421: Explore the Rich History of Chilean Cider w/Punta de Fierro

421: Explore the Rich History of Chilean Cider w/Punta de Fierro

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist July 24, 2024 Duration: 1:04:18

Eli Shanks' of Punta de Fierro Fine Cider

In this episode meet Eli Shanks, a passionate cider maker sharing his journey from urban Massachusetts to the picturesque landscapes of Chile, where he co-founded Punta de Fierro Cider. Eli developed an early interest in food systems and agriculture with influences from attending The Farm School, working at The Food Project and running an orchard in Concord, Massachusetts.

Cider Chat Episode 412 Eli holding a bottle of Punta de Fierro
Eli Shanks with bottle of Punta de Fierro

The History of Cider in Chile

Chile has a rich tradition in fermenting apples into cider. Historically, cider production was a significant part of the local economy. Families were taxed based on their cider tank space, and cider apples were a staple in many homes. Chilean cider, known as "Chicha", is a farmhouse product with various local recipes, often fermented naturally with residual sugar.

Organizations and Collaborations

Eli has co-founded the Chilean Cider Collective (COSIGI), which aims to preserve and promote Chile's unique cider heritage. COSIGI works closely with the Department of Agriculture and other local organizations to support cider makers and enhance cider production quality.

Cider Chat Episode 421 - Pudus of Chile with Punta de Fierro
Mother Pudu with baby

Chilean Ciders Tasted in this Episode

  • Punta de Fierro - is both the name of the cidery and the cider itself. This particular cider tasted during the recording was made in 2022. It was bottle #61 out of 771 bottles in total. All the apples came from one single orchard that Eli and his business partner Carlos Flores produce cider on.
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  • TenCai Sidra - this cidery is owned by Rene Galindo. We tried two ciders during the recording. The first cider called The Truth. This cider was co-fermented with an indigenous berry called Maqui. They are smaller than blueberries and lend a purplish hue to the cider.
  •  
  • The second cider -called Futura was made by first grinding the apples and allowing them to macerate for approximately 24hours. The apple blend is Reineta and Braeburn.

All the ciders were feremented dry and are delicious!

Contact Info for Punta de Fierro

Contact Info for TenCai Sidra

Mentions in this Cider Chat

  • Cider Chat info flyer - scroll down this page and download and post flyer! Tag Cider Chat and use hashtag #xpromotecider
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  • ciderGoingUP Campaign page - find a list of business supporting 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

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