Cider Tour_UK Edition. This unforgettable evening featured James Forbes of Little Pomona, leading guests through a cider dinner pairing in the Malvern Hills located on the border of Herefordshire and Worcestershire in England. James presents both a welcome Perry, Ciders an…

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Better on Draft 376 | Phantom Canyon 1:00:46

3M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Wendy and Rob talk to Brian Koch from Phantom Canyon Brewing in Colorado Springs, CO. Colorado's oldest brewpub sits right in the heart of the Springs' downtown and is worth a visit for provisioning your next hike or celebrating your hiking success - or because you want some good food and good drink (you earned it, you woke up today!). Brian has be…

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471: Cider Tourism 101 | Newton Court, UK 57:50

3M ago57:50

57:50

Newton Court Cider began as a 30-acre farm selling apples to Bulmers. When the market changed, Paul Stephens turned those same orchards into a modern day cider business. Front view of Newton Court's restaurant and visitor centre in Herefordshire, surrounded by orchards and outdoor seating. " data-medium-file= "https://i0.wp.com/ciderchat.com/wp-con…

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470: Hedgers, Crossman's, and Coates: UK Cider's Entwined Histories 53:55

3M ago53:55

53:55

In October 2024, Cider Chat MC Ria Windcaller recorded with Tom Vowles of Hedger Cider and Ben Crossman in Somerset. Initially, the two recordings felt like separate brand stories. Then, nearly a year later to the day as the produciton of this audio began and the transcript peeled away a story of entwined history came to light and a shared connecti…

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Better on Draft 375 | Berkeley Alley Beer 1:06:18

3M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

Wendy and Rob talk to Liz and Chelsea of Berkeley Alley Beer and BodyByBeer podcast. Berkeley Alley Beer can be found at https://thealleybrews.com/ and in Denver, CO. It is a proudly welcoming space so you should go check it out! The Body by Beer podcast website https://www.bodybybeerpodcast.com/ has information about the podcast and the books we d…

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Better on Draft 374 | Unmapped Brewing 1:06:29

3M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Wendy and Rob talk to Derek from Unmapped Brewing outside Minneapolis, MN. You can learn more about Unmappd and plan a visit (maybe for one of their charity events, maybe for their to-be-determined winter parking lot event) by visiting https://unmappedbrewing.com/ NOTE: The brewery from Strange Brew is called Elsinore, not Excelsior like Rob though…

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469: Getting Lost, So You Don't | UK Totally Cider Tour 2025 Recap 1:13:58

4M ago1:13:58

1:13:58

UK Cider Tour 2025 Audio Snap Shots Wallace and Ria in Bristol " data-medium-file= "https://i0.wp.com/ciderchat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ria-and-Wallace-in-Bristol.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file= "https://i0.wp.com/ciderchat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ria-and-Wallace-in-Bristol.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" /> Wallace and Ria in Bris…

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Better on Draft 373 | Grand Rapids and Columbus Trips 50:55

4M ago50:55

50:55

Rob talks about his recent trip to Grand Rapids aka Beer City, USA. Wendy talks about her upcoming trip to Columbus, Ohio and her cruise from Boston.By Better On Draft Podcast

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468: Foraging Flavor: Pierrepont Cider | NY 1:00:06

4M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Cider Maker and Founder Lee Van DeWater of Pierrepont Cider shares his story in this episode on how he is forages apples to share a taste of terroir from New York's North Country. Lee Van DeWater Foraging Apples for Cider - Sustainable? Lee's cider journey started with childhood memories of sweet cider and apple trees planted by his great-grandfath…

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Michigan Beer Series #056 | Hold MI Beer 1:16:54

4M ago1:16:54

1:16:54

Wendy and Rob talk to Steve aka Hold MI Beer about his last year of being a beer writer, bartender, and traveler. Steve writes for Better on Draft: https://www.betterondraft.com/ and you can follow him and find additional writing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562608120577By Better On Draft Podcast

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467: Canton Apples and Frosty Twig: New York Cider Makers Unite 1:25:13

5M ago1:25:13

1:25:13

How Canton Apples and Frosty Twig Fused Two Brands into One In New York's "North of Upstate" region, in the town of Canton is the Canton Apples production building. It is now also home of a partnership shaping the local cider scene. Owner Joel Howie and cider maker Dan Gallagher live just a mile apart, and their skills mesh perfectly. Joel brings o…

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Better on Draft 372 | Eric Bean of Columbus Brewing Company 1:11:00

5M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

Wendy and Rob talk to Eric Bean from Columbus Brewing Company. If you find yourself in Ohio, especially in Columbus, check out some of their beers. Eric talks about how he got started in craft beer in the early 90s all the way up through the things they're doing today (year of the lager!). Learn more at https://columbusbrewing.com/ and follow them …

