On this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, I visit Burnt Mills Cider in Bedminster, NJ, and sit down with owners John Coates and Miranda Meade to talk all things cider. From their early beginnings to launching in the middle of a pandemic, Burnt Mills has built a reputation for crafting high-quality, locally sourced ciders that showcase the best of New Jersey produce.
We dive into the art of cider-making, the challenges of sourcing the right apples, and how Burnt Mills uses everything from Jersey-grown blueberries to cranberries and even beets in their seasonal and flagship ciders. Plus, we sample some of their best offerings—including a cider that tastes just like a fresh apple cider donut.
Whether you’re a cider aficionado or just looking for a new local spot to check out, this episode is packed with insight, history, and plenty of great drink recommendations.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- The history of Burnt Mills Cider and how they started in the middle of the pandemic
- How cider-making differs from beer and wine production
- Why certain apples are better for cider than for eating
- The role of New Jersey agriculture in Burnt Mills’ ingredients
- A tasting of their flagship and seasonal ciders—including fan-favorite flavors
- The outdoor experience at Burnt Mills and why it’s a great spot to visit year-round
Guest Links:
- Website: Burnt Mills Cider
- Instagram: @burntmillscider
- Facebook: Burnt Mills Cider
- TikTok: @burntmillscider
Sponsors:
- New Jersey Lottery – Because anything can happen in Jersey.
- Mayo Performing Arts Center – Your destination for live entertainment in Morristown, NJ. Visit their website.
- Meghan Carroll of ReMax Elite – Looking to buy, sell, or rent in Monmouth or Ocean counties? Call Meghan today at 732-508-7402 or visit mcsellsbythec.com.
Connect with Us:
- Website: Greetings From the Garden State
- Instagram: @greetingsfromthegardenstate
Call to Action:
Love the episode? Leave us a review, share it with a friend, and come visit Burnt Mills Cider for a taste of New Jersey’s best locally crafted ciders!
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
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.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.