Amateur Cider Making Competition
October 18, 2025
The purpose of this competition is to bring together home cider makers, celebrate creativity, and showcase a variety of cider styles while encouraging community engagement and appreciation of cider making.
Information and guildeliNES
Eligibility
Open to amateur cider makers (no commercial or professional cider producers).
Entries must be personally made by the competitor.
Must be 21+ to enter.
Entry Guidelines
Each entrant may submit up to 3 different ciders per category.
Each entry should have 2-3 bottles (12 oz or 500 ml recommended) with plain caps or corks; no labels (blind judging)
There is an entry fee of $10 per entry. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Entries need to be submitted by 3:30 p.m. on October 18, 2025. Submissions may be hand delivered or sent to Milk & Honey • 11738 County Road 51 • St. Joseph, MN, 56374 during any open hours.
Categories
Dry Cider
Sweet/Semi-Sweet Cider
Specialty/Fruited Cider
Spiced/Experimental Cider
Judging and Awards
Judging will be held at 4:00 p.m. on October 18, 2025
Judges will consist of a panel of local Pommelier Certified Cider Professionals, as well as other cider experts.
Scoring Criteria (0–60 point scale)
Aroma (20 pts): Apple character, fermentation quality, adjuncts.
Flavor (20 pts): Balance, apple expression, sweetness, acidity, tannins.
Overall Impression (20 pts): Creativity, drinkability, style accuracy.
The following awards will be given out:
First, Second, and Third place in each category.
Best in Class for each category.
Additional Details
Entries are for judging only and not for public sale.
Winners will be posted on the MN Cider Guild’s website within three days of the competition.
We hope to see you at CiderFest, the premier cider tasting event in Minnesota!