(May 20, 2025) The Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) concluded its 19th annual competition last week with outstanding participation, global reach, and a continued commitment to excellence, education, and community. With 813 commercial and 226 non-commercial entries and submissions from four continents – Europe, Asia, North America, and South America – GLINTCAP remains the world’s largest and most respected cider competition.
GLINTCAP is more than a medal count – it’s a trusted benchmark for cidermakers and a catalyst for skill development in the cider industry. Known for its detailed feedback, rigorous judging, and intentional educational opportunities, GLINTCAP is the world’s premier cider competition.
“GLINTCAP is where cidermakers come to learn, grow, and be recognized,” said Competition Director and Michigan Cider Association Executive Director Paula Englin. “Each cider is judged by experts with care, and each cidermaker – whether new or experienced – receives meaningful, thoughtful feedback. That’s what makes these awards truly matter.”
A New Standard of Excellence: 2025 Commercial Best-in-Class Winners
The Best-in-Class awards recognize the highest-scoring entries in each style category. Earning this honor reflects technical mastery, expressive character, and stylistic clarity.
Modern Cider – Dry: Alde Sider Fra Hardanger – Alde Sider (Norway)
Modern Cider – Sweet: Smackintosh – Tandem Ciders (MI, USA)
Heirloom Cider – Dry: 2024 Northern Spy – Big Fish Cider Co. (VA, USA)
Heirloom Cider – Sweet: Chisel Jersey – Snow Capped Cider (CO, USA)
Tannin Forward Cider – Dry: Kingston Black SV – Bauman’s Cider (OR, USA)
Tannin Forward Cider – Sweet: Marechal – Haykin Family Cider (CO, USA)
Natural Cider: Native Son – Mount Diablo Cider Company (CA, USA)
Rosé Cider: Airlie Red – Raw Cider Company (OR, USA)
Low Tannin Perry: Winter Pear – Snow Capped Cider (CO, USA)
High Tannin Perry: Principle – Empyrical Orchard & Cidery (WA, USA)
Fruit Cider – Dry: Porters & Perry – Snow Capped Cider (CO, USA)
Fruit Cider – Sweet: U-Pick Cherry – King Orchards (MI, USA)
Hopped Cider: Hopped Brut Apple – Island Orchard Cider (WI, USA)
Botanical Cider: Lavender Honey – Tieton Cider Works (WA, USA)
Wood Aged Cider: Blanc Mollet – Snow Capped Cider (CO, USA)
Low & No Alcohol Cider: The Safeword is “Rosé” – Bdsm Cider (MI, USA)
Specialty Cider – Dry: Hopped Apricot – Snow Capped Cider (CO, USA)
Specialty Cider – Sweet: Banjo Blues – Tennessee Cider Company (TN, USA)
Unlimited Cider and Perry: Transfusion – Tennessee Cider Company (TN, USA)
Ice Cider: McIntosh Ice Cider – Haykin Family Cider (CO, USA)
Fortified Cider: Pommeau – 19 Acres Cider Co. (OR, USA)
Spirits: Michigan Honeycrisp Vodka – Vander Mill (MI, USA)
*Click here to see the complete list of 2025 Best-in-Class Winners
Global Talent, Industry Expertise
GLINTCAP 2025 was powered by a passionate team of over 120 volunteers, including 82 judges. 48% of the judges selected are professional cidermakers, and 27% are Certified Pommeliers™, credentialed through the American Cider Association. All GLINTCAP judges must apply to demonstrate their credentials and are trained to provide constructive, respectful evaluations rooted in tradition and innovation.
More Than Medals: GLINTCAP’s Commitment to Education
GLINTCAP has distinguished itself not only as a competition but as a hub for education, growth, and community-building in the cider industry. In 2025, this tradition continued with meaningful professional development opportunities for new and experienced cidermakers.
The Awards Dinner Keynote, delivered by Monica Cohen, the new CEO of the American Cider Association (ACA), was a highlight of the week. Her address, “It’s Cider’s Time!”, was a passionate and inspiring call to action for the cider industry—celebrating progress, championing collaboration, and envisioning a bold, united future for cider across North America and beyond.
Earlier in the week, judges participated in a half-day training session co-led by the Cider Institute of North America designed to calibrate palates and build judging skills. On competition day, participants were invited to two engaging and globally focused Lunch & Learn sessions:
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Adam Wells, the award-winning author of Perry: A Drinker’s Guide from the United Kingdom, presented “Perry Cultures & Their Global Evolution,” tracing the historical and contemporary significance of perry across different cultures and continents.
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David Kargl, cider educator and producer from Austria, delivered “Ancient Roots, Modern Taste: The Austrian Cider Renaissance”, offering a fascinating look into the rediscovery and innovation happening in Central Europe’s cider scene.
These sessions underscored GLINTCAP’s mission to be a living classroom for the cider community, bringing together voices from across the world to explore tradition, science, and the ever-evolving craft of cider.
Producers of the Year
In addition to individual cider honors, GLINTCAP recognizes cidermakers who demonstrate excellence across multiple style categories with Producer of the Year awards:
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Micro Producer – Empyrical Orchard & Cidery (WA)
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Small Producer – Haykin Family Cider (CO)
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Midsize Producer – Snow Capped Cider (CO)
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Large Producer – 2 Towns Ciderhouse (OR)
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Canadian Producer – Annapolis Cider Company (NS)
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International Producer – Rebel Apple (Russia)
*Click here to see the complete list of Producer of the Year honorees.
GLINTCAP Visionary Leadership Award
GLINTCAP introduced its inaugural Visionary Leadership Award this year, honoring Gary Awdey, whose decades of leadership and passion for cider education helped shape GLINTCAP into a globally respected institution. Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) President Emeritus Gordon Strong presented the award in a heartfelt tribute during the Awards Dinner.
Gratitude to Our 2025 Sponsors
GLINTCAP is made possible by the generous support of sponsors who share a commitment to quality and community in cider. We extend sincere thanks to: Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan Craft Beverage Council, Peterson Farms, Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc., Amoretti, Angry Orchard, Michigan Horticulture Society, Vance Metal Fabricators Inc., Imperial Beverage, Schilling Cider, VinoShipper, Cherry Republic, and Press Then Press.
Join Us for the 20th Anniversary!
GLINTCAP invites cidermakers worldwide to be part of this growing tradition of excellence, which will celebrate an exciting milestone – its 20th Anniversary in 2026! “Whether you’re a seasoned cidermaker or just getting started, GLINTCAP is where you’ll find your people, your inspiration, and your next level,” said Paula Englin, Executive Director of the Michigan Cider Association. “You’ll leave with sharper skills, new connections, and a deeper love for cider. If you weren’t here in 2025, don’t miss out again – make plans now to be part of GLINTCAP 2026!”