It’s hard to believe this marks our eighth year. These anniversary posts have become a really useful way to document what actually happened during the year - the work, the people, and the projects that shaped it and to see how far we’ve come.
2025 saw many ideas we piloted in 2024 come fully into practice. Much of what we worked on built directly on programs that had been developing for several years and moved them forward in tangible ways.
A Year of Craft, Community, and Connection
The year began with CiderCon in Chicago, where we spent time with cider friends, shared bottles, and took part in ongoing conversations about cider - how it’s made, how it’s presented, and where it’s headed - through Talia’s role on the American Cider Association board.
Summer brought another Haykin Summer Club Celebration, which has become a yearly marker for us - new releases, warmer weather, and time spent together with our club members.
We also collaborated beyond our own space, including an event at Traveling Mercies, where they released an amaro made with our apple brandy. The evening paired cider and amaro with their seafood-driven menu and brought our work into a spirits-forward setting.
The tasting room stayed busy throughout the year, hosting a wide range of gatherings - from smaller, focused events to a full slate of holiday parties. We also hosted events with a Women in Manufacturing group and Les Dames d'Escoffier, both of which included Talia speaking about cidermaking and life as a business owner. (She told the story of “David Haykin Family Cider” many, many times - if you haven’t heard it, ask her.)
We also shared more of our perspective on cidery life in a conversation on the new Pommes and Pints podcast.
Recognition That Reflected the Work
In 2025, competition results reflected the steady work happening in the cellar (yes, the industrial condo one).
At the Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) in May in Grand Rapids, Haykin was named Small Cidermaker of the Year for the fourth year in a row. Awards across categories included recognition for our ice cider, pommeau, and brandy, reflecting the continued development of those products.
At the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) in October, we received a repeat Gold medal for our single-varietal Mountain Rose, for a total of two Golds and two Bronzes, continuing a strong showing for apple-driven, high-quality cider.
Beyond the Cidery
Travel and collaboration were an important part of the year. In France, we spent time with Blair and Marti Richardson at Château La Ramitere, strengthening a working relationship - and friendship - built around a shared love of distinctive apples, well-made cider, and high standards.
In December, we released the cider from their first harvest at Haykin and hosted an event introducing our local community to their château, orchards, and the history and traditions behind them.
We also appreciated thoughtful media coverage throughout the year. In 2025, Haykin Family Cider was featured by Food & Wine, included in Bloomberg Top Shelf, named one of Colorado’s best cider houses by Uncover Colorado, and profiled by wonderful Ruth Tobias in The SOMM Journal.
Life Alongside the Work
Outside the cidery, family life continued at full speed. We now have a fifth grader, a second grader, and a pretty opinionated four-year-old. Our nights are filled with basketball, gymnastics, soccer, video games, book reports, and sleep away summer camp… but apples are still the preferred bedtime snack.
Looking Ahead
Eight years in, the focus remains on doing the work well: sourcing carefully, producing intentionally, and creating a place people enjoy spending time.
Thank you all for being part of it!
Please join us to celebrate our Eighth Anniversary Party:
February 1, 2026 | 4–8 PM
🍾 Special by-the-glass menu
🧀 Small bites from So Damn Gouda
Come celebrate eight years with Dan and Talia!
Some highlights from 2025!
See our previous anniversary recaps here -
