The $30 million toe in the water: Colorado's cider industry dominance

Colorado's craft cider industry has made a significant splash at the 2026 GLINTCAP competition, with Snow Capped Cider and Haykin Family Cider breaking records and securing top honors. The two cideries, based in Cedaredge and Aurora respectively, have demonstrated consistent excellence across all 20 judging categories, earning a combined 37 Best in Show awards and multiple medals at the Cidercraft Awards.

The dominance of Colorado's cider industry is attributed to factors such as high-elevation fruit, careful variety selection, and dedicated craftsmanship. Snow Capped Cider, situated at 6,000 feet at the base of the Grand Mesa, leverages the area's dramatic weather patterns to cultivate a wide range of apple and peach varieties, including numerous cider-specific heirloom apples.

Kari Williams, owner and head cidermaker at Snow Capped Cider, emphasized that the third consecutive Midsize Producer of the Year award reflects the team's pasison and hard work . She expressed that breaking their own Best in Show record underscores that they are 'continuing to push in the right direction.'

Why 4,000 unsold units became the prize

The GLINTCAP competition, which featured over 1,400 entries from multiple countries, has become a benchmark for excellence in the craft cider industry. The competition's judging categories, including Tannin Forward Cider - Dry and Heirloom Cider - Sweet and Dry, feature a wide range of styles and varieties, making it a challenging and prestigious event.

The success of Snow Capped Cider and Haykin Family Cider at GLINTCAP is a testament to the quality and consistency of Colorado's craft cider industry. The two cideries have demonstrated a commitment to innovation and excellence, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of cider.

Talia Haykin, co-founder of Haykin Family Cider, noted that the longevity of their recognition as Small Producer of the Year is unparalleled in GLINTCAP's history.. The cidery has earned five gold medals, 20 silver medals, nine bronze medals, and three Best in Show awards, solidifying their position as a leader in the industry.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

The success of Snow Capped Cider and Haykin Family Cider at GLINTCAP is not an isolated event. The craft cider industry has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with many cideries expanding their operations and investing in new equipment and techniques.

The GLINTCAP competition has become a key event in the industry , attracting top cideries from across the country and showcasing the best of American craft cider. The competition's judging categories and awards have become a benchmark for excellence, with many cideries using the competition as a way to gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement.

The success of Snow Capped Cider and Haykin Family Cider at GLINTCAP is a testament to the quality and consistency of Colorado's craft cider industry. The two cideries have demonstrated a commitment to innovation and excellence, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of cider.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The GLINTCAP competition has also highlighted the growing interest in craft cider among consumers. The competition's judging categories and awards have become a benchmark for excellence, with many cideries using the competition as a way to gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement.

The success of Snow Capped Cider and Haykin Family Cider at GLINTCAP is a testament to the quality and consistency of Colorado's craft cider industry. The two cideries have demonsrtated a commitment to innovation and excellence, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of cider.

The competition's judging categories and awards have become a benchmark for excellence, with many cideries using the competition as a way to gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement.