504: Why Breweries Are Making Cider (and What It Means)

What happens when breweries start making cider… not because they have to, but because they want to keep drinking beer?

That question kicks off episode 504 featuring Dan Kramer and Ben Anhalt of Element Brewing Company.

"Most breweries probably see cider as a way to let them continue making beer."

That line says a lot. And it opens the door to a bigger conversation.

Breweries adding cider isn't just about diversification.
It's not just about gluten-free taps.
And it's definitely not just about adding another SKU.

Something is shifting.

In this episode, we dig into:
• Why breweries are turning to cider right now
• What changing consumer habits have to do with it
• How cider fits into a beer-first business model
• What this trend means for independent cider makers

At Element, cider isn't an afterthought. It's part of a strategy to stay relevant in a changing market and a window into where craft beverages may be heading next.

Time Stamps
00:00 Why Breweries Are Making Cider
02:01 Season Travels Recap and Road Notes
04:44 Tours, Travel Updates, and France Signup
06:44 Meet Element Brewing Company
07:07 From Brewing to Distilling: The Origin Story
10:43 Barrels, Aging, and Apple Brandy
15:37 Sourcing Cider and Apples for Production
19:23 Why Breweries Are Adding Cider Now
23:53 Branding and the Element Two Concept
25:44 South Deerfield Expansion Plans
29:13 Cider Making Mindset
29:40 Tasting a Dry Botanical Cider
30:36 Yeast Choices and Sweetness Strategy
32:15 Balance First: Building Flavor
33:38 ABV, Structure, and Serving Glassware
34:59 Learning Curve and Cider Books
35:50 Apple Varieties, Terroir, and Flavor
38:33 Experimentation and Small Batch Cider
41:12 Personal Palates and Fridge Favorites
42:40 The Bigger Shift: Breweries Moving to Cider
46:00 Advice: Make Your Cider Stand Out
48:53 Apple Brandy Toast
49:40 Why Independent Cider Media Matters
51:54 Tom Oliver and 500 Episodes
53:00 #CiderGoingUp Campaign
53:45 Final Sign-Off

Find the full show notes for Episode 504 at CiderChat.com

Direct link: https://ciderchat.com/podcast/504-breweries-making-cider-element/

Mentions in this episode: Totally Cider Tour to France

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Prefer to watch? Find Cider Chat on YouTube

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