Want to learn more about the world of cider-making? Read our blog for insider information, tips and more from our cider experts!
New Owners, New Location: Who, What, Where, When and Why?
An element that we both miss when visiting establishments is the novelty of meeting owners of the business. We want to bring back that intimacy and personable aspect. Along with bringing back some of your favorite staff members, we will also be behind the bar – sharing our story and making connections.
Hops Addition
Confession: One my favorite aspects of working in the beverage industry is utterly dismantling people’s preconceived notions and expectations about our craft.
The Fruits of Our Failures: Part II
Barrel-aging is a finnicky art. We don’t do it often, and when we have in the past, the results weren’t quite what we’d hoped.
Until now.
The Fruits of Our Failures: PART I
As we prepare to release the spectacular new vintage of Rocky Ridge Reserve on February 6, join us for a look back at how this barrel-aged cider was originally conceived.
A Potluck in a Glass
Loyal followers, allow me to introduce a new addition to the Blue Bee Cider family… Harvest Party. Every cider tells a story, and this one is a doozy. The origin…
Petit Manchurian
More than six years into this cidery concept, it’s hard to believe that we haven’t yet put apples and grapes together in a beverage. But at last, that’s about to…
Persnickety Pawpaws
Of the four Foraging Series projects, Golden Pawpaw proved to be my bugaboo. This was the third straight summer that I traversed the trails along the James River, in search…
Plums & Aplomb!
It’s safe to accuse those of us at Blue Bee Cider of having a fruit obsession, particularly when it comes to fermenting said fruit. From a creative standpoint, one of…
Fanfare Returns
Oh, how I’ve longed to type these three little words… Fanfare is back! It’s been over three years since we released a full run of this wild mulberry-infused cider. April…
Mulberry Collective, Assemble!
It’s one of my favorite one-liners when discussing the cidermaking business: “We pretend like we’re in charge, but Mother Nature is the boss.” A perfect example is Fanfare, our cider…
Small Batch Rosé Ciders in Virginia
After what seems like the longest winter of my life, I am ready to celebrate sunshine and flowers. There is a reason why spring is considered rosé season. Dry or…
Presenting Our Greatest Hits
Since we opened five years ago, the tasting order for customers has been a constant topic of discussion. Every time a new cider or a new vintage enters the lineup,…
Serendipity + Hard Work = How Mill Race Bramble Was Born
In many ways, I still think of myself as a cider purist. I love working with apple trees and all the ways that cider apples vary from one another. I…
Hops & Cider: A Perfect Pair
Celebrating Growth in Virginia’s Hopped Cider Family Four years ago, Blue Bee Cider became the first Virginia cidery to make a hopped cider. A style long popular on the West…
Ode to the Bee, Blue and Otherwise
Bees were, in a sense, my entry point into becoming a part of Blue Bee Cider. During my master’s program, I observed both traditional and modern forms of beekeeping across…
2017 Good Food Awards Remarks
Full text of Courtney Mailey’s acceptance remarks at the Good Food Awards in San Francisco, Jan. 20, 2017. Thank you for honoring our little company with this award tonight. It…
Weddings and Events at Summit Stables
Since opening our newly rehabilitated cidery in Scott’s Addition, we have had many requests to host private events, meetings and wedding celebrations. Beginning in 2017, Blue Bee Cider will begin…
The Official Blue Bee Gifting Guide
‘Tis the season for gift-giving! Can’t decide what to get for your special someone? Here at Blue Bee Cider, we offer a variety of options for everyone on your list….
Fanfarewell
In the craft cider world, we simple humans like to pretend that we’re in charge. But alas, Mother Nature is the boss. And she can be mean. We are preparing…
Notes from the Orchard
Like most small businesses, Blue Bee Cider wouldn’t be what it is today without the support and energy of many people. In the tasting room, we get the occasional question…
