Farm Horizons • Aug . 8 , 2016 • Page 31
Photo by Jennifer Von Ohlen
Number 12 Cider House is located at Deer Lake Orchard in Buffalo , and is operated by team members Steve Hance , Halina and Colin Post , and Jill and Yuri Preugschas . Not pictured is team member Cathy Backes .
Alcohol and family orientation
When it came time to open the Number 12 Cider House , the team was nervous about how their long-time orchard visitors would respond to having alcohol at a location focused on family activities and traditions . To their delight , the reactions were quite positive . “ It ’ s amazing , the amount of smiles people had when they learned they can get hard cider here ,” Hance commented .
While one does not have to visit the orchard to get a sip ( or bottle ) of Number 12 , its makers believe it is the best location for the local product .
However , Number 12 has been picked up by Artisan Distributors , who have helped bring it to about 130 liquor stores and more than a dozen restaurants and bars , all of which are listed at number12ciderhouse . com .
In reflection , Hance said the sales have been “ great ” as people discover Number 12 .
“ Every time somebody tastes it , they love it ,” Hance stated .
With the business ’ s success , the Number 12 team hopes to have a separate facility at the orchard strictly dedicated to its cider .
Preugschas also recently purchased about 100 more trees of 10 different varieties specifically for cider production .
As plans for these additions are underway , the team has turned its attention to its Number 12 Tap Room .
Located in the back of the orchard ’ s main barn building , the Tap Room offers visitors the “ perfect date night ,” where they can enjoy a glass of cider , dine on a handmade wood fire pizza , and take a stroll among the apple trees .
Visitors will also have a chance to taste samples of each cider , and buy 750-ml bottles of select products . Souvenirs will also be available for purchase .
Before the orchard season begins , the Tap Room will be open Friday , Aug . 5 and Friday , Aug . 12 from 5 to 9 p . m . Starting Aug . 19 , the Tap Room will be open each weekend during orchard days .
Post and Hance continue to tinker and taste products undergoing research and development , while joyously returning to a glass of their “ finished ” cider .
“ It ’ s fun making something you ’ re passionate about ,” Hance stated . •