Sure, you’ve had cider before, but have you had craft cider like that found at Lassen Traditional Cidery? The owner, Ben Nielsen, is dedicated to his work as a craft cider maker and works to source heirloom varieties from small regional orchards. The quality of apples and traditional techniques means visitors get to taste the renaissance of American craft cider.

The California Grown team recently visited Lassen Traditional Cidery in Chico, California, to discover how a former engineer is revolutionizing craft cider. Situated on the edge of this college town, Ben Nielsen has created something extraordinary—a cidery dedicated to producing authentic, barrel-fermented ciders that celebrate California’s forgotten apple heritage. 

From Engineer to Cider Maker

Ben Nielsen, owner of Lassen Traditional Cidery, took an unconventional path to becoming a cider maker. After leaving his engineering career, he pursued his passion for fermentation and apples and established the cidery in 2016. 

His journey began in Corvallis, Oregon, where he started making cider from his neighbor’s backyard apple trees. He eventually hosted annual cider pressing parties that brought together friends to celebrate the harvest.

“I used to love making home brew and that kind of transitioned into making cider when I was living up in Corvallis, Oregon,” Nielsen explains. “I had a neighbor who had a few apple trees in his backyard that he wasn’t using. So I figured I would try making cider and that kind of started an annual tradition.”

The transition from hobbyist to professional cider maker wasn’t immediate. Nielsen spent years perfecting his craft, studying traditional cider-making techniques, and building relationships with local apple growers. His engineering background proved invaluable in understanding the precise fermentation processes and developing consistent production methods.

Traditional Methods, Exceptional Results

What sets Lassen Traditional Cidery apart is its unwavering commitment to traditional cider-making methods. Nielsen’s philosophy is straightforward: use good apples sourced locally and produce unadulterated, natural cider with minimal intervention.

“To me traditional cider just means it’s made in like, really simple methods,” Nielsen shares. “It’s basically like nothing added, nothing taken away. Like in the natural wine movement, everybody says like zero zero.”

In other words, Ben’s cider-making is similar to traditional sparkling wine in that the fruit is pressed, the juice undergoes natural fermentation in barrels and ends up in bottles where it “conditions” or creates the desired sparkle.

Seasonal Production

The cidery operates seasonally, working only when apples are at their peak ripeness. After pressing, the cider ferments in neutral red wine barrels for several months before being bottle conditioned. This patient approach results in dry ciders with less residual sugar than beer, offering complex flavors that surprise and delight.

Each batch of cider tells a story of the season, the terroir, and the specific apple varieties used. Nielsen’s attention to detail extends to every aspect of production, from apple selection to bottling. The result is a product that captures the essence of California’s apple-growing regions in every sip.

California’s Apple Heritage

Lassen Traditional Cidery sources apples from regional orchards like Noble Orchard and Filigreen Farms, focusing on American Heirloom varieties traditionally used for cider-making. Nielsen works with varieties like King David, Newtown Pippin, Winesap, and Arkansas Black, each contributing unique characteristics to the final product.

“I really like the connection I have with farmers. I know them personally. It means a lot to me to support small, local, and regional agriculture,” Nielsen emphasizes.

This commitment to local sourcing ensures the highest quality ingredients and helps preserve California’s rich apple-growing heritage. He has even worked with the Sierra Beauty, an heirloom variety hailed from Butte County and was previously thought extinct until it was found in the Gowan Heirloom Cider Orchards. 

The Art of Cider Making

The process at Lassen Traditional Cidery begins with careful apple selection and timing. Nielsen works closely with orchardists to determine the optimal harvest time for each variety. Once the apples arrive at the cidery, they’re carefully sorted and pressed using traditional methods.

The juice is then transferred to barrels for fermentation, developing complexity and character over several months. Nielsen’s approach to fermentation is minimal intervention, allowing the natural yeasts on the apple skins to drive the process whenever possible.

The Cider Collection

Flagship Offerings

The cidery produces several distinctive ciders, including their popular Farmhouse Dry Cider, a mix of American heirloom and bittersweet cider varieties. Single-varietal ciders showcase specific apple varieties, allowing their unique characteristics to shine through.

Seasonal Specialties

Nielsen’s creativity shines in special releases like the Elderberry Cider, which combines cider with honey and wild-foraged elderberries. Each blend reflects the terroir of California’s apple-growing regions and the seasonal nature of traditional cider-making.

The lineup changes throughout the year, reflecting both the seasonal availability of apples and Nielsen’s experimental nature. Limited releases often feature unique blends and collaborations with other local producers, making each visit to Lassen Traditional Cidery a new experience.

Sustainability and Community

Environmental stewardship is a core value at Lassen Traditional Cidery. The operation maintains strong relationships with sustainable orchards and implements water conservation practices in its production process. Spent apples are composted or provided to local farmers for animal feed, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste.

The cidery also actively participates in the local community, participating in agricultural education programs and supporting regional farming initiatives. Nielsen hosts workshops and tastings to share his knowledge and passion for traditional cider-making.

Visiting Lassen Traditional Cidery

Located in Chico, California, the tasting room welcomes visitors on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 6 p.m. The intimate space provides an ideal setting to experience the full range of Lassen Traditional Cidery’s offerings while learning about the art of traditional cider-making.

Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff eager to share insights about the cider-making process, apple varieties, and food pairings. The tasting room often features special releases and experimental batches not available elsewhere.

The cidery’s products can also be found at several establishments throughout Chico, including Winchester Goose, Burgers and Brew, and various local retailers. For those unable to visit in person, the cidery offers shipping options across the United States.

Through dedication to traditional methods and local agriculture, Lassen Traditional Cidery has established itself as a pioneer in California’s craft cider renaissance. Nielsen’s passion for quality, sustainability, and innovation continues to drive the evolution of this unique establishment, making it a must-visit destination for cider enthusiasts and anyone interested in experiencing the best of California’s agricultural heritage.

Whether you’re a seasoned cider aficionado or new to craft beverages, Lassen Traditional Cidery offers an authentic taste of California’s apple country.

Crafted with care and respect for tradition, each visit promises a tasting experience and an education in the art and science of traditional cider-making.

Get To Know Noble Orchards Apples

Lassen Traditional Cidery is a must-visit destination for craft cider enthusiasts. It offers small-batch, locally sourced ciders celebrating Northern California’s rich apple-growing heritage. Each sip reflects the dedication to traditional techniques and the region’s agricultural bounty. 

For a deeper dive into this apple-growing legacy, explore our profile of Noble Orchards in Paradise, California.

This 100-year-old, family-owned orchard has been a cornerstone of the community, producing top-quality fruit and welcoming visitors for generations. Pair your cider-tasting experience with a visit to Noble Orchard to connect with the roots of the region’s apple traditions.

Article by Aida Mollenkamp. Photography by Hilary Rance.