249: Old School Cider for Modern Times

249: Old School Cider for Modern Times

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist December 2, 2020 Duration: 40:23

Old School Cider for Modern Times episode 249 is about this cider podcaster's backstory on making cider over the course of 26 years.

This episode was inspired by my good friend Ryan Monkman of FieldBird Cider in Ontario. It was his idea to interview me about my backstory in cider as this podcast rolled up to episode 250. Seeing that I never turn down an opportunity to talk with Ryan so of course I said "Yes". Ryan came to the recording with 4 categories of questions.

  • How
  • Wild
  • Why
  • Mystery Box question

I hope you enjoy this special episode with guest interviewer Ryan Monkman and myself as we take you behind the scenes of Cider Chat and how we got here.

Ria making cider with Golden Hornets A box of Golden Hornets

Guest Interviewer Ryan Monkman Ryan Monkman, FieldBird Cider

Mentions in this Chat

  • FieldBird's Flock once a month cider special - providing you a chance to get select experimental bottles

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Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts.


There’s a whole world in a glass of cider, and Cider Chat is your invitation to explore it. Hosted by award-winning cidermaker and writer Ria Windcaller, this podcast travels far beyond the bottle to meet the people who make the global cider culture so vibrant. Each conversation is a journey-you might find yourself in a heritage orchard learning the history of forgotten apple varieties, in a bustling taproom with an importer explaining regional traditions, or in a kitchen with a chef pairing cider with unexpected foods. The discussions get into the delightful nuances, too, whether that’s the semantics of what we even call this drink or how the concept of terroir translates from soil to sip. It’s not just about production; it’s about the community, the travel, and the stories that fermentation unlocks. This is for anyone curious about the craft, history, and sheer enjoyment of fermented apple juice in all its forms. So, pour a glass and settle in for a series that feels like a wide-ranging, informative, and genuinely good-humored chat with friends who happen to be obsessed with cider. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for every effervescent, tart, or sweet sip, hearing directly from the growers, makers, and enthusiasts who are shaping this drink’s exciting present and future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 501

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