On today’s episode, I welcome Rick Pipes, Co-Owner and Head Distiller of Merridale Cidery & Distillery located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Today, we chat about how it all started, their philosophy on product development and sustainability, what craft gin means to them, of course their gins, and so much more.
About Merridale Cidery & Distillery
When you visit Merridale, you feel it – the atmosphere is friendly, easy, and joyful. Our farm is located at the end of a long, winding driveway past gently rolling hills that will put you in the mood to relax and enjoy the spaciousness and beautiful climate that Cowichan is known for. At certain times of year, you’ll pick up a light scent of apple blossoms on the breeze. It’s a sensory experience, much like our ciders and spirits.
Our approach is all about guiding nature’s process to develop high-quality, all-natural products that are farm crafted with a sense of character, curiosity and intrigue. We are committed to making craft cider by growing heritage cider apples and slow-fermenting the juice from the first apple pressing.
The unique flavours, notes, and tannins come from the ground where the apples are grown, the juice, skin, and seeds, and the natural fermenting and distilling processes. We do not create mixed beverages, but rather craft pure cider and spirits.
About Rick Pipes
Rick is a third-generation Vancouver Island entrepreneur. A practicing lawyer in Victoria for 25 years with a Business degree and a Law degree, Rick decided to trade law for the leisurely and laidback life of a country farmer (little did he know!). His subsequent education in fermentation and distillation science took him from Washington State to New England, the UK, France, and Spain. Like Janet, his wife, Rick has served and continues to serve on a number of community-based boards.
You can find and follow Merridale Cidery & Distillery at:
https://www.merridale.ca/
Facebook
Instagram
You can find and follow GINspired at:
Order your copy of GINSPIRED: The Ultimate Gin Cookbook TODAY
https://theginshop.ca/ (for all your GINtastic t-shirts)
Facebook
Instagram
Want your very own Gin Tasting Journal to track all your gintastic experiences? Download our FREE template here!
Like this episode? Your reviews really do make a difference. Please rate/review our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Hey Jonas!
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.