What Happened to Austin’s Cideries?
Austin used to have a ton of cidery taprooms to visit. Now they’re nearly all gone. Why weren’t cidery taprooms able to thrive in Austin the same way that breweries have?
Published 1/15/2026
Take a guess at how many cidery taprooms Austin has had over the years. Did you guess three, or four? Well, the answer is actually seven.
How many of them are still thriving in 2026? One.
It’s no secret that the alcohol industry in general has seen a downturn in the last year or two, but the fall of Austin’s cideries goes back even further than that. We’ve kept a cider guide on CBA, but it’s almost become irrelevant at this point as each spot has vanished. Each taproom has its own reasons for closing, but a pattern is clear: while consumers do drink cider, they don’t seem to want to go directly to a cidery taproom to do so – especially urban cideries. Farmhouse/winery style cideries tend to show more success, but here in Austin, none of the brewery-styled cider taprooms remain. Austin even used to have a cider week, which led into a cider fest! I was there in 2022. It was nearly empty.
On the other hand though, cider is popular, as nearly every bar in town has at least a few canned ciders available. People just don’t seem to want to seek it out – rather, it tends to just be an option for picky drinkers who want something in-between beer and wine. With the growth of seltzer, RTDs, and non-alcs, cider’s market share is plainly on the downswing. But this article is going to analyze the failure of cider taprooms primarily, because even though most of these brands are still contract brewing and distributing, it can be a lot harder to present as a friendly local cider company when there’s no taproom to visit and support. The competition in distribution is obvious, but what about the source? Why can’t cidery taprooms survive in Austin?
Argus Cidery: Austin’s First Cidery
Early History: Wes Mickel began producing cider on Fitzhugh Rd. in 2010, with the taproom opening in 2013. The cidery was in the same complex as Revolution Spirits (which is still there!) and the original Last Stand Brewing (not so much), down the road from Jester King (of course). They produced farmhouse-style ciders and fruit wines, sold cans and bottles to-go, and the taproom was essentially a barn.
What Happened: For Argus, it was covid. The cidery temporarily shut down in March 2020 due to the pandemic, and never returned. But, the story doesn’t end here.
Still Around: After the taproom closed, Mickel partnered with Thirsty Planet to continue production of their main product, Apple Bomb, for distribution in Texas. We all know how that turned out. But there’s more, because Mickel wasn’t done yet. He then partnered with Locust Cider out of Gig Harbor, Washington, who are still producing Apple Bomb to this day. I have to say, I appreciate how open and honest they are about the cider being made in WA using WA apples on their social accounts. While it may not be an Austin brand anymore, we will always remember Argus as the start of the cider revolution.
Austin Eastciders: The Major Player
Early History: You know Austin Eastciders of course, but are you familiar with their story? Founder Ed Gibson moved to Austin from Bristol, England, in 2011, and started brewing cider in a shed located at Flat Creek Estate Winery in the Hill Country. In 2013, he purchased the property on Springdale Rd, and in 2017 the taproom opened to the public. Initially, Gold Top cider was their primary brand, with Original cider coming soon after. After outgrowing the Springdale space from a production standpoint, brewing was moved to Southeast Austin at what is now Wildpack Beverage, while the taproom remained open for games, live music, and good times until 2024.
What Happened: Unfortunately, money happened. After becoming one of the largest cider producers in the country, Eastciders sold to Blake’s Cider Co. out of Michigan in late 2023. The combined brands are now the second largest cider producer in the US, after Angry Orchard / Boston Beer Co. While this was originally positioned as a merger and that Eastciders would remain true to their Austin roots, a year later they closed the Springdale taproom, moved all production to Michigan, and let go of nearly all local staff.
Still Around: Yes, they’re still around as mentioned above. But if the acquisition itself didn’t bother you: they also changed all their recipes towards using cheaper ingredients, altering the flavor of their beverages, and you’d be hard pressed (ha) to find someone who would claim it’s for the better. In this article about the history of cider in Austin, Eastciders is now just another line in the book.
Austin Eastciders 2: An Attempt at Expansion
Early History: Since this article is about taprooms, we’re going to give Austin Eastciders Barton Springs its own section. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Uncle Billy’s Brewery in 2020, the new cidery taproom occupied a heavily foot-trafficked area down the road from Zilker Park. This location acted as a restaurant, with food and cocktail options available in addition to cider.
What Happened: In 2023, Eastciders stated that they were closing this location to “refocus our energy and efforts into making the best possible cider.” But the Reddit discussion on this topic provides a very likely explanation: rent increases caused the spot to become unprofitable. Considering the location, this is a plausible assumption to make.
Still Around: See above.
Texas Keeper Cider: The One That’s Still Open!
Early History: Lindsey Peebles, Brandon Wilde, and head cidermaker Nick Doughty began producing cider in 2013 in what feels like the middle of nowhere, Texas. But actually, it’s in Manchaca, less than 10 minutes from Southpark Meadows. In 2016 the taproom opened, serving a number of house ciders, along with pommeau (fortified cider), and guest wines. No beer stylings to be seen – your cider will come in a wine glass.
Still Around: This is where my comment from the intro about farmhouse/winery-style taprooms surviving comes into play. The wine region of the hill country is alive and well, and Texas Keeper offers a location with the same special vibes, but way closer to Austin. Outdoor/indoor space, wood and brick masonry, grazing boards, dirt roads, family friendly. They nailed the premium vibes; you will feel fancy visiting Texas Keeper. But remember, this is Craft Beer Austin dot com, and I might even argue that we brewery folk may feel a bit out of place here. Don’t let that dissuade you, just remember to wear your one nice shirt before visiting.
Austin Wine and Cider: Small, But Not Forgotten
Early History: Nearly a footnote by now, but across the parking lot from what is now Vacancy Brewing (and what was then South Austin Brewery) was a small tasting room for the veteran owned Austin Wine and Cider. This was before The Yard became The Yard (St. Elmo Brewing first opened late 2016, with The Austin Winery following early 2017).
What Happened: Austin Wine and Cider was only open for about a year, from early 2016 to mid 2017. I cannot find a specific reason on why they closed.
Still Around: Lol no. I’ll be honest, although I’ve lived in Austin for this long, I did not know about or visit this place back when they were open, so I don’t have much to write about here. But I wanted to mention them at least!
Fairweather Cider: Silently Making Big Plays
Early History: Fairweather opened next door to 4th Tap in November 2017. If you visited in the early days, you might remember that it started as a tiny taproom – while they later expanded into the space next door and added a stage, karaoke room, and table tennis, that was all behind a wall in the beginning. A few years into their lifespan, the brand took a strange turn: Fairweather was acquired by Shacksbury Cider in Vermont in 2020, and then about two years later, Shacksbury dropped Fairweather and they became independent again. Information about this is very difficult to source online, I primarily know it just because I found that Shacksbury listed them as a brand of theirs years ago… and then eventually, they just didn’t anymore. I’ve reached out to Fairweather about it several times in the last 5 years and have never heard back… so while I believe this story is true, I honestly can’t confirm it 100% (email me if you know!). Anyway, Fairweather somehow survived all of this, and continued onward until 2024.
What Happened: If you know where the taproom was located, then you know what ultimately happened. 4th Tap closed. Adelbert’s closed. Oskar Blues closed. Circle closed. It’s a wonder that all of this happened and Fairweather still hung on for an additional year, before finally succumbing to the massive rent increase by their landlord. They maintained the taproom until the lease was up at the end of 2024, and then closed.
Still Around: …But even before the taproom shuttered, they were already contract brewing their cider with Austin Beerworks (presumably this followed the divestment from Shacksbury). In addition, the above Instagram post indicated that they plan to open a new taproom to replace the old one. Unfortunately, no word of this has come up in the last year and a half, and the Instagram account has made no posts since June 2025. I reached out to them once again, and have not heard back. It’s clear that the cider is still available around Austin, but it feels like ABW is contractually pumping it out, while the brand itself takes a break (much like Hops & Grain). We could see a return, or we could see a demise, but the lack of social media engagement is a sign for the worse in my opinion.
