216: Alex Ionov | Rebel Apple, Moscow

In 2015, there was a windfall of apples in Russian. That moment helped to catapult "The Land of Antonovka" into the cider spotlight world wide.

Episode 216 Featured guest is Alexander Ionov of Rebel Apple Cider of Moscow, Russia. This chat begins at 21:00 minutes into the episode.

How did Alex get into cidermaking?

In 2015, that windfall of apples at Alex's Dacha (summer home) outside of Moscow was a turning point. One can make only so many apple pies, so Alex began researching how to make Apple Wine,. That quest led him to cider.

Since that time, he has traveled to the US to attend CiderCon and the United Kingdom. Tom Oliver of Hereford is one of the prominent makers who has really informed Alex's cidermaking styles.

Now five years later, Alex is at the final stage of opening his cidery Rebel Apple in Moscow, in an old military base on the outskirts of the city.

Alex originally built a rack and cloth press, but has since purchased a pneumatic press.

Rebel Apple Cider - 2 current ciders

• Dickey Crest, 375cl
• Bride, 750ml - a base of Antonovka, cultured yeast. A wonderful aromatic cider, that is very fruit forward with a touch of tannin. 

Alex Ionov

Rebel Apple Cider Tasting Room

Expect the tasting room to be open to the public once the coronavirus quarantine ends. As of this writing Alex was still waiting for permission from The Russian Ministry of Alcohol Beverage Department - I will post once this cidery officially opens.

Contact for Rebel Cider

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rebelappleofficial/

Instagram:

• Alexander's page - https://www.instagram.com/pbvox/?hl=en
• Rebel Apple Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebel_apple/?hl=en

Mentions in this Chat

• “The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love” - Morihei Ueshiba
• England Cider Tour September 1-6, 2020
• A letter from Marcel Jenssen de Gerdenner | Netherlands
• Episode 98: Jérôme Dupont | Domaine Dupont, Pays d'Auge FR
• Link to apple study from Vermont's Walden Height's Nursery & Orchard

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