In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, co-hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss explore the world of cider, a fermented beverage adjacent to beer, wine, and spirits. They are joined by Oliver Koch and Dustin Skywalker from East Bower Cider, who share insights into the cider-making process, discuss the distinctions between making cider and brewing beer, and address the industry's stance on the terminology. They also delve into the types of apples used in cider making, emphasizing the shift towards using 100% North Carolina apples and the trend towards cider-specific apple varietals. The guests further discuss the challenge of fighting the stereotype of cider as a sweet drink, sharing their backgrounds in the beer industry and their mission to introduce cider as a sophisticated, enjoyable beverage. The episode also touches on the logistics and challenges of running a cidery, including sourcing from Cisco, and concludes with a dive into cider styles, the importance of varietal specificity, and the future goals for East Bower Cider.

00:00 Welcome to the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast

00:48 Diving Into the World of Cider

01:22 The Art and Science of Cider Making

02:23 Exploring Apple Varieties and Cider Making Processes

05:41 Battling Cider Stereotypes and Embracing Craft

15:48 The Business Side of Cider: Challenges and Opportunities

17:34 A Deep Dive into Coffee with Carrboro Coffee Roasters

24:18 Exploring the Transformation of Local Spaces

25:23 A Deep Dive into Cider Making: Techniques and Challenges

26:40 Bridging the Gap: Crafting Ciders for Beer Lovers

27:32 The Art of Carbonation and Flavoring in Cider Production

29:21 Scaling Production: Challenges and Aspirations

36:50 The Journey of Starting a Cidery During a Pandemic

42:20 Future Plans and Community Engagement

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