Moontower Cider: Your Friendly Neighborhood Taproom
Early History: Moontower Cider has a much simpler story than most other brands on this list. Benjamin Weaver founded Moontower Cider, and started producing at a spot in East Austin in 2017 (I cannot find where though), before moving to their known location on Tillery Street in 2019. Later that year, a classy urban taproom was opened for the public to come in and sip. Over the next few years, while still serving the public, much of Moontower’s business came from public and private events held at their space: in particular, they hosted the 2022 Cider Fest mentioned at the top of this article. Expanding beyond alcohol, Weaver began SoCo Ginger Beer and Comet Juices as individual brands as well. They’ve maintained distribution of their cans, but it’s clearly at a lesser rate than competing cider brands in Austin. Not many bars serve Moontower, although it’s generally available at supermarkets. It’s apparent that Moontower is the small fish in the cider game in Austin, with only a limited space to produce, no contracting going on to increase volume, and a taproom that is both conveniently located yet fairly invisible on the side street between Manor and MLK.
What Happened: In August 2025, Moontower / SoCo Ginger Beer announced that the taproom would be switching to a to-go only model, open Mon-Fri 12-6 only, in order to further focus on distribution.
Still Around: And that’s the current state of this story. All I can say is, please go support Moontower! I really enjoyed their taproom, and hope that as the season turns they will reopen with some big parties to bring us all in.
Outside of Austin
Okay this article has gotten very long! But, there are three more cideries to mention that, while not Austin-based, are certainly Austin-impacting. I’ll keep it short:
Bishop Cider: Very Large and Successful, Albeit Not Quite Local
Early History: Bishop was founded in 2014 in Dallas – but more importantly, Cidercade Austin opened in summer 2020. Austin acts as an R&D facility for their cider; while their main brands (like Crackberry), as well as their Wild Acre Brewery lineup (acquired by Bishop in 2022) are shipped in from Dallas, any small batch ciders you try at Cidercade are indeed made on-site.
Still Around: Still going, and super crowded all the time!
Hye Cider Co: Successfully Relocated
Early History: It really does feel like every cidery in this article has a unique story to tell. Hye Cider has another one. The dugout taproom below I-290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg opened in 2018, with a bar attached to the front bumper of a car. In June 2023, they announced that due to a conflict with their landlord they would be moving to Texas Wine Collective. They stayed there for just over a year before moving to a more permanent space shared with Silver Dollar Winery… directly across the street from the original car taproom. And that’s the story of how Hye Cider Co. left, and then returned, to Hye, TX.
Still Around: The cysery (cider and mead blend) originally had four owners: Cherry and Travis Graham, Brian Came, and cidermaker Dom Ransay. Around the time of the move to Texas Wine Collective, Dom Ransay took full control, and is now both lead cidermaker and sole owner of the company. Go say hi to him at Silver Dollar Winery, as he also works the bar!
Lost Horizon Cider Mill: A Family Affair
Early History: While production began on Lost Horizon Cider in 2019, it wasn’t until 2022 that Shawn Jones, his (now) wife Caroline, and his father Al, decided that it was time to start making some money. Distribution began in March 2022 on their first cider, Old Haunt, and since then Lost Horizon can be found at boutique spots around Texas. It’s not common though, as all production is done at the tiny horseshoe-shaped facility on their property in Dale, just outside of Lockhart. In 2023 they held a first anniversary party (which I attended!), and although they considered holding public hours, as of now the taproom is only open by request. Which really makes sense, considering how remote it is.
Still Around: Sure are! Send Shawn an email to set up a tour and tasting, or to book their venue for a larger event.
In Conclusion
What happened to Austin’s cideries? It’s all over the place, isn’t it! A few had to close due to rent, a few were not getting enough foot traffic, and in one case they were making so much money that the taproom became peanuts. In all cases though, it’s abundantly clear that distribution shows far more success in the cider industry than dedicated taprooms: did you notice that every single brand on this article is still alive, even if it’s packaged goods only? (Well, except Austin Wine and Cider, but they never got into distro.) But, we do have a few taproom success stories. I visited Texas Keeper last week and it was packed. Lost Horizon and Hye Cider are available for a visit if you’re willing to travel. Cidercade is here too (yeah their ciders are pure sugar I know). Will cider see a resurgence? Will Fairweather find a new location, and Moontower reopen for tastings? Go pick up a few cans of each and we’ll see what comes next.
Data Sources:
Austin Monthly
Eater
Culture Map
Forbes
Eater
Eater
Community Impact
Austin American-Statesman
Full House PR
