Even after permitting and construction delay pushed the opening out several months, housemade ciders won’t be ready for another thirty to sixty days, but Dufresne currently has sixteen taps from other Colorado cider makers to fill the gap. “We want to promote the industry,” Dufresne explains.
Local guest ciders will remain available even when Waldschänke cider is good to go. Producers on tap include Talbott’s, The Old Mine, Climb Hard, Wild Cider, Hard Summit (Scrumpy’s), Snow Capped, Boxing Brothers, Big B’s, Stem Ciders, Clear Fork, St. Vrain, BOCO, Colorado Cider Co., Colorado Plus 49, C Squared and Haykin Family (in bottles only).
The taps will pour guest ciders until Waldschänke's own products are ready to drink in a month or two.
Waldschänke Ciders
“I think you get better aromatics and a better taste,” he notes of unfiltered cider. “You get that true tavern taste. It’s what inspired us to even start this business.”
Dufresne make the cider along with his son, Keane, who has been in the craft-beverage industry for more than ten years. The family business also includes John's wife, Ruth, who was born in Switzerland, and Keane's wife, Kelley, who will manage events and media.
During the day, there will be locally roasted coffee available by Mad Loon Coffee Roasters. The facility has plenty of space, with the taproom and 2,400 square feet dedicated to production, and a small area within that space for tours and private tastings.
The grand opening on Wednesday will have a food truck and live entertainment. Call 303-997-7375 or visit waldschankeciders.com for more details.
