Atlanta, Georgia (July 4, 2015) – The first U.S. Open Cider Championship took place in 2015, launched as a dedicated spin-off from the established U.S. Open Beer Championship and held at Lake Lanier, Georgia. Originally featuring just eight cider categories, the event aimed to spotlight the growing craft hard cider scene in North America and beyond through a prestigious, blind-judged format. It quickly attracted entries from various producers, marking an early milestone in recognizing excellence across styles like modern, heritage, and specialty ciders. International participation was evident from the start, with notable achievements such as Dunkertons organic perry from England earning a silver medal in that inaugural year. This modest beginning laid the foundation for what has since expanded into one of the world’s second-largest cider competitions, drawing hundreds of entries annually from across the United States, Canada, and even farther afield.
2015 U.S. Open Cider Championship’s Grand National Champion
2 Towns Ciderhouse
2015 U.S. Open Cider Championship Medal Winners
New World Ciders
GOLD – OutCider – 2 Towns Ciderhouse – Oregon
SILVER – Angry Orchard Crisp Apple – Angry Orchard – Massachusetts
BRONZE – Woodchuck Amber – Vermont Hard Cider – Vermont
English Cider
GOLD – Thatchers Gold – Thatchers Cider – United Kingdom
SILVER – Kelly’s Traditional Hard Cider – Florida Beer Company – Florida
BRONZE – Ciderboys First Press – Stevens Point Brewing – Wisconsin
New England Cider
GOLD – Bad Apple – 2 Towns Ciderhouse – Oregon
SILVER – Angry Orchard Green Apple – Angry Orchard – Massachusetts
Fruit Ciders
GOLD – Rambunctious – Cigar City Cider – Florida
SILVER – Ace Pineapple Hard Cider – California Cider – California
BRONZE – Ciderboys Grand Mimosa – Stevens Point Brewing – Wisconsin
Spice Ciders
GOLD – Baked Apple – d’s Wicked Cider – Washington
SILVER – Serious Scrump – 2 Towns Ciderhouse – Oregon
BRONZE – Westside Sweet Heat – Jeff Carlson – Michigan
Anything Goes Ciders
GOLD – Oopgy Daisy – Vermont Hard Cider – Vermont
SILVER – Cinful Plum – Appalachian Mountain Brewing – North Carolina
BRONZE – Muse – Angry Orchard – Massachusetts
Perry
GOLD – Ace Perry Hard Cider – California Cider – California
SILVER – London Calling Pear – 9041-5522 Quebec – Canada
BRONZE – Wyder’s Dry Pear – Vermont Hard Cider – Vermont
Hop Ciders
GOLD – Angry Orchard Hop’N Mad Apple – Angry Orchard – Massachusetts
SILVER – Imperial Hop & Stalk – 2 Towns Ciderhouse – Oregon
BRONZE – Woodchuck Hopsation – Vermont Hard Cider – Vermont