Angry Orchard Opens Research Center In The Hudson River Valley With A Cidery Open To The Public

Angry Orchard has opened a research and development center in the Hudson River Valley in Walden, New York, complete with a 60-acre apple orchard. The location has been a farm since at least the 1700s, and was converted into a full-time orchard in the 1950s.

Over the next few years, Angry Orchard will plant several more apple varietals.

The site will also include a small cidery specifically designed for small-batch experimentation with different ingredients, apple varieties, and processes. Later this fall, the cidery will be open for visitors so that cider lovers can learn on-site how craft cider is made.

"For some time now, we have been looking to establish a home for our cider research, and this orchard is perfect for us. Not only does the orchard itself have a great history, but the Hudson Valley has such a vibrant group of apple growers and craft cider makers," said David Sipes, Angry Orchard cider maker. "Right now we're focused on this year's apple crop and also mapping out our research plan."

At the center, Angry Orchard cider makers will focus on research topics including "wild fermentation processes, barrel aging and unique apple varieties, particularly those known to grow well in New York," the company announced in a press release. The team is also "exploring opportunities to work with local universities and community organizations, as well as other cideries, on additional research projects to maximize apple harvests and test new varieties."