“null” Grand Opening Set for Fri Sept 5 in Dexter

Taphouse to Showcase Northern United Brewing’s Beer, Wine, Cider & Spirits Brands - next to Jolly Pumpkin Production Brewery

The long-anticipated opening of the null Café & Taphouse at Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales production brewery is just around the corner. Executives at Northern United Brewing Company have announced Friday, September 5 at 7pm as the Grand Opening at 2319 Bishop Circle East in Dexter.

"This tasting room has been in the works for decades,” says Ron Jeffries, Jolly Pumpkin co-founder, co-owner and Brewmaster. “We’ve always wanted to have a great place for people to enjoy the beers that we brew on-site and we’re excited to unveil this new space which will allow us to do just that.”

Designed and built using all recycled or reclaimed materials, null (which stands for “Northern United Liquid Libations”) is intended be a warm haven and comfortable environment within the 70,000-square-foot production brewery building. The taphouse will proudly feature products from Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, North Peak Brewing Co., Civilized Spirits, Old Mission Spirits, Nomad Cidery and Bonafide Wines.

NUBCo encompasses the Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, North Peak and Grizzly Peak beer brands, Civilized Spirits and Bonafide Wines, all dedicated to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor; and null Café & Taproom in Dexter.

(nl) null Café & Taphouse @ Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales - Dexter
www.nullcafe.com
www.facebook.com/null.dexter

Great Apples + Great Lakes = Great Cider!

Craft cider is the fastest growing beverage in the market these days, and to celebrate this growing Midwest passion, the 7th Annual Great Lakes Cider & Perry Festival returns to Uncle John’s Cider Mill at 8614 N US 127, St. Johns – just north of Lansing.

More than one hundred different ciders and perries from dozens of producers from throughout the region will be available for sampling on Saturday, September 6. This annual sampling, along with great food and live music, is presented by the Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association.

General festival admission runs from 1-7pm. At $15 per person, regular admission includes a commemorative glass and 10 sample pours. Group tickets are also available for general admission ($25 for 2 tickets | $40 for 4 tickets | $75 for 10 tickets). All profit proceeds from the festival benefit the Great Lake Cider & Perry Association (est. 2008).

Individuals interested in volunteering at the event should contact Mike Beck at 989-640-2763 / mjbeck@ujcidermill.com.

www.facebook.com/GreatLakesCiderPerry
www.twitter.com/GreatLakesCider

The Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association (GLCPA) is a nonprofit organization formed to showcase and promote fermented apple and pear beverages and to help educate consumers and producers about them. Our members include both commercial and non-commercial producers, as well as affiliate members located outside the region. Come join us at one of our events and discover some of the finest North American ciders and perries!

6th Annual Great Lakes Cider & Perry Festival Planned for September 7 at Uncle John’s Cider Mill

Craft cider is more popular now than ever before and to celebrate this growing Midwest passion, the 6th Annual Great Lakes Cider & Perry Festival returns to Uncle John’s Cider Mill at 8614 N US 127, St. Johns – just north of Lansing.

More than one hundred different ciders and perries from dozens of producers from throughout the region will be available for sampling on Saturday, September 7 at this annual gathering, presented by the Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association.

General festival admission runs from 2-7pm. At $15 per person, regular admission includes a commemorative glass and 10 sample pours. Group tickets are also available for general admission ($25 for 2 tickets | $40 for 4 tickets | $75 for 10 tickets). Tickets for the may be purchased online here. All profit proceeds from the festival benefit the Great Lake Cider & Perry Association (est. 2008).

Entertainment this year includes the Jagwire Country Band (1-5pm) on the Cider Mill Porch followed by 16-year-old Taylor Taylor from 5-7pm at the Tasting event.

Jagwire Country was formed by Dan Hullihen and features several talented, local musicians and singers including Randy Wooley on drums; Jaxie Hartman on bass guitar and vocals; Del Shorts on lead guitar and vocals; Martin “Luther” Hutchinson on rhythm guitar, lead guitar and vocals; and Hullihen on steel guitar and vocals. The band has developed a small following in the mid Michigan area, playing music for dancing – everything from waltz to line dancing, with some up tempo two-step numbers as well as some old rock and roll.

