The American Cider Association is pleased to announce the addition of three new Certified Pommeliers™ following examinations held in conjunction with the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP).
CiderCon® has always been more than a conference. It is where our industry reconnects. Where new ideas are shared. Where collaborations begin. Where we celebrate cider and the people behind it. That is exactly why this next announcement matters so much. Today, we are excited to announce that CiderCon® 2027 will take place in San Antonio, TX from April 5-7, co-located and in partnership with the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC). We know this represents a major shift from the stand-alone CiderCon® model our community has built together over many years. We also know that many members care deeply about preserving cider’s independence, identity, and dedicated community space within the broader beverage alcohol industry. We share those feelings. At the same time, we believe it is important to be transparent about the realities facing both the cider industry and the association itself. The economics of hosting a fully stand-alone national conference have changed dramatically in recent years, and like many organizations, the ACA has had to carefully evaluate how to continue delivering meaningful programming in a financially sustainable way. We believe this format will create many new and exciting opportunities. It provides access to a much larger trade show, expanded educational and business resources, and a broader network of buyers, distributors, and industry partners, all at a lower ticket cost. Our goal is to strike the right balance: keeping cider distinct and central while expanding opportunities for growth and connection. We’ll continue to share updates as planning progresses and gather member feedback as we shape the future of CiderCon® together. In the meantime, we’ve included answers to some of the questions you may have below. Why are we making this change? Over the last several years, the economics of hosting a fully stand-alone national conference have changed significantly. Like many industry organizations, the ACA has experienced: Rising venue, labor, food, and travel costs Changes in trade show participation and exhibitor expectations Increased operational complexity Greater financial risk tied to hosting large-scale events independently At the same time, member expectations for affordability, educational value, networking opportunities, and overall return on investment continue to evolve. Through direct feedback, surveys, and conversations with members, we consistently heard requests for: More affordable and accessible event experiences Warmer and easier-to-travel locations Expanded technical educational opportunities Increased access to suppliers, buyers, and industry partners Hosting CiderCon® later in the year so as not to compete with other February industry events As we evaluated the future of CiderCon®, it became increasingly clear that maintaining the current stand-alone structure indefinitely would place significant strain on the association and limit our ability to evolve alongside member needs. One thing we knew we did not want to do was lose momentum by stepping away from a national gathering altogether. This model allows us to continue bringing the industry together, maintain important conversations and connections, and create space to reimagine the future of CiderCon® as the industry and association evolve. Will cider still be the focus of CiderCon®? Absolutely. We cannot stress this enough. Maintaining a distinct cider identity is our top priority. CiderCon® 2027 will remain cider-focused and community-driven by: Continuing cornerstone cider-focused experiences like CiderShare, tasting sessions, the Certified Pommelier™ pinning ceremony, and cider awards Maintaining cider-specific technical education sessions Preserving informal networking and community connections like LobbyCon and building out cider-focused community spaces Ensuring a strong and visible cider presence and branding throughout the event We are intentionally designing the event to ensure cider remains clearly represented and central throughout the experience. What are the benefits of this new format? This model creates new opportunities for attendees, including: Access to a significantly larger trade show and a diversity of vendors Exposure to a broader network of buyers, distributors, and suppliers Expanded educational sessions and industry insights Greater visibility for cider within the broader beverage landscape A less expensive overall experience, making more opportunities for members to participate A warmer, travel-friendly location, responding directly to member feedback Is this a permanent change? This is the model we are pursuing for CiderCon® 2027. We will carefully evaluate its effectiveness, continue gathering member feedback, and use what we learn to help shape future event models. The reality is that, like the ACA, CiderCon® must continue evolving. This partnership gives the ACA the opportunity to explore a more sustainable path forward while remaining flexible and responsive to member needs and industry realities. Will cider still feel visible and distinct within CBC? Yes. One of ACA’s top priorities in building this partnership has been to ensure that cider remains clearly defined and highly visible within the overall event experience. CiderCon® 2027 will include: Dedicated cider education tracks Cider-specific gathering spaces and a CiderCon® branded area within the large trade show expo space Signature events centered entirely around cider, like Cider Share and cider awards CiderCon® signage and branding throughout the event, on the website, and on the event app. This is a partnership with the Brewers Association, not a blending of categories. CiderCon® programming