Angry Orchard Brewery: A Cider House Tour

Want to visit the Angry Orchard Brewery in Walden, NY?  Here's what to expect when you go!

Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever see New York when it's warm and sunny.

I almost always visit New York in the middle of winter-- I've bundled up from head to toe and headed into the city.  I've strapped on my snow boots and trudged through winter snow upstate.

One day I will visit New York in the spring, summer, or fall.

A few years ago, the husband and I went with friends to the Angry Orchard Brewery in Walden, NY.  We tasted ciders, ate snacks, and listened to live music-- and I left wishing that the brewery was closer to home.

Want more BREWERY + DISTILLERY TRAVEL advice?  Check out this Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour.

I also remember thinking that it would be unbelievably gorgeous in the fall-- when the apple trees were heavy with fruit.  I made a mental note to come back to the Angry Orchard Brewery at a different time of year.

Even so, this past winter, I found myself back at my favorite cider house, sipping cider by the fire.

And no, there were no picturesque apples on the orchard trees, but the cider was still delicious, and the outdoor fireplace kept us warm and toasty.

Where is the Angry Orchard Brewery?

It's in Walden, NY, and the bright red barn is easy to spot from the road.

How Much Are Brewery Tours?

NOTE: Tour availability may be different from what is described below. For the latest tours and pricing, check Angry Orchard's official website.

We did a self-guided tour and tasting, with a flight of three ciders!

They also offer paid tours -- including a seasonally available tour of the spectacularly amazing tree house.  (If I ever make it to New York when it's warm outside-- that's on my To Do list!)

Visiting New York City? Check out this guide for one day in New York from Dreams in Heels.

Angry Orchard Brewery: Tasting the Cider

We took our flight of three ciders outside and sipped them by the fire.

We also explored the grounds a little, checked out the tree house, and then began wistfully planning our next visit.  

Avoiding Crowds at Angry Orchard Brewery

Both of my visits to Angry Orchard were on Sunday afternoons, and the place was PACKED.  And I would imagine that it's even more crowded during the peak summer and fall seasons.

If crowds bother you, try planning a visit mid-week, early in the day, and if the tasting room is packed, carry your cider flight outside and drink it at one of their outdoor seating areas.

Overall, it's a fun stop, and I definitely want to come back!

Have you visited Angry Orchard?  Do you have a favorite cider brewery?  Let me know in the comments!