CBI032 - Riding the Cider Wave and Talking Picklebacks with Greg Hill

Greg Hill is the head cider maker at Urban Orchard, a first-level sommelier, and graduate of the CBI program. He has a love of post-nominals that he continues to collect, including the diploma brewing exam at the Institute of Guild Brewing and Distilling London. Greg's love of making beer led him to be part of the first graduating class of AB Tech Craft Brewing Institute. He takes his passion for trying new things and uses it to create the unique and exciting cider flavors at the Urban Orchard Cider Company.

Greg joins me today to discuss the latest cider trends and how the Urban Orchard is handling the rise in cider popularity. He shares one of the interesting new flavors he is developing and the processes he uses to create unique tastes. He discusses why they use dry-hopping techniques and why the yeast strain you choose for brewing is important. He also shares what made him decide to go into the brewing business and how he turns off the brewing mindset to enjoy alcohol on a different level when not at work.

This week on Consuming the Craft:

• What's new in the world of cider and the Urban Orchard
• How Urban Orchard is handling the phenomenal rise in cider popularity
• The unique cider flavor coming from Urban Orchard that Greg is most excited about
• How dry-hopping affects the flavors of cider
• Booze Clues: Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Whiskey
• Why it's essential to actually drink when doing any tasting
• What Greg usually drinks with a shot of Jameson
• Why the strain of yeast you choose is significant
• How your tastes in alcohol can be cyclical when you work in brewing
• What made Greg get into the brewing business
• Learning how to turn off the brewing mindset outside of work

Connect with Greg Hill:

• Urban Orchard Cider Co. Website
• Urban Orchard Cider Co. on Instagram
• Urban Orchard Cider Co. on Facebook
• Urban Orchard Cider Co. on Twitter
• Cider Corner Q&A with Greg Hill

This episode is brought to you by…

McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms website to learn more about our seasonal inventory and delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

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