416:Cider Symphony w/Bach in a Bottle

416:Cider Symphony w/Bach in a Bottle

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist June 5, 2024 Duration: 47:26

Crank the Bach & Go Boating with Green Bench in Hand

Brian Wing of Green Bench Mead and Cider is a classical music fan. Green Bench is located in Saint Petersburg, Florida and Brian was recently on episode 398 which is a must listen. Usually, we wait a bit here at Cider Chat Central to have a guest back on, but when a delivery of cider arrived from Brian, with 4 select bottles, the opportunity arose once again have a chat.

A cider inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's Partita Nr. 2

Single Varietals to Bach Chamber Blends

  • Black TwigAn Earthy Delight
    • Brian starts the conversation by discussing the Black Twig, a cider crafted from the 2022 crop. This cider showcases a unique blend of 80% Black Twig and 20% Chestnut Crab apples. Brian describes the Black Twig as having a peachy blush color with a flavor profile that includes low acidity, apple
Cider Chat Ep: 416 Black Twig - Bach in a Bottle
  • Redfield: The Rosé of Ciders
    • The Redfield, a single varietal cider made from 100% Redfield apples. Known for its vibrant red flesh, this cider offers a stunning color and a flavor profile dominated by cranberry and citrus aromas. Brian highlights the high acidity and minerality of this cider, making it a perfect rosé alternative for brunch or any occasion.
Cider Chat Ep: 416 Redfield Bach in a Bottle
  • Malus: A Flagship Cider
  • Brian introduces the Malus, a cider that he considers the flagship of Green Bench. This cider is a blend of 12-13 apple varieties, including Dabinett, Kingston Black, Chisel Jersey, Black Twig, Chestnut, and Hughes Crab. The result is a balanced and rounded cider with a complex flavor profile that pays homage to French ciders. With an alcohol by volume of just over 7%, the Malus is a versatile and drinkable cider.
Cider Chat 416 chef Brian and Ria - Malus and Bach
Celebrity Chef Brian Duffy loved the Malus – listen to this special ep: 401
  • Chaconne: A High Acid Symphony
    • The final cider discussed is the Chaconne, named after Johann Sebastian Bach's Partita No. 2. This high acid cider is a blend of Wickson, Yates, and Harrison apples. Brian describes the Chaconne as having intense pear and citrus aromas, a mouthwatering acidity, and a unique flavor profile that includes tropical fruit and a touch of black pepper. The label, featuring three robed skeletons playing violins, adds to the artistic and esoteric nature of this cider.

Listen to Johann Sebastian Bach's

Violinist Jascha Heifetz is featured via the link below

416 Bach by Jascha Heifetz 300x20
Album cover for Jascha Heifetz which features Bach Chaconne d-Moll aus der Partita Nr. 2

Contact for Green Bench Brewing, Mead & 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: 501

Cider Chat
Podcast Episodes
397: Nature Evolves in the Glass | Wildcraft Cider Works, OR [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:50
Fermentations Run without Fear at Wildcraft Sean Kelly founded Wildcraft Cider Works in 2014. His journey to cider making began in 2008. It follows his botanicals passion, quest for tree resources & conservation, in conc…
396: PDX Audio Clips | CiderCon 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
Pre-conference PDX Audio Clips This Cider Chat Live features clips from CiderCon 2024 which took place in Portland, Oregon. What was particularly unique about this year was the ice storm that took place. Pictured below i…
395: PDX Tips for CiderCon 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:32
Bookmark this episode for loads of Portland Oregon a.k.a. PDX Tips Oregon Cider Week and CiderCon 2024 are all converging in PDX and this episodes has all the tips you need arrive and hit the ground running. Portland res…
394: Cider Notes Heading Into 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:54
It's time to make your Cider Notes for 2024 The list of cider notes can be quiet long, but in this episode we are going to make it doable and easy for you. In this Cider Chat on Cider Notes The Talking Pommes encourage R…
393: How to Wassail & Drink Hail [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:16
What does Wassail & Drink Hail mean? In this episode learn about meaning behind Wassail and Drink Hail from the Butler himself, Al Sax. A Wassail is a celebration of the orchards, most typically apple orchards to honor t…
392: Bent Ladder Estate Ciders & Wine | Ohio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:58
The Vodraska Brothers Chris & Matt of Bent Ladder In the midst of a rich farming legacy emerged Bent Ladder Cider and Wine, based in Doylestown Ohio. Chris and younger brother Matt Vodraska are following in their father…
391: Test Winters & Climate w/Saint Lawrence Nurseries (NY) Founder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:45
Saint Lawrence Nurseries is a specialized tree nursery in New York state, renowned for its expertise in cold-hardy fruit and nut trees with a committment to sustainable and organic practices. The nursery, which was origi…
390: Renaissance Orchards Keeved & French Style Ciders | WA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:21
Meet Chris Rylands of Renaissance Orchards First there was Cider Supply and then Chris founded Renaissance Orchards with his wife Melinda. This move was a natural progression of a series of events that include resources…
388: French Origins of American Apples | The Grand-Mères [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:11
Discover the Apple Grand-mères/Grandmothers of North America Todd Little-Siebold (Ph.D.) spoke at New York Apple Camp (2023) on a presentation titled the "Three Grandmothers" or Grand-mères in French. The sub title is "W…