will remain cider-focused, while also creating opportunities for meaningful connection with the broader CBC audience at intersections within their programming. There is much to learn from each other. Will technical cider education remain a priority? Absolutely! CiderCon® 2027 will continue to feature cider-focused educational programming, including technical cider production content, orchard and apple-focused sessions, tasting panels, sensory education, and business-focused discussions relevant to cider producers. At the same time, attendees will have the opportunity to access additional educational programming through the CBC program, covering hospitality, marketing, taproom management, leadership, and business development. Our goal is to preserve the depth of cider-specific expertise members expect while expanding access to additional professional development opportunities. Will this CiderCon® be more affordable or accessible? One of the goals of this model is to create a more accessible event experience for our members. We have consistently received feedback requesting more affordable registration options, warmer, easier-to-travel destinations, and greater value for attendees. While travel costs will vary depending on location and individual circumstances, partnering with CBC allows the ACA to reduce some of the financial pressures associated with independently producing a national conference at our previous scale. This includes reduced registration costs and expanded hotel options. I want to submit a session proposal. When will that open? We’re excited to continue featuring new voices, research, and ideas at CiderCon® 2027! While some marketing, business development, and broader industry topics will be developed collaboratively with CBC, the ACA will continue to lead the cider-specific educational programming, including technical cidermaking, orcharding, and flavor and terroir tasting sessions. In partnership with the Brewers Association, we expect to release our call for session proposals and research posters by the end of the summer . Once details and deadlines are finalized, we will share them through the ACA e-newsletter, website, and social media channels. We look forward to hearing your ideas and welcoming a wide range of perspectives and expertise to the CiderCon® 2027 program. Looking Ahead We know this change will bring excitement for some members and uncertainty for others. Both reactions are valid. But throughout this process, our goal has remained the same: To protect and strengthen the future of cider. That means building an association that is financially sustainable, operationally resilient, and capable of continuing to support this industry for years to come. We believe this partnership creates new opportunities for connection, visibility, education, and growth while preserving the cider community that makes CiderCon® special in the first place. And we will continue listening as we shape what comes next together. We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio in April 2027!
For the first time, take the Certified Pommelier™ exam in Sydney, Australia, on the 14th of October! If you have already passed the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ exam and are looking for that next challenge? Now is your chance! The American Cider Association is pleased to announce that a Certified Pommelier™ Exam will be held at Sydney Cidery in Sydney, Australia. The exam will take place on Wednesday, 14th October 2026. The exam will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. *Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ certification is a prerequisite for taking the Certified Pommelier™ Exam. (Haven’t taken your Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ Exam? Buy the bundle here ! ACA Member discounts are available.) A discount code is available for ACA members who want to take the test. You can find that code in our Resource Hub . WHAT IS THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM? The American Cider Association’s mission is to grow a diverse and successful cider industry by providing valuable information, resources and services to our members and by advocating on their behalf. One way to fulfill this mission is through the Certified Cider Professional™ Program, a program aimed at educating the front-line of cider hospitality (distributors, retailers, bartenders and more!) while also welcoming journalists and serious cider enthusiasts. The exam for the introductory level certification, Certified Cider Guide™ (CCG), is an online test that can be taken at any time. The exam for the more advanced second level of certification, Certified Pommelier™, is only available in person. The exam consists of two parts, a written theory exam comprising short answer and essay questions and a blind sensory evaluation of a number of ciders. Passing the introductory level exam is a mandatory prerequisite to sitting for the Level 2 Certified Pommelier™ exam. Certified Pommeliers™ must have a fundamental understanding of all topics covered at the introductory level, but must also be able to think critically and demonstrate a deeper understanding of cider and the cider industry. The topics covered in the exam are: Apples, the Orchard & History Cider Making Flavor & Evaluation Cider Families Keeping & Serving Food & Cider Social Responsibility The exam is meant to be challenging. The only information necessary for successfully passing the theory section of the exam is contained in the Certified Pommelier™ Study Guide available on Amazon . To study for the evaluation section of the exam, candidates should consider attending one of the sensory analysis workshops available on the ACA’s website or a regularly scheduled webinar. Access to pre-recorded webinars and registration for upcoming workshops are available directly through our website . WHY BECOME