467: Canton Apples and Frosty Twig: New York Cider Makers Unite

467: Canton Apples and Frosty Twig: New York Cider Makers Unite

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist August 13, 2025 Duration: 1:25:13

How Canton Apples and Frosty Twig Fused Two Brands into One

In New York's "North of Upstate" region, in the town of Canton is the Canton Apples production building. It is now also home of a partnership shaping the local cider scene. Owner Joel Howie and cider maker Dan Gallagher live just a mile apart, and their skills mesh perfectly. Joel brings over a decade of experience growing apples, pressing sweet cider, and creating value-added products. Dan, a passionate fermenter, was ready to move beyond hobby scale when the two connected.

Two Brands, One Vision

Under Canton Apples & Cider, LLC, two product lines take shape:

  • Canton Apples – approachable, consistent ciders for everyday enjoyment.
466 oel Howie in the Apple storage room at Canton Apples Frosty Twig
Joel Howie
  • Frosty Twig – small-batch, specialty ciders showcasing unique apples, fruits, and wild fermentation.
467 Dan Gallagher on the apple bins at Canton Apples and Frosty Twig
Dan Gallagher

Production takes place in a purpose-built facility designed for growth, with future plans for a taproom overlooking the orchard.

Orchard Practices & Apple Diversity

Between their combined orchards, Joel and Dan care for over 250 apple varieties — many planted by Bill McKentley of St. Lawrence Nurseries. These heritage and cold-hardy apples thrive in Zone 4, and every apple grown is put to use. When supplies run short, apples are sourced from other New York regions.

Cider Making Approach

Ciders range from wild-fermented pet-nats to cultured yeast ferments for consistency. Specialty ciders include

  • Turkey Tree
  • Wild Berry
  • Pear cider

Most ciders age 9–10 months before release, allowing flavors to develop naturally.

466 Canton apples cider and Frosty Twig Cider series
Canton Apples cider and Frosty Twig Cider series

Contact info for Canton Apples

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

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