Richard Yi of Brooklyn Cider House isn't interested in making cider that appeals to everyone. He's interested in making cider with personality and if you've ever enjoyed hearing a cider maker tell the story behind the glass, you're going to enjoy this conversation.
In this epiosde, you'll hear how a young man who once imagined a future in engineering found his way into the family cider business. Richard shares the influence of his father, Peter Yi, the evolution of Brooklyn Cider House, and why embracing the unpredictability of fermentation has become central to his philosophy.
Along the way, we discuss:
• Growing into a family cider legacy
• The transition from engineering to fermentation
• Why cider doesn't need to taste the same every year
• Orchard expression and vintage variation
• The role of trust in fermentation
• Brooklyn Cider House's approach to craft and authenticity
• Building a cider culture that values difference over uniformity
Whether you're a cider maker, orchardist, or simply someone who enjoys discovering what makes a cider unique, Richard offers thoughtful insights into the balance between tradition, experimentation, and family.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Cider With Personality: Richard Yi's Approach to Craft Cider
01:34 Ciderville Standards Update
03:19 French Cider Tour 2026 Preview
04:50 Meet Richard Yi of Brooklyn Cider House
05:44 Family Roots, Wine, and the Path to Cider
07:23 Richard's Food Pairing Philosophy
09:31 Working Inside Brooklyn Cider House
10:43 Succession Planning and Learning the Craft
14:23 Building the New Paltz Farm and Orchard
17:28 Creating a Destination Tasting Room
18:27 Pizza, Barbecue, and Growing Crowds
21:10 Events and Community Building
23:15 Celebrating Korean Culture Through Cider
25:21 Craft Cider Versus Commodity Production
26:05 Native Yeast Fermentation and Cider Making
30:03 Wild Fermentation Versus Cultured Yeast
30:44 Small-Batch Ciders and Limited Releases
31:25 The Story Behind Nomad Cider
33:19 Nomad Cider Tasting Notes
35:24 Apples, Oak, and Barrel Aging
37:37 Sherry Cask-Aged Cider Explained
39:28 Lopez de Heredia and Winemaking Influence
42:15 Dance: A Basque-Inspired Fruit Co-Ferment
43:58 Dance Cider Tasting Notes and Technique
48:31 Innovation, Growth, and Consumer Trends
49:56 The Legacy of Peter Yi
51:17 Tandem Ciders Joins the CiderGoingUP Campaign
53:21 Cider Chat Summer Schedule and What's Next
Mentions in this Cider Chat
Find the full show notes for Episode 506 at CiderChat.com
Direct Link at: https://ciderchat.com/podcast/506-richard-yi/
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