During the early 2000s, the founder’s wife, Laura, embarked on a national Broadway tour, while he had the flexibility to work remotely for a consulting firm. Seizing the opportunity to travel alongside the tour, they packed up their belongings and spent a year traversing the United States. Familiar with the touring experience due to his previous career as a freelance trumpet player, the founder eagerly embraced new opportunities that came their way.
After each performance, the cast and crew would gather at various establishments to share their thoughts, complaints, and camaraderie. It was during one of these post-show sessions that the founder crossed paths with his future business partner, Karl duHoffmann, a member of the cast. Recognizing Karl’s vibrant personality, creativity, and shared sense of humor, the founder saw the potential for a fruitful collaboration. Both Karl and the founder harbored a passion for brewing, winemaking, distilling, and the culinary arts, which further solidified their connection.
In 2006, when the founder and Karl found themselves back in the NYC area, circumstances aligned to propel their shared interests forward. They began producing apple brandy at a distillery in the Hudson Valley, with Karl’s intimate knowledge of the region guiding them to Soons Orchards, a farm that had been supplying quality produce for over a century. At Soons Orchards, the third member of their partnership, Jeff Soons, entered the picture. A fascinating individual with a multifaceted background encompassing farming, law, architecture, and an array of unique traits, Jeff completed the trifecta that became the foundation of Orchard Hill Cider Mill.
In 2011, Orchard Hill Cider Mill came to fruition, an outcome of the stars aligning and their shared vision taking shape. In 2013, after obtaining the necessary licenses, they proudly opened their doors in September. Since then, they have produced over 25,000 gallons of exceptional hard cider, marking a journey that encompasses passion, challenges, triumphs, setbacks, friendship, pursuit of excellence, and the cyclical nature of their craft.
Orchard Hill Cider Mill stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication, their commitment to quality, and the pursuit of their shared vision. It is a culmination of their individual stories woven together into a tapestry of cider-making excellence, reflecting the essence of their journey—passion, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of the extraordinary.