Dec 8, 2016

Miller’s Big Red Farm wins best cider in Michigan

Cider Maker Ken Miller of Miller’s Big Red Farm in Washington, Michigan, took first place in the 20th annual Michigan Apple Cider Contest.

The contest was held during the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thirty-four cider makers participated. Miller took third place in last year’s contest.

“This competition started nearly 20 years ago with three goals: to help promote our fine Michigan apple cider industry, to improve the quality of our cider and to provide additional educational and learning opportunities for our cider makers. We’ve come a long way over the years,” said Bob Tritten, district fruit educator with Michigan State University Extension and founder of the contest.

Apple Barrel Cider Mill in Ithaca, owner Chris Buerge and cider maker Corey Buerge won second place. Third place was Spicer Orchards of Fenton, owners Alan, Wanda, Matt and Shannon Spicer and Will Cartwright, who is also the cider maker.

“The Michigan apple cider industry is growing and improving each year,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, co-sponsor of the contest. “This competition serves as an opportunity for Michigan cider makers to gather and learn from each other. Many of the cider makers grow the apples themselves and spend years determining the perfect combination of apple varieties to create the best cider.”

Tritten began the Michigan Apple Cider Contest in 1996 to improve cider making, promote the industry and educate the public. The contest is sponsored by the Michigan Apple Committee, the Michigan State Horticultural Society and Fruit Growers News.