Again, if you have a Substack, the best time to switch away was months ago -- but today's the second best time.

I missed this from @phineas.bsky.social when it originally came out but it sure feels relevant at the moment. Also, you can buy this as a print from the artist here: www.inprnt.com/gallery/phin...

I really didn't think it was possible for me to be less proud to be in the USA, yet here we are...

Oh look, more reasons for me to dislike Substsck.

On the way down to NYC with my wife to see a theater production. I think it's been 25 years or so since I've been here, and my first time as an adult in any case. We're only staying the one night but hopefully will be able to grab a few slices of pizza while we are there!

Meet Diane Flynt, the first lady of Virginia cider. It's been a while since we published a cider story, we hope you enjoy it! www.pelliclemag.com/home/2025/10...

We're moving up to the Southern Tier of NY in a few weeks! The main thing I'll miss about being in PA is knowing I was in the same area as @chuckwendig.bsky.social But the NY apples and cider, they are a'calling!

I wrote my own Charlie Kirk obituary, and about valuing truth over manners: www.thenation.com/article/poli...

Let’s make one thing clear from the start: Charlie Kirk was the victim of a shooting in a country where he, along with other right-wing extremist influencers, have been inciting violence for years. — Kirk is neither a martyr nor a hero, he is a cause.

Looks like we might be moving up to the Ithaca NY area. If anyone in my network here has either a recommendation for a realtor, or would have any cider-related work possibilities I would love the assist!

I just saw a Wired article about how the tarrifs are going to increase the cost of apple juice (and other products that use apple concentrate) and I'm honestly not mad about that. Supporting domestic Orchards instead of foreign ones is the kind of thing tarrifs should support. (1/?)

This afternoon I'm going to go check out the Bucks County Book Festival with my wife. It doesn't appear that @chuckwendig.bsky.social is one of the featured authors which seems to be a most glaring omission, him being a Buck County based author and all. I am rather disappointed.

I just hit publish on my first blog post. I'm starting off with my thoughts on what should be the standards for the information on the labels for ciders etc. Check it out here: applesaboveall.bearblog.dev/all-about-la... Feel free to drop any questions or comments here! Wassail!

Yep, don't use generative AI, and especially not to feed your nascent narcissism. By: www.lorenzodalessandro.com

I decided to create a blog so I could post some longer form articles as well as having another place for my in depth cider reviews other than Instagram. Stay tuned for my first article!

It's a critterful morning here. Our cat earned his rent by catching a mouse that decided to check out our apartment. And then as I was taking the dog and the trash out, one of the resident skunks was hanging out nearby. Nature is neat! #Neature

If I lived in Philly and didn't really have to drive, I'm sure it would be lovely. But having to drive in, it's absolutely chaos incarnate.

I was just looking for some tactical rpg's that I bought for android years ago. It looks like the publisher pulled all their mobile games sometime the end of last year so they are completely delisted. The joys of digital "ownership." Sigh.

Because why not, I decided to see if there were any other cocktails using red wine that I had the ingredients for. I found the "Red Moon Over Manhattan," a modified Manhattan with red wine and bourbon. I modified it even further by using the luxardo maraschino cherry juice instead of simple syrup.

I had some wine open from dinner last night so I took the opportunity to make myself a "New York Whiskey Sour" cocktail (aka, a whiskey sour with a red wine float). I haven't made many mixed drinks since we moved so it was a nice change of pace!

After getting distracted and forgetting about it, I finally listened to the MuteMath Distance EP. Good little collection, can't wait for Paul's full album to come out.

As we roll up to our 5th(!) year of running Burum Collective we are thrilled to say our inboxes are open again for commissions! This year we’ve chosen cider as our theme, specifically: The Future of Cider Read more on the theme, how to pitch, rates, and more www.burumcollective.com/pitching-2025

I used to hold more of a generous "a rising tide lifts all boats" perspective, but I'm starting to believe that the craft/aspirational producers need a stronger stand against bulk cider, particularly in regards to ingredient and production transparency since that only hurts macro producers. (2/2)

The longer I'm in the alcohol industry and particularly the more I learn about wine, I become more critical towards the cider industry. I think the North American industry in particular needs learn more from the mistakes of the wine industry if it is going to keep growing. (1/2)

Enjoying my first time at an airport lounge as I wait for my flight out of Chicago. Pretty cool experience, actually! I can see why us plebs aren't usually allowed 🙃. Thanks travel credit card!

Congrats to all my fellow Pommeliers! ❤️🍎

Obligatory Chicago Bean photo. #cidercon2025

Had a great time at the #cidercon2025 Cidershare tonight. I was initially going to go to the Stormalong party tonight as well but between not sleeping well last night and the jetlag I'm happily curled up in my hostel bunk reading until I'm ready to sleep and prepare myself for tomorrow. Wassail!

Hellooooo Chicago!

Enjoying my cup of tea and time with the fam before I hop on my flight to Chicago. Here's hoping the FAA are actually on top of things again...

Enjoying the last bit of my Haykin Family Ice Cider as I look forward to my trip to the 2025 CiderCon in Chicago in a few day. Looking forward to spending as much time with the rest of you cider nerds as I can! Feel free to reply or message me if you'll be there. Wassail!

This morning is a giant potato pancake kind of morning.

Tonight is a big pot of pumpkin chili night.

Enjoying a bottle of 2019 Snowdrift Crabapple from Haykin Family Cider. Amber color, sparkling, off-dry and 10% abv. Notes of lime zest, bitter dark chocolate, caramelized sugar, and black tea. Lovely grippy tannins and could probably have aged for many more years, and delicious now. Wassail!

Finished up the most recent @neutralciderhotel.bsky.social podcast, so I thought it was a great time to finally open up my bottle of Bauman's "Do you fancy a roadtrip?" cider. Delicious with notes of lemon tart, fresh apple, and some long lasting tannins on the finish. Wonderful bottle! Wassail!