New York Apples Sourced from the Hudson Valley
We chose New York's Hudson Valley apples for our ciders because the region epitomizes quality and flavor. New York’s Hudson Valley is an ideal location for cultivating high quality apples for our cider.
The Hudson River dominates this area and creates a diverse agricultural landscape with an extended growing season that runs late into the fall. That, combined with the glacially eroded soil, produces apples with a fresh, rich, bright fruit flavor.
Working with Farmers Who Share Our Values
We work closely with our dedicated farmers, selecting the perfect apples for our ciders year after year. Knowing their apples best, our farmers cultivate varietals including Northern Spy, Winesap, Idared, Liberty, Jonagold, Arkansas Black, Crimson Crisp, Opalescent, and Honeycrisp, creating the best flavors for our ciders.
All of our apples are from New York’s Hudson Valley and we are a proud member of the New York Cider Association.
Where Merchant’s Daughter Began
Merchant’s Daughter was inspired by the history of the general store in the Hamlet of Purdys, New York. A beautiful old Victorian building, this general store had lived several lives. First as the source of goods for the community at the turn of the century. Then as various small businesses. A flower shop, a deli, an apartment on the top floor. It had invented itself and reinvented itself time over time. When we bought it in 2016, it needed a lot of repair. But it had something special.
You could tell it when you walked in one of the many “front doors”. Its floors creaked with the history of those who had walked on them. You could almost see the apparitions of past owners and patrons as they wandered the floors shopping for goods. And for decades, behind the counter was the Merchant’s Daughter. She was one of several daughters who had taken on the responsibility of the general store as it passed down from generation to generation. She was the steady presence throughout the years. Technically, it was her husband or father’s name on the door. But this was her store, her family legacy, her assumed role to play in the family. She was a symbol of youth and potential for a growing community. Her hard-work and determination helped energize and fuel the community, and she and her store were the backbone of the neighborhood. She inspires us today as we build our cider business and share it with the community.
MERCHANT’S DAUGHTER TAPROOM
Available for private parties and events, this 1400 square foot space with Taproom bar and catering space is available to rent for your event or for a customized Cidermaker Dinner for you and your friends. Merchant’s Daughter Taproom is located in a historic, quaint New England building located in the hamlet of Purdys, New York. This beautifully restored taproom was once home to the neighborhood General Store and was the center of community activity. Today it serves as a small gathering spot with a unique charm which makes it perfect for intimate cocktail parties, fundraisers, or dinner parties. If you would like a customized Cidermaker Dinner experience for you and your friends, we can work with you to create a unique tasting menu and experience. Sorry, not open to the public.
For further information and rates, please contact Christine Sisler at 914-372-7610
Meet
OUR TEAM
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Christine Sisler
Christine is an accomplished food & beverage industry leader. Her background in research and development and deep understanding of the beverage industry provide operational excellence and leadership to Merchant’s Daughter. Christine is the Treasurer for the New York Cider Association and her passion for her community led to her appointment on the Landmark Preservation Commission. She lives in the lower Hudson Valley with her family, where they have planted an orchard of heirloom cider apple trees and renovated a 1850’s general store. Her love of cider and making things old relevant again was the inspiration behind Merchant’s Daughter.
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Amy Wirtanen
Amy is a veteran of marketing and general management with some of the world’s leading food and beverage companies. She has a passion for creativity and innovation and working with talented teams to build brands and businesses. Now in her second act, Amy is stretching her entrepreneurial muscles with Merchant’s Daughter and other small business ventures. She is devoted to growing stronger communities for all members of the community including the four legged kind, and so, she is a active volunteer and foster family with the local Humane Society. She splits her time between New York’s Hudson Valley region and the beautiful coast of Maine.
CHIEF CIDER MAKER
Dan O’Brien
Dan began his career in 2000 as a Product Development scientist. He was instrumental in bringing new products to market for both domestic and international businesses. It wasn’t long before the call of craft fermentation became too strong to resist, and in 2004 he moved to California to learn the art of winemaking with some of the country’s leading boutique producers. He has spent the past few years devoting himself to learning about all things apple and hard cider. His family is his passion, but he sometimes steals away to play guitar in his band and practice yoga. He lives in Yorktown Heights, NY with his wife and three children.
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