Cider Summit Chicago 2020

The 8th annual Cider Summit Chicago returned to Navy Pier on February 22, featuring nearly 200 ciders, cider cocktails and apple spirits.

Our $45 VIP admission got us in an hour earlier than the general public, a souvenir tasting glass, 20 tasting tickets and a $2 donation. We also nabbed a 20% discount coupon from sponsor Binny’s, which is where this Chicago-based cider writer does most of her cider-shopping. Good for several weeks while they had extra cases of Cider Summit brands on hand, this was the gift that kept on giving.

Hours later we’d circled the entire two-story AON ballroom twice and visited every purveyor in the house, we still hadn’t exhausted our supply of drink tickets. We handed remaining tickets off to random folks waiting in line for the evening shift.

This was an amazing opportunity to meet with so many cider masters and sample their wares, from as close as the North Side to as far away as Spain. However in all candor, the event itself could have used a little love – some music, some food, some giveaways, some excitement. As it was – a winter early-afternoon drinkathon including many items that were too sweet – Cider Summit experienced to the fullest degree was one hell of a hangover waiting to happen. I’m glad we opted for moderation.

Here are some scenes from the Summit:


Check For info on next year’s plans for Cider Summits

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *