Founded in 2013, Blue Bee Cider has pioneered many cider styles in Virginia (hopped, smoked, fruit-infused, and more). We produce artisanal ciders from heirloom Virginia apples on a seasonal basis, and we are committed to creating locally-grown, balanced ciders true to their Virginia culinary and agricultural heritage.
Meet the Owners
Taylor and Kenzie grew up in Smithfield, VA and graduated together in 2011. After attending a local community college, they moved to Richmond, VA in July 2014 to attend Virginia Commonwealth University. After graduating, they both became full-time in their respective roles at Blue Bee Cider. After 8 years of working for the company, they purchased the business from founder Courtney Mailey in early 2023.
In their downtime, they both enjoy spending time with each other on the couch with their dogs Reba and Delilah; watching all the seasons and renditions of RuPaul’s Drag Race. If they’re not vegging out on the couch, they’re visiting local restaurants and attending Billy Strings and Phish concerts.
Taylor Benson
Taylor earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at VCU in 2016. With a goal to work in craft production, he took his first steps into the industry in March 2015 when he joined the Blue Bee team as a Tasting Room Associate. As he spent more time at the cidery, his interest continued to grow in production and he transitioned to the Cellar Team in August 2015. After many years of learning the art of cidermaking from his predecessors, Taylor became the head cidermaker in 2018 and has continued to create award-winning ciders.
Mackenzie Smith
Mackenzie earned a degree in marketing at VCU in 2016. Her career at Blue Bee began in December 2015 by helping label bottles and then served as an office and personal assistant to Courtney. She joined the outreach team in October 2016, serving as the liaison for event planning and other marketing initiatives. In 2022, Mackenzie became the Assistant General Manager ensuring quality service and smooth cidery operations.
She is excited to start this new chapter with Taylor and is ready to take on the challenge of business ownership.
What’s in a name?
A common name for one of Virginia’s native bees, osmia lignaria, or the Blue Orchard Bee, provided the inspiration for our cidery’s name. These hardworking bees are solitary and wild, emerging early in the cool spring just in time to pollinate apple blossoms.
