The veteran-owned and family run craft cidery, Cider Corps, announced today that it has signed a distribution deal with Hensley Beverage Company. The partnership comes as the 4-year-old cidery completes its expansion into a 14,000-square-foot production facility and will help make its craft beverages available at small and large outlets around the state.
“We are so humbled by the response we’ve had to our ciders in such a short time,” said Jason Duren, Cider Corps co-owner and cidermaker. “Our Mesa taproom has been a destination for many in the state interested in trying our drinks. We’re looking forward to working with Hensley to make it easier for people to find and try Cider Corps no matter where they are in Arizona.”
READ ALSO: 15 places to celebrate National Drink Beer Day
Duren, a medically retired Marine veteran, started making cider with his brother Josh Duren as a therapeutic hobby as he recovered from traumatic brain injuries suffered while serving in Afghanistan. The brothers opened Cider Corps in Downtown Mesa in 2017 and it is Arizona’s largest craft cidery.
Max McClure, Hensley’s Sr. Brand Manager of Craft Beer, Wine and Spirits, added, “We are happy to be partnering with Cider Corps to distribute their locally-made ciders across Arizona. It’s been such a privilege to get to know Jason and Josh and learn their story. Cider Corps has a large group of loyal fans and we are excited to introduce their amazing ciders to all Arizonans.”
Cider Corps is the first Arizona-owned and operated cider on the Hensley roster. Current offerings include its three flagship styles available by the can to bars, restaurants and retail outlets:
• Sangin Sangria, a red sangria-inspired cider with prickly pear, strawberry, orange, passionfruit, elderberry and lime.
• Mango Foxtrot, a fruit and floral cider with a blend of mango and rose hip that received a gold medal at the 2019 U.S. Open Cider Championships.
• POG, a tropical cider with passionfruit, orange and guava.
Cider has become more popular as people seek out gluten free and alternative drinks. Cider Corps’ growth mirrors national trends that show local and regional brands driving increases in the cider consumer market. The cidery is moving production into a facility in Gilbert designed for expanded production and growth.
