BRanch Bender Cidery

Branch Bender Cidery is located in Accident, Maryland. It is owned by Trish and Chester and on a naturesque property in Western Maryland near Deep Creek Lake and the Youghiogheny River. All ciders are aged at least 6 month, never flavor boosted or back- sweetened, and made from locally sourced apples. They aren't carbonated and all are made on site. The old machine shed on the farm used to be used for a dairy farm operation and was converted during 2020. Due to the pandemic, they quickly converted the outside space to a gorgeous patio with rustic wood tables, chairs, barrels and streams of lights. There is a small inside space for use if needed but sitting outside on a nice day on the patio was certainly where we enjoyed being. Chester took a course at Cornell and that expertise was certainly tasted in the dry ciders we tasted through. The fresh apple flavors in all of the ciders was appreciated due to the aforementioned natural approach in the cider making process. Our favorites were hard to choose for this one since we loved them all but we settled on Golden Hour, Harmony and Haymaker. Both Haymaker and Golden Hour had bright, citrusy apple flavors. Harmony was aged longer and had more complex cedar, spiced cinnamon and apple aromas, along with a lingering honey finish. We even got to a taste a  bonus pour of a cider Chester got right out of a barrel for us. It wasn't named yet or on the  menu but was very interesting with floral, nutmeg aromas. Hopefully it makes the menu, it got our vote! Check this cidery out when you get a chance or see them at the upcoming Maryland Craft Cider, Mead & Spirits Festival September 6, 2025 in Gaithersburg.