Greek Peak Summer 2021

The Cider Mill in Endicott, NY
Heard of it, but never been.

Hollenbecks was just Cider for a very long time. Used to be you literally got cider poured into the jugs from the holding tank when you stopped in. Eventually adding donuts and now a whole pile of pies, bakery and other local goods (like NY maple syrup, preserves/jelly, etc...). All in a fairly smallish building. My parents were friends with the actual Hollenbeck family too. So an added level of meaning to stop on by when in the area.
 
The Cider Mill (https://cidermillendicott.com/) has been around forever, but its present form has existed since 1972:

There has been a cider mill in Endicott for as long as anyone can remember. The first mill at 2 South Nanticoke Avenue was built in 1926. That mill was lost to fire in the winter of 1972. The current mill was built that same year, at the same location, while the old site was being cleared.

It's only open from August 1st to November 30th.


Inside, it smells like cider, pressed apples, fermenting cider - essentially a frat basement swapping beer for cider. Generally, it's a pleasant smell. They had to end all the fun stuff, like refillable jugs, etc., for sanitary reasons.

What I remember was school field trips there - it looks like the tradition continues: https://cidermillendicott.com/field-trips/

I am surprised they never tried to brewing their own hard cider - especially with the popularity of British ciders in New England and, eventually, New England ciders. However, really with liquor regulations might not be worthwhile. Possibly degrade a family-focused brand?
 
The legendary local cider mill
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Don't mess with the Hollenbecks, per their Thanksgiving FAQ:

With the annual increase in order volume, we have hit the theoretical maximum numbers of pies we can bake. In 2024, we hit those numbers and closed ordering early. We know the numbers and have instituted hard, inviolable limits on capacity. If/when we hit them, we are sold-out for Thanksgiving. It’s not that we don’t like you or are being mean, it’s that there are not enough hours in the day. Plan ahead and don’t wait to order. As always, no exceptions. Even Grandma Hollenbeck had to follow these rules to get her pie and rolls.

We’ll be closed 11/27-12/2 to spend time with our families and recharge after baking up a storm for yours.
 
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