Taylor Taylor is a 16-year-old native of Lansing, MI with African American and Colombian roots. She has been cultivating her jazzy-pop style with classical guitar skills, warm and charismatic vocals and songwriting lyrics, which reveal her intelligence beyond her years. This singer-songwriter enjoys performing at venues around the state and has won several singing and talent competitions. Highlights of her career so far have been performing in Nashville, TN for various songwriting showcases, including the Bluebird Cafe, opening for Radio Disney's, Shane Harper and releasing her first EP in 2012. While Taylor stays busy with school, sports, music lessons and volunteering, her passion is to perform. Taylor is a genuine, humorous and all around great young lady. She believes a philanthropic mind and love for music can change the hearts for those who listen.

Individuals interested in volunteering at the event should contact Mike Beck at 989-640-2763 / mjbeck@ujcidermill.com.

www.facebook.com/GreatLakesCiderPerry
www.twitter.com/GreatLakesCider

The Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association (GLCPA) is a nonprofit organization formed to showcase and promote fermented apple and pear beverages and to help educate consumers and producers about them. Our members include both commercial and non-commercial producers, as well as affiliate members located outside the region. Come join us at one of our events and discover some of the finest North American ciders and perries!

Vander Mill Cider — A Great Year-Round, Gluten-Free Beverage — Made in Michigan

Despite common assumption, hard cider is not solely reserved for the autumn season. Vander Mill Cider produces a variety of hard ciders at its Spring Lake facility – year round. This summer, as you hit the Pure Michigan road, consider packing some Vander Mill for sharing with family and friends at the resort, cottage or campsite.

Three reasons to love Vander Mill Cider this summer…

1. It’s light and refreshing!
Vander Mill products are created in a process nearly identical to the making of fruit wine – using yeast to ferment the natural sugars into alcohol. Vander Mill’s cider is not from concentrate or pasteurized, and results in a beverage with around 7% alcohol. Vander Mill ciders should be served chilled, in a pint glass.

2. It’s easily transportable, in cans!
Earlier this spring, Vander Mill began producing three of its popular ciders – Hard Apple, Totally Roasted and Blue Gold (formerly known as Apple Blueberry) – in 16-ounce cans. Now, as you explore the woods and waters of Michigan, you can easily transport your favorite Vander Mill cider.

3. It’s gluten free!
With apples as the primary ingredient, hard cider is naturally gluten free! This means those with sensitivities are not restricted as they would be with other craft beverages.

Vander Mill opened its 5000-square-foot market in 2006 and recently completed a 3500-square-foot, $600,000 expansion at its facility in Spring Lake which will allow for production in 2013 to top 100,000 gallons. Currently, more than 600 retail outlets and 200 bars/restaurants in Michigan and Chicago serve Vander Mill ciders, hand crafted by Cider Maker Joel Brower.

Vander Mill Cider Mill & Winery
14921 Cleveland Street
Spring Lake, MI 49456
616-842-4337

www.VanderMill.com
www.facebook.com/VMCider
www.twitter.com/vandermill

Uncle John’s Russet Cider Earns 3rd Place in World’s Largest Cider Competition

Uncle John’s Fruit House Winery & Cider Mill, located on US27 North in St. Johns, has earned a 3rd Place in The Royal Bath & West Show in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England. This is the second consecutive year that Uncle John’s has been recognized at this event – noted as the world’s largest cider competition.

This competition dates back to 1895, in what North American’s would call a pro-am format – with professionals and amateurs competing side-by-side. This year’s judging received a record 518 entries, up from 498 in 2012. There were 16 different classes (categories) in the judging this year, with two of those dedicated solely to entries from outside the United Kingdom (and a total of 52 international entries). Uncle John’s was the only American cider honored in this year’s competition.

“Uncle John’s is very excited about earning this award,” says Mike Beck. “We work very hard to grow and source the best Michigan fruit to make a great cider. It is a testament to what good practices in your orchard can achieve.”

