At the nation's most prestigious competition, Gowan's was named Cidery of the Year 2025  by both the Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) and the American Cider Association.

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The Cidery of the Year 2025 award is a singular accomplishment, recognizing Gowan’s as the #1 cidery in the nation. And in addition, Don, Jacob, and Sharon Gowan were also honored with an additional award for the cidermakers themselves, the Cidermaker of the Year 2025.

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Winning a coveted Great American Beer Festival competition medal signifies global recognition for cidermaking excellence, acknowledging the quality and style accuracy of the cider.​

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“The Great American Beer Festival competition is the ultimate proving ground, recognizing the absolute best in innovation and craftsmanship from cideries all over the country. Earning a medal here, whether it’s gold, silver, or bronze, is an incredible, career-defining achievement that signifies a cider or brew's excellence against the most rigorous standards in the industry,” remarked Chris Williams, competition director for the Brewers Association. 

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Gowan's brought home three gold medals and one silver, winning first-place honors in half of all cider categories.. Altogether, six of the Gowan's eight Gowan ciders have medaled at GABF, including three 2024 medals.

Our 2025 GABF Award-Winning Ciders​

• Spiced Apple (GOLD, Botanical/Spiced Cider): Like apple pie in a glass, with warm spices. Perfect for holiday feasts or pairing with Asian and Hispanic dishes—chilled or warm!

• Honey Citron (GOLD, Fruited Cider): A bubbly blend of citron, honey, and heirloom apples. Ideal for brunches, seafood, or desserts. Join our release party soon!

• 1876 (GOLD, Tannic Cider): Our semi-sweet flagship (5.8% ABV) celebrates our farm’s founding in 1876. Great with turkey, molé,  pork, BBQ, cheese, and caramel anything.

• Classic Dry (SILVER, Tannic Cider): Bold and semi-dry (7.4% ABV), perfect for burgers, steak, oysters, lamb.

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