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.
Responsibilities
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
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
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
Requirements
- 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
Benefits
Hourly compensation based on experience with potential performance bonuses based on production and other key performance indicators.