Top Hard Cider in Duluth, MN

If you're a fan of hard cider, Duluth, MN has two fantastic options that are sure to please. Duluth Cider and Wild State Cider are both local businesses offering various unique and delicious ciders.

Duluth Cider

At the heart of this Duluth’s hard cider scene is Duluth Cider, a local cidery that has quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional hard cider with deep roots in the community.

Founded by husband-and-wife team, Jake and Valerie Scott, Duluth Cider has a story that starts with their meeting at the University of Minnesota Duluth and their shared passion for cider. After graduation, the couple embarked on a journey that took them to various places, including Boston's North Shore, where they gained experience in cider production at Far From the Tree Cider. However, it was during a backpacking trip through France, Switzerland, and Italy that the idea of bringing cider back to their hometown of Duluth took shape.

Inspired by the regional pride they witnessed in Normandy's cider culture, Jake and Valerie were determined to create a cider that would showcase the unique flavors of the Great Lakes region. They envisioned a cider that would not only be a delicious beverage, but also a reflection of the community and the local apples that grow in Duluth's backyard.

In July 2017, Jake and Valerie returned to Duluth and began the painstaking process of restoring a 100-year-old building that would become the home of Duluth Cider's taproom and production facility. This labor of love, combined with their unwavering commitment to using locally sourced apples, resulted in the opening of Duluth Cider in 2018.

Since then, Duluth Cider has become a beloved fixture in the local community and a must-visit destination for cider enthusiasts. The taproom, with its cozy atmosphere and warm hospitality, offers a wide range of cider styles, from traditional dry ciders to experimental and seasonal flavors. With a focus on using locally sourced apples from the Great Lakes region, Duluth Cider's ciders are a true reflection of the terroir of Duluth and its surrounding areas.

But it's not just about the cider at Duluth Cider; it's also about the people. Jake and Valerie have built a team of hardworking and passionate Duluthians who share their vision of creating exceptional cider and fostering a sense of community. From the cidermakers who meticulously craft each batch of cider to the friendly staff who welcome visitors with a smile, the Duluth Cider team embodies the spirit of Duluth.

In addition to their commitment to using local ingredients, Duluth Cider also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. They source their apples from local orchards, reducing their carbon footprint, and they strive to minimize waste and promote recycling and composting practices in their taproom operations.

Duluth Cider's dedication to crafting high-quality cider while staying true to their local roots has earned them a loyal following of cider enthusiasts and locals alike. Their unique and delicious ciders have put Duluth on the map as a destination for cider lovers, and their commitment to community and sustainability has earned them a special place in the hearts of the people of Duluth.

Wild State Cider

Next, we have Wild State Cider. Located in Duluth's Lincoln Park neighborhood, Wild State Cider is a cider lover's paradise that embodies the spirit of the North Shore of Minnesota. Co-founded by Adam Ruhland and Andrew Price, Wild State Cider is a labor of love that combines their passion for cider, craftsmanship, and the natural beauty of Duluth.

Adam Ruhland, a former camp director and special education teacher, was introduced to cider in the Green Mountains of Vermont and has since dedicated himself to developing Wild State Cider. Andrew Price, born in Duluth and a world traveler, is a talented craftsman specializing in fermentation. Together, their combined expertise and love for cider have created a unique cidery that celebrates and protects what's wild.

One of the things that sets Wild State Cider apart is its commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients. Duluth's wild and untamed landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for the cidery's mission to create ciders that reflect the unique flavors of the region. From the Great Lakes apples used in their ciders to the restoration of an old warehouse in Lincoln Park, Wild State Cider is deeply connected to the community and its natural surroundings.

The taproom and production space at Wild State Cider are housed in a beautifully restored old warehouse, which adds to the cidery's character and charm. Located close to Duluth Heritage Sports Center, the Duluth Grill, and the Lincoln Park Craft District, Wild State Cider is conveniently situated for visitors and locals alike to enjoy a refreshing glass of cider in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.

But it's not just the location and ambiance that make Wild State Cider one of the best hard cideries in Duluth. It's the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into each cider. Andrew Price's expertise in fermentation and Adam Ruhland's passion for exploring Duluth's wild sides by bike, ski, or foot, are evident in every sip of their carefully crafted ciders. With a sharp wit and easy-going attitude, the team at Wild State Cider is committed to creating perfectly balanced ciders that are a true celebration of Duluth's wild side.

Whether you're a cider enthusiast or just looking for a unique and authentic experience in Duluth, a visit to Wild State Cider is a must. Sip on a locally-made cider while taking in the restored warehouse setting and soaking up the natural beauty of the North Shore. It's a cider experience that embodies the spirit of Duluth and the wildness of the region. Cheers to Wild State Cider for their commitment to crafting exceptional ciders and celebrating Duluth's wild side!

Duluth Cider Scene Closing Remarks

Both Duluth Cider and Wild State Cider have become beloved fixtures in the local community and are must-visit destinations for cider enthusiasts and locals alike. Their commitment to using local ingredients, sustainability, and craftsmanship have earned them loyal followings and a special place in the hearts of the people of Duluth. Whether you're a cider enthusiast or just looking for a unique and authentic experience in Duluth, a visit to Duluth Cider or Wild State Cider is sure to be a treat for your taste buds and a celebration of Duluth's vibrant cider scene. Cheers to Duluth Cider and Wild State Cider for their dedication to crafting exceptional ciders and showcasing the best of Duluth!