Engelsmas win third cider trophy

A record number of entries were submitted in the 14th Annual Michigan Apple Cider Contest, with Engelsma’s Apple Barn of Walker earning first-place honors.

It marks the third win in the competition for cider mill owners Becky and Jim Engelsma, placing them in an elite group of cider makers from across the state, according to contest organizer Bob Tritten, a Michigan State University Extension educator.

“We classify cider makers who have won three first places in the statewide cider competition into a distinct class of their own: They’re called Master Cider Makers,” Tritten said. “With this year’s win, Becky and Jim now have earned that distinct accolade.”

Engelsma’s Apple Barn is the third recipient of the Master Cider Maker title, and will be presented an award at the annual competition next year. Jim and Arlene Hill of Hill Brothers Orchard, Grand Rapids, were awarded as Master Cider Makers this year.

The contest took place Dec. 8 during the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO in Grand Rapids. Michigan cider makers were allowed to enter. Forty ciders were submitted this year – the highest to date, Tritten said.

Second-place honors went to Westview Orchards and Cider Mill of Romeo. Third place went to Erwin Orchards and Cider Mill, South Lyon, which has a long-time success record in the contest – including consecutive wins from 1999 to 2002, according to the Michigan Apple Committee, a contest sponsor.