Elegast Beginnings
Co-Founder & Maker Arjen Meeusem of Elegast shares his story of living in Portland, Oregon and how a stop at Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider to taste the cider inspired him to find out more about this niche market and its viability to make cider in the Netherlands.
Arjen and his business partners began their cidery in an old green house and then moved to their current location in a 25 square meter shed / 250 square feet and utilize the outdoor space for storing their cider.
In 2022, the cidery is expanded with a new tasting room and expand production area just outside of Amsterdam set to be open in the summer.
Elegast’s goal is to use the rising interest in cider to help steer consumers to drink cider to help the orchards aka Drink Cider ~ Save Orchards!
Elegast Ciders and Seasonal Offerings
Elegast’s Saison Cider is a lovely frothy cider with a nod to Saison beers with a cider structure all its own.
The goal is to balance the acidity and boost the profile so that there is enough mouthfeel to entice the drinker despite the lack of tannins in the current apples now growing in the Netherlands.
The cidery has access to old estate orchards with trees dating back to 1939, which is actually an Unesco Heritage Site, water defensive lines and trenches built before World War II.
All of Elegast Ciders can be drunk year round, but some might find your palate requesting them during select months.
Barrel Aged Ciders – Elegast has a range of barrel aged ciders that can be drunk in the winter and equally enjoyed by fans on a chilly spring, summer or fall evening.
Fruit Cider Series – Whole fruits are co-fermented and macerated to incorporate the taste and color of the skin and fruit
And excellent cider for the Spring and Summer
Terroir Series – Apples from specific orchards and allowed to ferment with the ambient yeast or what is often referred to as spontaneous yeasts
Contact for Elegast Cidery
- Website: https://elegastcider.nl/
- Address: Hoorneboeg 4a, 1213 RE Hilversum, Netherlands
Mentions in this Cider Chat
- Gary Flowers Richmond Virginia’s Jackson Ward Tour Guide and multi media star and host of the Gary Flowers Show
- Peariodic Table of Pome Fruit commissioned by Randal Grahm – Put your name into the drawing for Patrons of Cider Chat by becoming a Patron at the Cider Chat Patreon Page for members at the $5 and up level.
- New York International Cider Competition – February 21, 2022 4rd Annual New York International Cider Competition for commercial makers. Judges are real buyers making this competition stand apart from all others in cider. Send in your ciders now.
Commercial Makers – Enter the New York International Cider Competition