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466: Growing Cold-Hardy Trees at Saint Lawrence Nursery | NY 1:18:06

5M ago1:18:06

1:18:06

A Century of Cold-Hardy Trees Saint Lawrence Nursery in Potsdam, NY, has been helping cold-climate growers find success since the 1920s. Originally founded by Fred Ashworth and later expanded by Bill MacKentley, the nursery is now stewarded by Connor and Allyssa Hardiman, the third generation in a nonfamilial succession. What Sets Saint Lawrence Nu…

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Better on Draft 371 | Beer Fest Face-Off 39:09

5M ago39:09

39:09

It's summer and that's a great time for beer festivals! Rob and Wendy talk about two upcoming (or already-passed depending on when you hear this) beer festivals. Whether you attend these festivals or not you may learn some strategies to apply to your next fest - or have strategies to share with us. July 19: Indiana Brewers Guild presents Summerfest…

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465: The Integrated Table: Cider, Food, and Farming at 1000 Stone Farm 1:21:15

6M ago1:21:15

1:21:15

From Farm to Glass: Cider at 1000 Stone Farm At 1000 Stone Farm in Brookfield, Vermont, Kyle Doda and Betsy Simpson have built a dynamic model that unites organic farming, community-supported agriculture, small-batch cider. First came the farm and then over ten years, the couple expanded their offerings to include fruit trees, livestock, mushrooms,…

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Better on Draft 370 | Nick from Books & Brews Brownsburg 1:00:24

6M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Rob has often stated that Books & Brews Brownsburg is the best beer bar in Brownsburg. Wendy and Rob get to talk to Nick Valentin, the owner and proprietor of the best beer bar in Brownsburg! Books & Brews Brownsburg can be found on Facebook if Brownsburg, Indiana alone isn't a big enough draw for you to visit in person: https://www.facebook.com/Bn…

Hardcider Podcasts

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Cider Chat

Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist

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Better on Draft | Craft Beer Podcast

Better On Draft Podcast

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484: Rethinking American Cider History with Patrick McCauley 1:09:59

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483: The Talking Pomme's Grand Winter Party 14:23

1
Michigan Beer Series 057 | Kuhnhenn Brewing Solstice Festival 1:05:20

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482: FLX Cider & Cheese Pairing with Cheesemonger Rachel Freier 41:53

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Better on Draft 381 | Beer News 1:01:30

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481: Totally Cider Tour: A Merry Visit to Tom Oliver's 44:34

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480: Holiday Cider Gift Guide 2025 and Playing with Pommeau 46:36

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Better on Draft 380 | Carmen Amato's Galliano Club Series 1:12:34

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479: New York Cider Fest | Audio Snapshots 51:45

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478: Pommeau: What Happens When a French Classic Lands on U.S. Labels 51:18

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Better on Draft 379 | Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative 1:05:55

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477: 2025 Ultimate Cider Pairing Guide for Thanksgiving 39:38

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476: Be Medieval, Rack that Cider| Secondary Fermentation 46:18

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Better on Draft | Tasting Flight: 2025 GABF 39:27

1
475: At the UK's National Perry Pear Centre and the Story Behind 99PINES 43:52

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Better on Draft 378 | Elm Street Brewing 1:16:12

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474: The Romance of It All | The Temperleys of Somerset Cider & Brandy 1:09:30

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473: Tiny Bubbles | How to Make a Pét Nat Cider 44:53

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Better on Draft 377 | Burn Em Brewing 1:07:10

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472: Perry to FOMO — A Cider Dinner to Remember in the Malvern Hills 49:04

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Better on Draft 376 | Phantom Canyon 1:00:46

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471: Cider Tourism 101 | Newton Court, UK 57:50

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470: Hedgers, Crossman's, and Coates: UK Cider's Entwined Histories 53:55

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Better on Draft 375 | Berkeley Alley Beer 1:06:18

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Better on Draft 374 | Unmapped Brewing 1:06:29

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469: Getting Lost, So You Don't | UK Totally Cider Tour 2025 Recap 1:13:58

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Better on Draft 373 | Grand Rapids and Columbus Trips 50:55

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468: Foraging Flavor: Pierrepont Cider | NY 1:00:06

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Michigan Beer Series #056 | Hold MI Beer 1:16:54

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467: Canton Apples and Frosty Twig: New York Cider Makers Unite 1:25:13

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Better on Draft 372 | Eric Bean of Columbus Brewing Company 1:11:00

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466: Growing Cold-Hardy Trees at Saint Lawrence Nursery | NY 1:18:06

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Better on Draft 371 | Beer Fest Face-Off 39:09

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465: The Integrated Table: Cider, Food, and Farming at 1000 Stone Farm 1:21:15

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Better on Draft 370 | Nick from Books & Brews Brownsburg 1:00:24