Stem Ciders, based in Lafayette, Colorado, is hosting celebrity ciders from across America at its taproom in Denver’s RiNO district from October 9-12 as part of a week of events they’re calling “Great American Cider Friends.” These events take place during the week of the Great American Beer Festival, which takes place in downtown Denver (tickets are still available!). Events at Stem Ciders will feature live music, trivia, tastings, games and limited edition releases throughout the four-day event. Some of the ciders being served alongside the Stem Ciders lineup will be well-known ciders such as Eden, 2Towns, Finnriver, St. Vrain and more.

The reason for this event is simple: The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is including cider in its competitive portion of the festival for the first time. GABF is the largest beer competition in the world, judging over nearly 10,000 drinks each year.

“We are honored to celebrate the addition of cider to the GABF competition lineup with our cider friends and favorites,” said Patrick Combs, Director of Liquids at Stem Ciders. “This historic week is about sharing our love for craft cider – and of course we had to bring our Great American Cider Friends together at Stem Ciders RiNO.”

Shane Sheridan, head cider maker of Stem Cider, added to Combs’ enthusiasm for the GABF competitions, which now include cider.

“The Great American Beer Festival is truly incredible as it brings together the most passionate craft beverage lovers from across the country. “We are honored to have the opportunity to compete alongside America’s best in one of the most demanding competitions in the industry this year,” said Sheridan. “Cider has long been an important part of the American craft beverage scene and we’re excited to share a little of that history with everyone.”

As part of the multi-day event, the Great American Cider Friends will begin October 9th with an exclusive guided Pommeau tasting (an alcoholic beverage that is a mixture of apple juice and apple schnapps) starting at 4 p.m. with Stem’s Head Cider Maker Ciders begins Sheridan and director of Liquids Combs. The evening ends with classic pub trivia from 7 p.m

On Thursday, October 10th, from 7pm, limited edition barrel-aged bourbon ciders will be served and there will be live music, while Friday, October 11th will focus on fruity ciders and live music -Jam continues.

On Saturday, October 12, the event will conclude with a GABF afterparty with two-for-one Stem Ciders when you show your GABF wristband, and each day the first 40 people to show up to an event will receive a free glass of Stem Ciders.

Participation in the Great American Cider Friends event is free and open to all. Every day offers something new, from traditional apple blends to experimental, cross-border flavors. Whether you’re a long-time cider enthusiast or want to learn more, the events are sure to be a hit with everyone.

For more information or to register for the Great American Cider Friends event, visit the Stem Ciders website:

Stem CiderGreat American cider friends – Stem Ciders

And be sure to follow Stem Ciders on Instagram: @stemciders and @stemcidersrino