Lexington’s craft‑beverage community celebrated the close of the sixth annual Cider Days festival on Sunday at Wise Bird Cider. The week‑long event, organized by Kentucky Cider Days, culminated in a full‑day tasting that offered festival‑goers the chance to sample sixteen distinct ciders ranging from dry to sweet, showcasing flavors from across the region and beyond.
New collaborations highlighted
Among the highlights was a limited‑edition pawpaw cider created in partnership with West Sixth Brewing, adding a unique local fruit to the lineup. Wise Bird also introduced its newest release, Forbidden Palme, a collaboration with Marianne Eaves of Forbidden Distilling. The cider has spent two years aging in bourbon barrels and is slated to hit shelves at the end of the month.
“So today there were 16 different ciders ranging all the way from dry to sweet,” said Sam Parzych, director of brand growth at Wise Bird Cider. “We did also debut our Forbidden Palme, which is our newest release of our Palmo. It’s a collaboration with Marianne Eaves from Forbidden Distilling. It’s been aging for two years in her bourbon barrels.”
Community impact
Organizers reported that hundreds of cider lovers participated in events throughout the week, providing Kentucky’s craft beverage scene another opportunity to take center stage. The festival featured tastings, educational sessions, and vendor booths, reinforcing Lexington’s growing reputation as a hub for artisanal drinks.
Local businesses benefited from the increased foot traffic, and the event helped promote regional agriculture by highlighting ingredients such as Kentucky apples and the locally sourced pawpaw fruit. Attendees praised the variety of styles available, noting that the festival offered something for both seasoned cider aficionados and newcomers alike.
Looking ahead
For those who missed the final day, Kentucky Cider Days encourages the public to explore the state’s burgeoning cider landscape year‑round. The organization’s website lists participating breweries, cider houses, and upcoming events, inviting residents and visitors to continue supporting local producers.
As the festival concludes, Wise Bird Cider and its partners look forward to future collaborations and the continued growth of Kentucky’s craft cider industry.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
