The veteran-owned and family-run craft cidery Cider Corps announced it is closing its taproom and production facility in Gilbert (685 S. Gilbert Rd) at the end of the year. The cidery will return to its original location in Downtown Mesa and it has secured additional space in the building at 31 S. Robson to house its production. The move comes after two years of challenges in developing the Gilbert location for occupancy.

“Since acquiring the location two years ago, we have been passionately pursuing our mission to create a space where everyone can be at ease, enjoy some great ciders and build a genuine community of like-minded people. … This is truly a devastating setback.” said co-owner and cider maker Jason Duren in an online post.


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In the post, Duren explained struggles to certify the property to adapt the 2.5 acres for additional public use, events and festivals as well as general business hardships. The death of the property’s owner in August brought the issues to a head as the owner’s family sold the property. Cider Corps Gilbert will close on December 28.

Duren also announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to help Cider Corps cover moving costs and needed improvements to the Mesa facility. People can contribute to the campaign on the Cider Corps website and receive benefits like commemorative T-shirts, glasses, and Honor Tiles. An exclusive high-level membership for $2,822.87 comes with a lifetime discount on Cider Corps purchases and a special homecoming party next year.

Cider Corps will move most of its production equipment back to its Mesa location this week. It has secured an additional 2,000 square feet of the building housing its current taproom.

According to Duren, the additional space means the cidery’s production can remain on pace for the demand it continues to see for its craft ciders around the state.

“This is the most difficult pivot we’ve had to make as a small business,” said Duren. “But we know we will adapt and overcome. We’re committed to continuing our mission to be a voice and create a platform that brings our community together in support of awareness, research and solutions for mental health and other injuries that plague our veterans.”

Brothers Josh and Jason Duren (Sgt.,USMC, Ret.) opened Cider Corps in Mesa, Ariz., in 2017. The two had started making cider as a therapeutic hobby for Jason as he recovered from traumatic brain injuries suffered while serving in Afghanistan. Cider Corps is now Arizona’s largest craft cidery and its flagship styles Sangin Sangria, Mango Foxtrot and P.O.G. can be found at retail locations and on tap throughout the state.