How Canton Apples and Frosty Twig Fused Two Brands into One
In New York's "North of Upstate" region, in the town of Canton is the Canton Apples production building. It is now also home of a partnership shaping the local cider scene. Owner Joel Howie and cider maker Dan Gallagher live just a mile apart, and their skills mesh perfectly. Joel brings over a decade of experience growing apples, pressing sweet cider, and creating value-added products. Dan, a passionate fermenter, was ready to move beyond hobby scale when the two connected.
Two Brands, One Vision
Under Canton Apples & Cider, LLC, two product lines take shape:
- Canton Apples – approachable, consistent ciders for everyday enjoyment.
- Frosty Twig – small-batch, specialty ciders showcasing unique apples, fruits, and wild fermentation.
Production takes place in a purpose-built facility designed for growth, with future plans for a taproom overlooking the orchard.
Orchard Practices & Apple Diversity
Between their combined orchards, Joel and Dan care for over 250 apple varieties — many planted by Bill McKentley of St. Lawrence Nurseries. These heritage and cold-hardy apples thrive in Zone 4, and every apple grown is put to use. When supplies run short, apples are sourced from other New York regions.
Cider Making Approach
Ciders range from wild-fermented pet-nats to cultured yeast ferments for consistency. Specialty ciders include
- Turkey Tree
- Wild Berry
- Pear cider
Most ciders age 9–10 months before release, allowing flavors to develop naturally.
Contact info for Canton Apples
- Website: https://cantonapples.com
Mentions in this Cider Chat
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