Cidermaker

Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Part-Time Cidermaker who combines technical brewing mastery with a passion for hospitality, storytelling, and mentorship.

In this foundational role, you will oversee the complete lifecycle of our cider production - from apple selection and recipe creation to fermentation, bottling, and quality control. Beyond the cider press room, you will act as a brand ambassador by hosting immersive guest cider tastings and training our orchard team on the craft. This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated brewer or cidermaker looking to take ownership of a new program and advance their career in Nashville's craft beverage scene.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cider Production & Cellar Operations

• Program Development: Build and scale Breeden's orchard-to-glass cider program from the ground up, developing signature recipes and releases.
• Full-Cycle Fermentation: Manage all stages of cider production, including pressing support, juice handling, yeast pitching, fermentation monitoring, blending, aging, and carbonation.
• Packaging & Quality Control: Oversee bottling, kegging, and packaging operations; maintain strict quality control standards for flavor consistency, clarity, and stability.
• Sanitation & Equipment Maintenance: Establish and enforce rigorous CIP (Clean-In-Place) procedures, equipment maintenance logs, and cellar safety standards.

2. Guest Experiences & Brand Ambassadorship

• Tasting Experiences: Help design engaging, educational cider tastings and flight pairings for farm visitors, private events, and community gatherings.
• Storytelling: Connect guests with the orchard’s harvest, explaining flavor profiles, production techniques, and the craft behind every batch.

3. Team Training & Mentorship

• Staff Education: Serve as an encouraging, knowledgeable teacher for the Breeden’s Orchard team, training staff on cider styles, pouring techniques, and tasting notes.
• Hands-on Mentorship: Teach interested team members the fundamentals of cellar work, helping build cross-functional support across the orchard.

Brewing / Cidermaking Experience: Hands-on experience working in a commercial cidery or brewery, with direct knowledge of fermentation science, cellar operations, and packaging systems.

Hospitality Background: Experience in the food, beverage, or hospitality industry, with comfort presenting to groups and engaging directly with guests.

Teaching & Leadership: A passion for mentorship and the ability to train team members clearly and enthusiastically regardless of their prior beverage experience.

Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of sanitation protocols, fluid dynamics, gravity readings, yeast health, and draft line maintenance.

Physical Capability: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, drag hoses, stand for long periods, and comfortably work in production environment settings.

Location: Must be based locally or within easy commuting distance of Mt. Juliet, TN, for on-site production schedules and tasting events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or formal certification in Fermentation Science, Enology, Brewing, or a related field.
• Familiarity with Tennessee TABC and federal TTB regulations regarding hard cider production and labelling.
• Prior experience launching a new brand or recipe portfolio in a craft beverage environment.

Hourly compensation based on experience with potential performance bonuses based on production and other key performance indicators.