Rural San Diego County’s Julian Hard Cider, an all-natural drink that has the distinction of being the country’s first craft hard cider, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
The company said its pioneering “American to the core” drink has since grown its presence from the original Julian-based tasting room to stores, bars and restaurants across the nation.
Navy veteran Paul Thomas launched Julian Hard Cider in the spring of 2009 as a tribute to his grandfather. He noticed the increasing popularity of craft and artisanal breweries serving multiple beer flavors and wondered why only a handful of hard ciders at the time produced apple flavored ciders.
Thomas incorporated cherry, blackberry and raspberry natural flavors into his products, first creating Cherry Bomb, Black and Blue and Razmatazz. These ciders set the stage for all the flavored ciders that followed in the industry.
Over the years, the company grew to offer 12 flavors and opened its second production facility at Apple Lane Orchard, which produces locally sourced, specialty batches of hard cider for the company’s tasting room as well as regional bars and restaurants.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since I started Julian Hard Cider,” said Thomas, who is now CEO. “My passion for finding premium and all-natural ingredients led me to start this company and I’m humbled at the incredible reception we’ve gotten over the years. I look forward to continuing to produce and grow Julian Hard Cider and offering the finest farm-fresh ingredients.”
While Julian Hard Cider can be found in Costco, Whole Foods, Bevmo and Total Wines across the country, the tasting room continues to attract loyal fans and newcomers to the brand. Located at the Julian Station, three miles from Main Street, the the Julian Hard Cider Miners’ Saloon pays homage to the area’s history as one of California’s first gold mining towns, with photos from the 1800s depicting life during those times.
