The Real Cider-Man.

The name John Chapman probably means very little to most people, but that name is music when it comes to cider makers. Here is a clue about his identity; he was a lover of nature, ecology, the animal kingdom and preferred to be dressed in shabby attire vs. pomp apparel. Now mention the name “Johnny Appleseed” and images of a barefoot wanderer planting apple trees left and right suddenly pop into into our imaginations. What’s more, we think about his delicious apples gracing our tables, lunchboxes, and backpacks, but nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, John Chapman planted the types of apples that were not necessarily to be used for simple consumption, but instead for that of making hard cider.

History also shows that he did not wander aimlessly, but instead had a real business plan and it spanned over numerous states. He actually preferred setting up nurseries on private lands and the land owners would tend the trees. He then would share the profits of the tree sales with the land owners and continue on. As it turned out, it was a lucrative business and helped set the stage for larger scale cider making in the US.

So the next time that you are at Twisted Horn Mead & Cider, make sure to raise a glass a give a little silent thank you to the man that was so instrumental when it comes to the creation what you might be having in your glass. SKÅL!!!