Farm Horizons • Aug. 8, 2016 • Page 31
Photo by Jennifer Von Ohlen
Number 12 Cider House is located at Deer Lake Orchard in Buffalo, and is operated by team members Steve Hance, Halina and Colin Post, and Jill and Yuri Preugschas. Not pictured is team member Cathy Backes.
Alcohol and family orientation
When it came time to open the Number 12 Cider House, the team was nervous about how their long-time orchard visitors would respond to having alcohol at a location focused on family activities and traditions. To their delight, the reactions were quite positive.“ It’ s amazing, the amount of smiles people had when they learned they can get hard cider here,” Hance commented.
While one does not have to visit the orchard to get a sip( or bottle) of Number 12, its makers believe it is the best location for the local product.
However, Number 12 has been picked up by Artisan Distributors, who have helped bring it to about 130 liquor stores and more than a dozen restaurants and bars, all of which are listed at number12ciderhouse. com.
In reflection, Hance said the sales have been“ great” as people discover Number 12.
“ Every time somebody tastes it, they love it,” Hance stated.
With the business’ s success, the Number 12 team hopes to have a separate facility at the orchard strictly dedicated to its cider.
Preugschas also recently purchased about 100 more trees of 10 different varieties specifically for cider production.
As plans for these additions are underway, the team has turned its attention to its Number 12 Tap Room.
Located in the back of the orchard’ s main barn building, the Tap Room offers visitors the“ perfect date night,” where they can enjoy a glass of cider, dine on a handmade wood fire pizza, and take a stroll among the apple trees.
Visitors will also have a chance to taste samples of each cider, and buy 750-ml bottles of select products. Souvenirs will also be available for purchase.
Before the orchard season begins, the Tap Room will be open Friday, Aug. 5 and Friday, Aug. 12 from 5 to 9 p. m. Starting Aug. 19, the Tap Room will be open each weekend during orchard days.
Post and Hance continue to tinker and taste products undergoing research and development, while joyously returning to a glass of their“ finished” cider.
“ It’ s fun making something you’ re passionate about,” Hance stated. •