In early December, Cider Culture gave a behind-the-scenes look at the judging process for the first-ever cider competition that was part of the Pennsylvania Farm Show. A panel of expert judges (some of whom are also contributors to this site!) sampled 26 ciders across 7 categories — the only specifications for entry were that the ciders use 70% or more Pennsylvania fruit in production, and that all entering cideries must be Pennsylvania Cider Guild members. The winners, we reported, would be announced at the Farm Show, which took place this past weekend in Harrisburg, Pa.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdn7VKkFWJs/?taken-by=ploughmancider
Here’s the list of the winners:
- Best in Show: Big Hill Ciderworks FuManchurian
- Modern
- 1st place: Kurant Cider Bees
- 2nd place: Wyndridge Farm Original
- 3rd place: Original 13 Ciderworks Atacama
- Heritage Cider
- 1st place: Big Hill Ciderworks FuManchurian
- 2nd place: Ploughman Farm Cider Rosedale
- 3rd place: Wyndridge Crafty Cider Heritage Reserve Northern Spy
- Sour
- 1st place: Big Hill Ciderworks Marmalade
- 2nd place: Big Hill Ciderworks Farmhouse
- 3rd place: Frecon Farms Farmhouse Sour
- Fruit
- 1st place: Big Hill Ciderworks Kriek
- 2nd place: Ploughman Cider Pinot N’Arlet
- 3rd place Ploughman Cider Kenspeckle
- Hopped
- 1st place: Ploughman Cider Lupulin Lummox
- 2nd place: Kurant Earth
- 3rd place: Wyndridge Crafty Cider Crafty Hopped
- Spiced
- 1st place: Kurant Spice
- 2nd place: Big Hill Ciderworks Michaux Mule
- 3rd place: Ploughman Muhibbah
- Wood-Aged
- 1st place: Frecon Farms Hogshead
L to R: Clint Holmes of Original 13 Ciderworks, Steve Groff of Wyndridge Farm Brewing, Troy Lehman of Big Hill Ciderworks, Ben Kishbaugh of Big Hill Ciderworks, Ben Wenk of Ploughman Farm Cider and Steve Frecon of Frecon Farms
We were able to catch up with a few of the winners and get their take on the momentous day:
Cheryl Cook, Deputy Secretary for Market Development for Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture with Ben Wenk, Ploughman Farm Cider
“There were some incredible ciders entered in this first year’s contest, and to have ours recognized is a real honor. Above all else, it’s a testament to the quality of apples we grow here in Pennsylvania. Each growing season is a new opportunity to grow better apples and make better cider, and we look forward to doing both.” – Ben Wenk, Ploughman Farm Cider
Mary Bigham, Founder of Cider Culture and Cheryl Cook, Deputy Secretary for Market Development for Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture with Troy Lehman, Big Hill Ciderworks
“As two first generation farmers and cider makers, we’re truly humbled and honored to receive these awards on behalf of ourselves, our families, and employees. Just as importantly, we’re grateful to everyone who has had a part in promoting our young industry and, in particular, Pennsylvania cider. We would like to take the time to congratulate and thank the other award winners, and also the PA Farm Show for providing a platform for our industry to flourish. It’s reassuring to know that all of the long days and hard work are still considered a noble venture. We love what we do, and hope that this is just the beginning for all of us. The sky is truly the limit. Cheers to Pennsylvania Cider!” – Troy Lehman, Big Hill Ciderworks
Congrats from Cider Culture to all the winners!
- Photos: Richard Ashenfelder