Who owns Citizen Cider?

Answered by Charles Pate

Citizen is owned by three individuals who share a passion for cider and a dedication to creating high-quality, artisanal beverages. The founders, Justin Heilenbach, Bryan Holmes, and Kris Nelson, came together in 2010 to start their own cidery based in Burlington, Vermont.

Justin Heilenbach, one of the owners, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Citizen Cider. As a former sommelier, he has a deep understanding of flavor profiles and the art of pairing food and beverages. This expertise has undoubtedly influenced the unique and complex flavors found in Citizen Cider products.

Bryan Holmes, another owner of Citizen Cider, is a skilled brewer with a love for experimentation. He has honed his craft over the years and is constantly pushing the boundaries of what cider can be. His passion for innovation and quality is evident in the diverse range of ciders produced by Citizen Cider.

Kris Nelson, the third owner, brings a business-minded approach to the cidery. With a background in marketing and sales, he has helped to grow Citizen Cider into a successful brand with a loyal following. His strategic thinking and dedication to customer satisfaction have been instrumental in the cidery's success.

Together, these three individuals have created a cidery that is known for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and traditional cider-making techniques. They take pride in supporting local farmers and using apples from Vermont orchards to create their ciders. This dedication to quality and sustainability is reflected in every bottle of Citizen Cider.

One of the things that sets Citizen Cider apart from other cideries is its focus on using a wide variety of apple varieties. The owners believe that different apple varieties contribute unique flavors and characteristics to their ciders. By carefully selecting and blending apples, they are able to create ciders with complex flavor profiles that are both delicious and refreshing.

In addition to their flagship ciders, Citizen Cider has also ventured into other categories. They have released a line of hard seltzers called For Shore, which offers a lighter and more bubbly alternative to traditional ciders. This expansion into new product categories demonstrates the owners' entrepreneurial spirit and their willingness to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Citizen Cider has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 2010. They have expanded their production facilities and distribution network, allowing their ciders to be enjoyed by cider enthusiasts across the country. Despite this growth, the owners remain deeply involved in every aspect of the cidery's operations, ensuring that their commitment to quality and craftsmanship is maintained.

Citizen Cider is owned by Justin Heilenbach, Bryan Holmes, and Kris Nelson, three individuals who share a passion for cider and a dedication to creating exceptional beverages. Their expertise, innovation, and commitment to sustainability have made Citizen Cider a beloved brand in the cider industry.