MYSTIC, Conn. — B.F. Clyde's in Old Mystic, the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States, only makes their famous cider and cider donuts during the fall season - typically for three months.
Amy Harrison, fifth-generation family member and one of the owners of the cider mill, said they like the business they've seen this season.
“It’s been busy, this year has been fantastic, everybody is coming out – families are having a good time and that’s what we want," Harrison said.
The mill, according to Harrison, is "state of the art 1898," with fly wheels spinning, gears cranking and a steam whistle at the top of the mill periodically screeching.
She noted that this year has been a good year for the apple crop too.
“The apples seem to be great and the orchards have plenty of apples this year,” Harrison said.
Amy’s younger brother John Miner is instrumental in the cider making process alongside his brother Josh. The two make hundreds of gallons of fresh cider in single morning.
"My brother and I are probably the only ones that get to run one of these [steam-powered cider machines] on a regular basis," Miner said. “It’s neat looking at this and knowing that my great-grandfather built it and that he was touching it when he was making the cider.”
Harrison added, “We love seeing the generations come year after year and bring their kids and grandkids and their great grandkids. It gives you a good feeling to know you’re part of that.”
BF Clyde’s Cider Mill typically stays open through the end of November. The old-fashioned cider making process usually happens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and on weekends. Clyde’s also features a farm store with donuts and bakery items, plus a bar area for hard cider and apple wines. To learn more, click here.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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