Rootstock Ciderworks wins gold medal at prestigious international competition

Rootstock Ciderworks Hopped Hard Cider wins Gold, Perry (pear cider) vintage 2014 wins Silver, and Dry Hard Cider and Heritage vintage 2014 win Bronze at the 11th annual Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition hosted April 22-24, 2016 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Reflecting the growth within the industry, this year’s competition featured 1003 entries from 282 entrants, up more than 62% over 2015. Entries came from United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Ireland, and the Czech Republic. A total of 73 Gold Medals, 305 Silver Medals, and 386 Bronze Medals were awarded.

Judging was conducted by 90 judges representing amateur and commercial cider makers, beverage writers, authors, academics, and other cider aficionados. Prominent among this year’s featured guest judges were Julian and Diana Temperley from Burrow Hill Cider in the county of Somerset in southwest England.

“We strive to grow high quality fruit, that we then turn into superior quality craft beverages, including ciders. It is incredible to have our peers in the industry recognize our products with these awards, and is a true honor when we receive accolades for all of our hard work,” says David DeFisher, founder/owner. Established in 2012, Rootstock Ciderworks is a family owned farmstead cidery located in Williamson, NY.

Every Rootstock Ciderworks entry earned a medal at this year’s competition. “This industry recognition is a testament to our dedication to the traditions of cider making and to the quality of the all natural handcrafted ciders within the Rootstock product portfolio,” says David Robertson, VP, Marketing & Sales.

Alex Robb, award-winning cider maker, applies his years of experience in European winemaking methods into crafting unique and exceptional New World ciders and perry. Rootstock Ciderworks is dedicated to using only the best locally grown fruit in crafting premium small batch ciders and perry, pear cider.

FACTS:

• Only TWO ingredients: New York State apples and yeast
• All natural, gluten-free handcrafted small batch hard ciders
• 100% of the fruit is locally sourced through the DeFisher Fruit Farms, Williamson, NY
• Retail sales of national hard cider brands in the U.S. increased by 71% in 2014 and 89% in 2013

About Rootstock Ciderworks

Rootstock Ciderworks is a farmstead cidery located in Williamson, NY. Established in 2012 by David DeFisher, Rootstock Ciderworks is dedicated to using only the best locally grown apples in crafting premium hard ciders. The all natural, gluten free ciders are made from fresh fruit grown on the 4th generation DeFisher Fruit Farms. Products include various hard ciders and perry. The tasting room offers samples of products, retail shop, and seasonal events. www.rootstockciderworks.com

About Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition

The Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) is administered by the Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association, a registered not-for-profit organization that seeks to improve awareness and understanding of fermented apple and pear beverages. This pro- am competition seeks to recognize the finest in fermented apple and pear beverages submitted by commercial and amateur makers. For further information contact competition director Eric West at eric@ciderguide.com.