Russet Cider is a blend of many “russeted” apple varieties: Golden Russet, Roxburry Russet, Knobby Russet, Razor Russet and Hudson’s Golden Gem, to name a few. Russet Cider is dry and sparkling, fruit forward with an earthy/mineral finish, and 6.5% ABV. Earlier this year, Uncle John’s Russet received a Silver Medal in the “Old World” category at the 2013 Great Lakes Cider & Perry International Competition. It is available in limited distribution (bottle and draft) at the tasting room and a few selected locations around Michigan, Chicago and Portland, OR.

Centrally located in the state, Uncle John's Fruit House Winery mixes traditional agri-tourism with a Winery and Tasting Room. Uncle John's specializes in Fruit Wines, Hard Ciders and Perrys. Aside from the fruit wines, we also feature traditional grape varieties, as well as Apple Brandy and Vodka made from Apples. The winery and tasting room is housed in an 85-year-old restored fruit packing house and is located beside Uncle John’s Cider Mill, Pie Barn and Gift Shop. Uncle John’s is located at 8614 N. US 127, seven miles north of St. Johns and four miles south of US-127 and M-57 intersection.

For more information, visit Fruit House Winery online at www.fruithousewinery.com.

Vander Mill Cider Completes $600,000 Expansion and Begins Canning Hard Ciders

One of the Midwest’s largest craft cider producers – Vander Mill Cider & Winery – is introducing a new line of canned ciders. Earlier this year, Vander Mill completed a 3500-square-foot, $600,000 expansion at its facility in Spring Lake. This includes the addition of fermentation equipment and a canning system, which will produce 1800 16-ounce cans per hour. In all, owner Paul Vander Heide estimates his 2013 production to top 100,000 gallons.

“We expect these cans to significantly increase production – with an expected volume growth of over 100% from last year,” Vander Heide says. “We wanted to decrease the cost to the consumer by increasing automation and using a more cost-effective package.”

Three canned Vander Mill brands – Hard Apple, Totally Roasted and Blue Gold (formerly known as Apple Blueberry) – will hit the marketplace in throughout Michigan in the coming week, with special events scheduled at select venues (check out Vander Mill’s Facebook and/or Twitter feeds for updated information).

“We are going to continue our focus on innovation and creativity with our ciders,” says Vander Heide. “But we wanted to take a few of our core products and make them more accessible to the consumer. Our cans should now be available in more independent stores as well as traditional grocery.” Currently, more than 600 retail outlets and 200 bars/restaurants in Michigan and Chicago serve Vander Mill ciders.

In addition to the expansion in the production area, Vander Mill has renovated its 2500-square-foot tasting room and café, with the introduction of an expanded menu under the auspices of Chef Stephanie Luke. Providing lunch and dinner, offerings include hand-made creations like Pork Belly & Polenta, Marinated Noodle Salad, Housemade Dumplings, Duck Confit Sandwich, Pulled Pork Sandwich and a selection of pretzels, cheeses, salads and more. Vander Mill offers seating for 65 indoors and 100 outside (weather permitting) in a 2000-square-foot Cider Garden.

Vander Mill opened in 2006 in a 5000-square-foot building, serving cider, donuts and fudge, in a market setting. In 2008, they released their first hard cider products in 750ml bottles and on draft. Speciality products will still be available in this larger format and Vander Heide says he’s currently working with Cider Maker Joel Brower on some barrel-aged products and brewery collaborations as well.

Vander Mill Cider Mill & Winery
14921 Cleveland Street
Spring Lake, MI 49456
616-842-4337

www.VanderMill.com
www.facebook.com/VMCider
www.twitter.com/vandermill

Vander Mill Cider Mill Plans Series of February Events in Chicago

Michigan’s largest craft cider producer – Vander Mill Cider & Winery of Spring Lake – will take on the Windy City this February with a series of public events.

Join owner Paul Vander Heide for multi-tap events at each of the below venues – featuring this year’s release of Chapman’s Blend (6.8% ABV) – named after John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed), the American pioneer and nurseryman who is credited with bringing apple trees to the Midwest in the early 1800s, thus starting cider’s early introduction in this country. Also on tap will be Totally Roasted, Blue Gold (formerly Apple Blueberry), Founders Keepers, and “Dirty Jim” – a very limited wild yeast-fermented English-style cider).

