Collaboration Meets Ingenuity at Heartland Ciderworks
This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship and craft cider-making. In Episode 427 of Cider Chat, Eliseo Bell-Uribe shares his story as a young entrepreneur and how and why he founded Heartland Ciderworks.
Practical Advice for Cider Startups: Learning to Collaborate
Starting a cidery from scratch is no easy task. The Eliseo shares practical advice on how to navigate the hurdles of zoning issues, sourcing equipment, and finding the right partnerships. By collaborating with a local winery, Heartland was able to sidestep some of the common challenges faced by new cideries, such as acquiring expensive equipment and navigating complex regulations.
For budding cider makers, this episode offers a blueprint for how to creatively solve problems and make the most of available resources. Whether it's building your own bottling setup or finding a winery willing to do custom crush, the key takeaway is to stay flexible and open to collaboration.
A Closer Look at Heartland's Ciders
Heartland Ciderworks may be a young company, but their lineup of ciders is anything but ordinary. Here's a quick look at the ciders discussed in the episode:
Avalon
Description: Heartland's flagship cider that combines Foxwhelp, Golden Russet, Yarlington Mill, and Dabinett apples.
ABV: 7.7%
Notes: Features a beautiful orange hue with a balance of tannins and acidity.
Little Apple
Description: A low-alcohol cider kin made with rehydrated pomace and back-sweetened with Golden Russet and Foxwhelp.
ABV: 3.65%
Notes: Easy-drinking with a light and refreshing profile.
Cooper
Description: A bourbon barrel-aged cider made primarily from Sweet Alford apples.
ABV: 6.4%
Notes: Rich with subtle bourbon notes, this cider is a limited-edition favorite, but more Cooper is in the cue!
Heart of the Valley
Description: A community-foraged cider made with apples gathered from the Salem area, benefiting the local Boys and Girls Club.
ABV: 5.75%
Notes: A modern cider with a sweeter profile and a beautiful can design.
Olive Branch
Description: A Newtown Pippin cider aged on olive leaves, offering a unique bitterness similar to hops.
Notes: A one-of-a-kind cider with complex aromas and a distinctive flavor profile.
Rosé Cider (Upcoming Release)
Description: A co-ferment of red-fleshed apples with Pinot Noir grape skins, lightly oaked for added tannin.
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