I’m a big fan of Nine Pin Cider in Albany and love the variety of flavors they have to offer. My favorites are the ginger and rosé although it’s hard to narrow it down to just two. The tasting room is a lot of fun with plenty of games to choose from and it’s a great opportunity to try a large selection of cider flavors. They also offer snacks/small plates as well as featured food truck nights during the warmer months. I spoke with the owner about how he got started and why he is passionate about what he does.
When were you bitten by the entrepreneurial bug?
In 2010 after learning that I grew up surrounded by the most diverse and second biggest apple crop in the entire country!
Is there one product you sell that represents you or “started it all”?
Our signature cider - it was the only cider we had when we first started - it still my favorite and every year we work the hardest on making it better and better.
Any advice for someone thinking about starting their own business?
You need way more money than you think you do.
What makes you passionate about what you do?
Knowing how our business supports NY agriculture.
If you had it to do over again, is there anything you would do differently?
No
How has COVID-19 affected you?
It’s been brutal, thankfully we have a good team and we were able to adapt to a direct ship business quickly which has been a lifeline.
Hope to see you at Nine Pin once these small businesses reopen!
