Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher and Alex Aamodt.
Hi Christopher and Alex, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Apples have always been in our family. Our great grandparents started Aamodt’s Apple Farm as a means of pursuing their American Dream of a family-run business. They purchased a pretty piece of land in Stillwater, Minnesota, that seemed to have just the right soil and climate for growing crisp, juicy apples. With some seedling apple trees, a well-thought-out plan for planting, help from their young son, and a lot of prayers, Aamodt’s Apple Farm was born. Today, the apple farm is run by the third and fourth generations of Aamodt apple growers.
As lovers of all things apple, the Aamodt brothers started playing around with their idea of turning their Minnesota-grown apples into their own craft beverage. After harvesting the last of the apple crop, we put our traditional cider press into action for a whole new purpose: creating our own traditional hard ciders.
We branded it Thor’s Hard Cider as an ode to great-grandpa Thor Aamodt, founder of Aamodt’s Apple Farm.
And it turns out we have a natural ability to blend really great hard cider brews. Amazing things happen when you toss some Minnesota Honeycrisp mixed with tart Haralson and a few other varieties into the press—and then let the cold fermentation process do its magical thing.
We now pride ourselves on the authenticity and quality of Thor’s Hard Cider. Most mass-market hard ciders begin with preserved apple juice concentrate. Thor’s is made from fresh-pressed, full-strength, locally-grown apples with no preservatives. The entire process happens at our Stillwater, MN orchard.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
*Cue laugh*! Is anything wonderful and family-related ever easy? Operating a cidery at a fully operating yet historical apple orchard has presented some very fun challenges that have made us grow. From (what feels like) ancient apple equipment to mastering our favorite blends of cider, we have grown together as businesses partners and brothers… But don’t ever doubt that we’ve had our fair share of debates and head-butting. It’s been a wild ride and it’s only going to get better!
As you know, we’re big fans of Thor’s Hard Cider. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Christopher and Alex Aamodt are the Master Cider Craftsmen behind Thor’s Hard Cider. The brothers are 4th generation apple-growers and have been surrounded by apples since birth. Their vast knowledge of all things apple and passion for creating unique flavors made for the perfect blend of passion to create a cider they are proud to share. But it doesn’t stop there! We have an amazing team of supporters that have had our back through thick and thin. Our younger brother Geoffrey shares our same passions and has been there with us every step of the way to bring Thor’s Hard Cider to a new level. Oh, and we can’t forget our many family and friends who have served as professional taste testers. Not sure where we would be without them!
What does success mean to you?
To us, success isn’t measured by a metric of sales or visitors to our taproom. Instead, our success is measured by continuing to pride ourselves on painstaking attention to detail mixed with a refusal to cut creative corners – such as not adding sugar or artificial flavors to their ciders – which has made for long days and many challenges. Our cider-making process is a well-kept family secret and the Aamodt brothers wouldn’t ask for it any other way.
Pricing:
- Pint of Cider – $8
- Cider Flight – $20
- Seeing Someone Enjoy Our Cider – Priceless
Contact Info:
- Email: christopher@thorshardcider.com | alex@thorshardcider.com
- Website: https://www.thorshardcider.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thorshardcider/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thorshardcider/
Image Credits
Kate Weed (Northern Roots & Co.)
