511: Hungarian Cider Comes of Age | Bright Cider

Hungary may not have a centuries-old cider tradition like England or France, but that is exactly what makes its modern cider movement so exciting.

In this episode, Cider MC Ria Windcaller travels to Budapest to meet András Kovács and Marcell Lukács, founders of Bright Cider, who are helping shape what Hungarian cider can become. From traditional method sparkling cider and heirloom apple varieties to the newly formed Hungarian Cider Association and the country's first-ever Cider Salon, discover how a new generation of makers is defining a distinctly Hungarian cider identity.

Along the way, you'll hear how two friends turned a shared love of cider discovered on ski trips into one of Hungary's most innovative cideries, why forgotten local apple varieties matter, and how cider can open the door to unexpected discoveries in art, history, and culture.

Timestamps

00:00 Hungary Cider Surprise

01:14 Show Intro and Guests

02:40 Ciderville News Roundup

04:48 French Cider Tour Preview

06:48 Tea Room Interview Setup

10:27 Bright Cider Origin Story

12:14 Naming Bright Cider

13:52 Founders' Backgrounds

19:29 Pandemic Launch and Team

20:31 Traditional Method Focus

22:07 Hungary's Heirloom Apples

26:17 Rosie and Product Lineup

29:24 Vranja Quince Blend

29:58 Cider Lineup Overview

30:43 Ice Cider Cryo Method

31:30 Yeast Choices Explained

32:47 Stainless Steel and Eco Focus

35:50 Events and Finding Bright Cider

37:45 Hungarian Cider Association

39:10 Defining Cider in EU Law

43:03 Apples, Pears and Orchards

47:13 Future Plans in Etyek

50:48 Travel Reflections and Signoff

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