How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Connecticut

New England Cider Company

Wallingford,

Connecticut

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (203) 626-9472

🌐 http://newenglandcider.com/

📍 110 N Plains Industrial Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

New England Cider Company sits on North Plains Industrial Road in Wallingford, Connecticut, in what feels more like a working production facility than a polished tourist destination. Founded by Ben Calvi and Zeke Goodband in 2011, this operation started as a passion project between two friends who wanted to bring traditional cider-making back to New England. The duo converted an industrial space into a cidery that focuses on small-batch, handcrafted ciders using locally sourced apples when possible. You’ll find them producing everything from traditional dry ciders to more experimental flavors, with a commitment to quality over flashy marketing. The facility doubles as both production space and tasting room, giving visitors an authentic behind-the-scenes look at how their ciders come together. Calvi and Goodband didn’t come from brewing backgrounds—they learned through trial, error, and a genuine love for the craft, which shows in their hands-on approach to every batch. The space maintains that working brewery feel where you’re seeing the real operation, not a sanitized visitor center. They’ve built a loyal local following by focusing on consistency and flavor rather than trying to be everything to everyone, and their taproom reflects that no-nonsense approach to craft cider.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

What sets New England Cider Company apart is their commitment to traditional cider-making techniques in an region where craft cider is experiencing a renaissance. They source apples from local New England orchards when seasonally available, creating ciders that actually taste like the region rather than generic apple beverages. The industrial setting isn’t trying to be Instagram-pretty—it’s a working production facility where you can see the actual process happening around you. Their approach focuses on letting apple varieties shine through rather than masking them with heavy additives, and they’re not afraid to experiment with seasonal batches that showcase different New England apple harvests throughout the year.

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Walking into New England Cider Company feels like stepping into a friend’s garage workshop—if your friend happened to make really good cider. The tasting room sits within the production facility, so you’re surrounded by fermentation tanks and the actual equipment used to make what you’re drinking. Staff members are usually involved in the production process themselves, so they can answer specific questions about techniques and ingredients. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, with tastings that focus on the ciders themselves rather than elaborate presentations. You’ll typically try several varieties, from bone-dry traditional styles to more approachable fruit-forward options, with honest explanations of what makes each one different.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

This spot appeals most to people who appreciate authentic craft beverages and don’t need a polished tourist experience. If you’re genuinely interested in cider-making or want to support a local operation that’s doing things the right way, you’ll enjoy the straightforward approach and quality products. Don’t expect elaborate tours or fancy amenities—this is about tasting well-made ciders in the space where they’re actually produced. It’s perfect for cider enthusiasts or anyone curious about the craft, but might disappoint visitors looking for a more entertainment-focused experience. The value is in the authenticity and the chance to try ciders you won’t find in most stores.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their social media before visiting, as hours can vary based on production schedules and seasonal availability. The industrial location means GPS should get you there, but look for the building number since signage isn’t always obvious from the road. Parking is typically available in the industrial complex lot. Ask about seasonal varieties if you visit during apple harvest time—they often have limited batches that showcase specific apple varieties from local orchards. Don’t expect a full restaurant or elaborate gift shop, but you can usually purchase bottles of their ciders to take home. The best time to visit is when they’re actively producing, as you’ll get more insight into their process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

New England Cider Company — Visitor FAQ

Do you use local apples in your ciders?

They source from local New England orchards when seasonally available and work to showcase regional apple varieties in their ciders. The specific orchards can vary based on harvest timing and apple availability.

Is this a working production facility?

Yes, the tasting room is located within their actual production space. You’ll see the fermentation tanks and equipment they use to make the ciders you’re tasting, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at their process.

What styles of cider do you typically have available?

They focus on traditional dry ciders and seasonal varieties that highlight different apple characteristics. Their lineup ranges from bone-dry styles to more approachable semi-sweet options, with limited seasonal batches throughout the year.

GETTING THERE

Find New England Cider Company

📍110 N Plains Industrial Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492, USA

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📞 (203) 626-9472

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