Here are some common questions asked by visitors and patrons over the years. If you have others, please feel free to contact us.
How old is The Cider Mill?
There has been a cider mill in Endicott for as long as anyone can remember. The first mill at 2 South Nanticoke Avenue was built in 1926. That mill was lost to fire in the winter of 1972. The current mill was built that same year, at the same location, while the old site was being cleared.
Who owns The Cider Mill?
The Orlando Ciotoli family are the owners of record, but it is also our community of patrons who share “ownership” with us by preserving the mill and it’s traditions of cider-making and Fall goodies generation after generation.
How old is your cider press?
The press was purchased new in 1972.
Is “pure” cider okay to drink?
Cider Mill cider is called “pure” because it is free of any preservatives or additives. In addition, since 1998 cider for public consumption must be pasteurized or UV radiated to kill bacteria before it is sold for public consumption. We originally used pasteurization, however we upgraded to a UV Cider Processor in 2016. In this way, our “pure” cider is even safer to drink, and as close to nature’s original flavor and nutrition as we can make it!
What kind of apples do you use to make cider?
Cider lovers often have their favorite apple variety or blend (especially hard cider lovers!). The early ripening apples tend to make sweet, but milder cider. As the season moves on, later and later apple varieties press out as deeper, full-bodied ciders with extra tartness, hints of cinnamon, and other subtleties. The key is to press varieties with the truest characteristics provided by the weather and conditions of that particular year. See if you can detect the shifting flavors throughout each Fall.
Click here to begin learning about apple varieties and their characteristics.
Where do your apples come from?
The Cider Mill in Endicott has no orchards of our own. New York State is second in the nation for growing apples, and certainly the right climate and conditions for the best of many varieties. Our apples come from the Lake Ontario area.
Do you still press cider for people providing their own apples?
Once it became difficult to control the quality and condition of apples going through the press, we had to turn away custom pressing.
Can we reuse The Cider Mill jugs?
The Cider Mill jugs are common plastic containers that are typically recyclable in most local communities. As with milk and juice containers, there is no way to reuse them at this time.
Can we bring our own cider containers?
Unfortunately, no. Because we cannot control the sanitizing of everyone’s container, and because of the way the filling nozzle enters each container, it is considered a health hazard.
Can we taste samples of The Cider Mill goods?
Because there are different apples ripening and being pressed throughout the season, the cider being sold fresh each day can always be sampled.
Can I order ahead for pick-up?
Prepaid orders can be placed from the eHungry website, or use the Cider Mill app.
Can my Cider Mill order be delivered?
We do not deliver at this time.