A CERTIFIED POMMELIER™? Cider is a beautifully nuanced beverage that is less well understood by most consumers. Having the knowledge and skills required to become a Certified Pommelier™ will equip you to better serve customers, enhance your standing in the beverage community, and give you a unique and valuable professional qualification. Being recognized as a Certified Pommelier™ will put you in the vanguard of advanced cider specialists in this ever-growing category. HOW MUCH DOES THE TEST COST? The exam registration fee is $350 USD. Current members of the ACA can register at a discounted rate of $250 USD using the discount code available here. If a candidate sits for the exam but does not pass either section, or only passes one of the two sections, theory or sensory evaluation, they can resit for the section of the exam that they did not pass at a future date. The fee to retake the exam is $175 for non-members and $125 for current ACA members. Read Terms & Conditions before registering. WHAT MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDY FOR THE EXAM? The Certified Pommelier™ Study Guide is available directly through Amazon . It is also available at all of Amazon’s international sites. This is the official study guide for the second level of the American Cider Association’s professional certification program. It contains all of the information needed to study for and pass the examination. No other reference materials are required. There is also a dedicated Facebook Group (open to all) with prep materials and in-depth peer conversations that many candidates have found useful. Sensory evaluation is an important part of being a Certified Pommelier™, which is why we test your ability to accurately analyze the structural components, aromas, and flavors of a variety of ciders. To aid in developing your sensory evaluation skills and to understand the approach to testing them, we have several pre-recorded videos available for purchase. In addition, we host several live sensory analysis webinars each year. You can access the videos and look for scheduled webinars here. Additional videos can be found by subscribing to the Certified Cider Professional YouTube Channel. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Download the Frequently Asked Questions document.) Are there ID or minimum age requirements to sit for the event? YES. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you take the exam, and when checking in, you must provide a photo ID that verifies your age and identity. When will we receive our graded exams? Exams are not returned to candidates; you will be notified of whether you have passed about 6 weeks after the exam date. If you did not pass a section of the exam, you may request a breakdown of your points by general topic to help you identify areas in which you could improve your score should you wish to retake the exam. What is the grade needed for passing? 60% of the possible points for sensory evaluation and 70% for theory Certified Pommelier™ Award of Distinction will also be awarded to those who pass either exam in the upper percentile, 85% or above, and Sensory 75% or above. Is there a tasting section on the test? Yes. You will be asked to evaluate six ciders in two flights, one flight that assesses your ability to distinguish between key structural elements and a second where you are asked to complete a full evaluation of three ciders using the Structured Sensory Analysis format. The possible aromas and flavors document will be supplied for use during the exam. How long does the test take? You are given 2 hours to complete the theory section of the exam and 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the sensory evaluation section. There is a 15-minute break in between sections. Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends? Registrations are not transferable, so the name on the I.D. presented at check-in for the exam must match the name on the registration. What happens if I cannot attend my registered exam? Please see the Exam Rescheduling, Timelines, and Fees section of the Terms and Conditions Document for full details. If you do need to cancel your registration, exam registration fees can be refunded up to 14 days before the exam. Please note that a $25 administration fee applies to any cancellation. When can I register for the exam? Exam registration is open until 14 days before the posted exam date. How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please contact Director of Education Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org . What can I bring into the event? Bringing a personal water bottle is recommended for both sections of the exam. Cell phones, smart watches, computers, books or papers, and any and all other personal items must be left at a designated storage area in the exam room. Pencils will be provided, and spare paper will be available on request. Spit cups and water will be provided during the evaluation exam. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle for the theory exam. Please contact Director of Education Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org prior to registering for the exam if you wish to request special accommodations. Is the Certified Pommelier™ Exam available in my area ? Certified Pommelier™ exams are held periodically throughout the year at various locations. Please check our current exam schedule to find an exam suitable for you. How many Certified Pommeliers™ are there currently? You can find the current number of Certified Pommelers here. Do I need to pass the Certified Cider Guide™ exam to take the Certified Pommelier™ exam? Yes. Passing the introductory exam to become a Certified Cider Guide™ is a prerequisite. If you have not yet taken this exam, you can purchase a package that includes an instructional video, a study guide, and access to an online exam HERE .
