Gitche Gumee Ciderworks

Gitche Gumee Ciderworks brings together outstanding technical expertise and local, community-based agriculture to craft the finest artisanal ciders possible in a fun, rewarding, and profitable venture. Who We Are Phil Kelm has been making quality hard cider for hispersonal consumption for many years. In 2014, Phil decided that there were probably enough local wild apples to share his delicious cider and the idea for Gitche Gumee Ciderworks was planted! Michigans beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula possesses an unimaginable abundance of wild apples and feral orchards. Most of this vast harvest isnt collected or used. We thought to change that and give our area a cider as unique as our land. A cider made traditionally, influenced by the soil and weather as much as by the tree and the cider maker. Gitche Gumee Ciderworks is situated in Hancock, Michigans northernmost city. Our business model focuses on local agriculture, whether they be fruit, honey, or maple syrup; but we also use local businesses whenever we can. Sourcing apples locally also helps sustain a foraged agricultural product that is underused and underrated. These apple purchases help fund local youth groups and seasonal pickers. Owner Phil Kelm is a Michigan Technological University and Siebel Institute graduate, and has a lifetime of experience in the brewing industry, installing breweries and consulting around the world. Hes won numerous accolades, starting with a silver award for cider at the American Homebrewers Association National Competition in 1992. Tom Adolphs joined Gitche Gumee Ciderworks as the head of graphics and marketing. He is a native of Hancock, and works for Finlandia University as the Assistant Professor of Graphic Design. Entropy is one of the countrys only ciders made entirely from wild apples. Apples are sourced exclusively from Michigans Copper Country, washed, pressed, and then spontaneously cold-fermented without any added water, sugar, sulfites, nutrients, yeast, or any other ingredie