About the Chicago Cider Cup
Chicago is a world-class city with a vibrant food and drink scene. Where better to host an international competition that celebrates the world’s best cider and perry than The Windy City?
Join us in Chicago
We are currently accepting applications to judge at Chicago Cider Cup 2024. Join our high-caliber judge panel and sample ciders and perries from across the globe.
A world-class city deserves a world-class cider competition.
Any cider competition can claim to be international. Some even use International in their name. The reality is that most cider competitions are regional and don’t reflect the diversity of cider produced around the world. The Chicago Cider Cup is here to change that.
Not only does the Chicago Cider Cup attract the world’s best cider and perry, it also attracts the world’s best cider and perry judges. Only the most qualified experts earn a spot on our panels. And we treat our judges like professionals by offering each and every one an honorarium for their participation. You’ll receive detailed feedback from these professionals for each of your Chicago Cider Cup entries.
We’re also in tune with the marketing needs of commercial cidermakers, providing an array of digital and physical assets to promote your medal-winning ciders. A Chicago Cider Cup medal will be meaningful for both your company and your customers.
Meet the Chicago Cider Cup organizing committee.
Eric West
COMPETITION DIRECTOR
Eric directed the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) from 2015 to 2023 and has judged cider at the British Cider Championships, the Australian Cider Awards, and the Virginia Governor’s Cup. He received a Significant Contribution to the Cider Industry award in 2017 from the American Cider Association and is a current member of ACA’s Data Quality Initiative. Eric served as Interim Director of the Certified Cider Professional program and has written six educational features for the print version of Cidercraft Magazine. He maintains the World Cider Map and curates the weekly Cider News newsletter.
Eric holds a master’s degree in Geography from Virginia Tech and the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute.
Sean and Malaika Tyson
STEWARD DIRECTORS
Sean and Malaika are the dynamic duo behind CiderSoms. With nearly two decades of cider expertise under their belts, this husband-and-wife team is on a mission to turn cider skeptics into true cider enthusiasts. Their captivating and insightful content spans written articles, stunning visuals, and engaging multimedia, all designed to showcase the world of cider in a fresh and exciting light. The “Soms” delve into the rich complexities of ciders, blending fun with education to create an unforgettable experience for their audience.
Sean and Malaika received a Significant Impact on the Cider Industry award in 2023 from the American Cider Association.
Photo: Brandon Buza (@buza_photography)
Ambrosia Borowski
JUDGE DIRECTOR
“Browie” is the Founder of Chicago Cider Week, Director of Operations for the Northman Cider Co., and former General Manager of The Northman Beer & Cider Garden on the Chicago Riverwalk. Browie received a Pommelier of the Year Award in 2020 from the American Cider Association and works closely with ACA on cider education projects. Browie is also a panelist for the Beverage Tasting Institute and the Judge Coordinator for the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition.
Brian Rutzen
CIDER EXPERT
“Cider Brian” is the former Cider Director of Chicago’s pioneering cider bar The Northman and is the current Chicago-area brand manager for Uncle John’s Hard Cider. Brian is a veteran cider judge and received a Pommelier of the Year Award in 2020 from the American Cider Association.
Mike Beck
CELLAR AND STEWARD LOGISTICS
Michael Beck is a 5th generation farmer and co-owner of Uncle John’s Cider Mill. Mike has actively developed and promoted the cider industry in Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes region. He was the founding President of the Board of Directors of the American Cider Association and currently serves on the board of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council.
Michelle Foik
EVENT LOGISTICS
Michelle Foik brings seasoned, proven, high-profile leadership with comprehensive knowledge of restaurant operations and experience in all aspects of the beer and cider industry. She has specialized in the craft beverage industry in Chicago and Michigan for the last 15 years. She grew up in a family hotel restaurant background, and graduated from University of Wisconsin Stout with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism. Michelle spearheaded both sales and operations at such giants as Virtue Cider, Revolution Brewing, and Goose Island Brewing. Now she’s taken that passion for the industry to another level – the Force of Nature behind ERIS.
Become a Chicago Cider Cup Judge
Enjoy a minibreak in Chicago. Join a panel of highly qualified and experienced judges. Encounter world-class cider and perry from producers around the world.