Oxford, Ohio (November 18) – Arsenal Cider House & Wine Cellar in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has claimed the Grand National Champion title at the 2025 U.S. Open Cider Championship for the second time in the competition’s history, racking up an impressive haul of 3 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze medals.

Their gold medals came in the Modern Cider, Heritage Cider, and Perry categories. Arsenal previously won the Grand National crown in 2020.

Finishing in second place was Glacial Till Cidery from Nebraska—the 2019 Grand National Champion—while two-time winner Ciderboys from Wisconsin rounded out the podium in third.

The 2025 Thumper Award
This award is named in memory of Andy “Thumper” Rich, the cidermaker for Arsenal Cider House and the 2020 U.S. Open Cider Grand National Champion. Thumper, a pioneer in the craft cider and beer industries, passed away on December 5, 2023, at his home in Dormont, Pennsylvania, after a courageous battle with cancer.

The Thumper Award will be presented annually to the cider and cidery awarded “Best of Show.” This year, the Thumper Award is presented to Arsenal Cider House & Wine Cellar. Additionally, the U.S. Open Cider Championship will donate proceeds from this year’s competition to the National Brain Tumor Foundation in Thumper’s honor.

Best in Show: Alfred’s Pear, Son! by Arsenal Cider House

2025 U.S. Open Cider Championship’s Top 10 Cideries
1. Arsenal Cider House – Pennsylvania
2. Glacial Till Cidery – Nebraska
3. Ciderboys Hard Cider – Wisconsin
4. Country Boy Brewing – Kentucky
5. Schilling Cider – Washington
6. Thornbury Craft Co. – Ontario
7. Son of Toil Brewing – Ohio, LLC
8. Five Maiden Cider Co. – Pennsylvania
9. FX Matt Brewing – New York
10. Blue Barn Cidery – New York

2025 U.S. Open Cider Championship Medal Winners – Click Here