402: Michigan's Simply, Spectacular PIF Cider

402: Michigan's Simply, Spectacular PIF Cider

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist February 28, 2024 Duration: 1:03:59

Meet the Founders of Presque Isle Farm Cider a.k.a PIF

Molly and Dion Stepanski are the founders of of PIF Cider with an inviting Tasting Room located in Alpena, Michigan. They met in New Orleans where Dion was working as a Jazz muscian and Molly in a store. In 2014 they move to farm vegetables at Dion's family farm in Posen, MI. There they planted a one acre orchard which Dion describes as high density, but not trellised. They sources their apples from Michigan's TraverseCity area which is to the west of Alpena.

Cider Chat Episode 402 Dion and Molly of PIF Cider 1 a
Dion and Molly

From the outset they wanted to make English Style Ciders and by all accounts they are hitting this target straight out producing delectable ciders that please the palate and made this cider podcast host swoon with delight.

In this Cider Chat with PIF Producers

  • The backstory of PIF and the Stepanski's journey to cider
  • Cider making techniques at PIF
    • Native yeas
    • Barrel program
    • Blends and Single varietal
  • The cider fans of Presque Island and the surrounding area.
    • What can guests expect when visiting.
  • How to get PIF products!

PIF Cider Tasted

  • 2022 Farmhouse 8.2%
    • Kingston Black
    • Bulmers Norman
    • Brown Snout
    • Northern Spy
    • Label by their son
  • Kingston Black and Bulmers 50/50
    • Made in Stainless
  • Single Varietal Spitzenberg 2021 12.5%
    • Aged for 2 years in Bourbon Barrel
  • Clean Ciders meaning pitched yeast
    • Golden Russet, Harrison blend 9% semi dry
    • Bulmers Norman and Coxs Orange Pippin
    • Farmhouse back sweeten with French Bittersweet concentrate
      • This is in a can and is a slight variation from the 750 ml bottles
Cider Chat Episode 402 PIF ciders for sale in taproom
Ciders for sale in Taproom
Cider Chat Episode 402 PIF 750 ML bottles

 

Contact info for Presque Island Farm Cider

Mentions in this Cider Chat


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: 100

Cider Chat