The Illinois State Horticulture Society sponsored its 34th Illinois Sweet Cider Contests and the 21st National Hard Cider Contest, held in conjunction with the From Food to Flowers Everything Local Conference on January 18th in Springfield, Illinois. Patrick Riofredo and Victor Rios of Curran’s Orchard in Rockford, IL, produced the No.1 overall rated cider at this year’s contest, winning the Illinois contests. Patrick and Victor used Cortland, Honeycrisp, Evercrisp, Yellow Delicious, Jonathan, Jonagold, Cameo, and Rosalee apples to make their winning cider.

Second Place in the Illinois Cider Contest went to Joe and Christine Migliorini of Boggio’s Orchard and Produce in Granville, IL. Third Place went to Greg Durdan of Big Bear Orchard in Grand Ridge, IL.

In the Hard Cider Contest, Trever Grissom of Grissom Family Orchard and Farm Market in Greenup, IL. Trevor produced his winning hard cider for this year’s contest with a combination of Gravenstein, Golden Delicious, Ambrosia, and Jonagold apples.

The sweet and hard cider contests are open to members of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association/Illinois State Horticultural Society.

Judges evaluated the cider entries using a 25-point rating scale for cider quality characteristics. The judges conducted “blind” evaluations where only a randomly chosen sample number identified each cider entry. The Illinois State Horticultural Society has conducted the sweet cider contest since 1990.

Hard cider entries were each individually awarded points based on characteristics like clarity, color, bouquet, balance of alcohol, acidity, sweetness, sugar/acid balance, body, flavor, astringency and bitterness, any off-flavors, and overall quality.

The ISHS gratefully acknowledges the dedication and hard work of our judging team. Plus, a special thanks to Sangamon County Master Gardeners Steve and Sharon Petrilli, Don Wisniewski, and Jane Willman. Thank you! Most importantly, thanks are extended to all who entered the contest this year. Start planning now for the next contest in 2025.

A summary of more contest notes is outlined below.