Wednesday, February 6 (7:30pm)
SHEFFIELD’S
3258 N Sheffield Ave.
773-281-4989

Thursday, February 7 (7:30pm)
BANGERS & LACE
1670 W Division St.
773-252-6499

Friday, February 8 (7:30pm)
BEERCADE
950 W. Wolfram
773-665-5660

At both the Sheffield’s and Bangers & Lace events, the culinary team will be providing a specialty-menu to compliment the ciders featured during the evening.

Featured Ciders

• Chapman’s Blend (6.8% ABV) – Made from a variety of American heritage apples that all come from Michigan and boast over 200 years of history in the U.S., including Winesap, Baldwin, Northern Spy and Jonathan. These apples offer subtleties to cider that are not possible with more dessert-like varieties. They are often more acidic and carry more tannin through to the juice. This is a semi-dry cider with a clean fruit flavor and slight carbonation, pouring a light gold color. The aroma has rich apple notes, slightly tart –, with the flavor of ripe apple front and a bit of tartness on the finish.

• Totally Roasted (6.9% ABV) – Beginning with our traditional hard apple cider we then steep candied pecans. We make our own cinnamon roasted pecans that bring vanilla, cinnamon, and a nuttyness to this product that makes it a truly unique cider. Totally Roasted is semi-sweet with a tart finish.

• Blue Gold (6.9% ABV) – This semi-sweet cider has a very well balance of sweetness and acidity. We use our traditional cider as a base and blend in blueberries. This gives Blue Gold its deep and rich color. A very approachable cider for the novice, and refreshing for all. Made… Formerly known as Apple Blueberry.

• Founders Keepers (8.5% ABV) – Founders Keepers is a cyser which is technically a mead. We ferment Michigan wild flower honey with cider to create a rich and complex product. The cyser then ages in Founders Backwoods Bastard barrels for 8-10 months giving it additional barrel complexity.

• Dirty Jim (6.9% ABV) – True to English style guidelines, this cider was fermented with wild yeast. The nose is unmistakably that of a barnyard, with a more complex mouthfeel than other American ciders. The apples used provide more tannin to the pallet. The funk on this one is an acquired taste. A limited release wild yeast-fermented English-style cider.

Saturday, February 9 (11am-7pm)
CIDER SUMMIT
Vander Mill will be among more than three dozen companies showcasing more than 60 artisanal ciders at the inaugural Cider Summit Chicago. The day-long event will be held in the Lakeview Terrace Room at Navy Pier and benefits The Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association, WBEZ Public radio and Heartland Alliance.

Vander Heide will be among the owners and cidermakers from companies throughout the United States, England, Scotland, France, Spain and New Zealand on hand to inform and guide guests through the samplings, which will be available in 3-ounce and 6-ounce portions. The event will also feature specially-selected food pairings from Fortune Gourmet.

Tickets for Cider Summit Chicago are $20 in advance via Brown Paper tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com/event/292749) and at the Hotel Palomar concierge desk or $25 at the door (cash only). Admission includes a tasting glass and 10 drink tickets. Additional drink tickets will be available for sale onsite at $2 per ticket. The event is 21 and over, only.

Thursday, February 21
OAK & IRON II: A Bounty of Barrel-Aged Beer
Held at Jerry’s Sandwiches in Wicker Park, this night features the magic, myth and epic heroism with an array of fantasy-inspired programs, dungeon synth and assorted metals. You’ll also be regaled with tales from forgotten sword-wielding cinema on a ten-foot screen. Costumes are encouraged as you sample brews and ciders from more than a dozen producers – including Vander Mill (featuring Finders Keepers and Sweet 73).

Vander Mill began operation in West Michigan in 2006 and boasts a strong presence in Chicago, with placement in more than 75 bars and 200 retail stores throughout the region.

Vander Mill Cider Mill & Winery
14921 Cleveland Street
Spring Lake, MI 49456
616-842-4337

www.VanderMill.com
www.facebook.com/VMCider
www.twitter.com/vandermill