Craft Cider & Mead Tasting in New Orleans (45 Minutes)

Discover the art of craft cider and mead at Broad Street Cider in New Orleans. For $19 per person, this 45-minute guided tasting offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these dry, effervescent beverages are produced on-site by Jon & Diana. With a limited group size of up to 10 travelers, the tour provides an intimate setting to learn about the unique techniques that shape their products, set against the backdrop of New Orleans’ vibrant urban scene.

This tour is perfect for those curious about cider, whether you’re new to the drink or an enthusiast eager to deepen your knowledge. Since it’s a strictly 21 and up experience, it suits adults seeking a relaxed, educational tasting with a personal touch. Booking in advance—on average 11 days ahead—ensures you secure a spot at this popular activity.

Key Points

• Guided tasting of four different on-site produced dry ciders and meads
• Led by Jon & Diana, the owner/operators of Broad Street Cider
• 45-minute experience in a small group of up to 10 people
• Located at Broad Street Cider & Mead on South Broad Street
• Includes cheese pairings most days, but no hot food served
• Open Wednesday through Saturday, with flexible tasting times available
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance

The Unique Location at Broad Street Cider & Mead

This tasting takes place at Broad Street Cider & Mead, a cozy urban cidery in New Orleans. The venue is known for its small batching process, which allows Jon & Diana to craft their products with great care and attention to detail. The meeting point is conveniently located at the rear patio of the cidery at 2723 S Broad St.

The setting offers an authentic, intimate environment for learning about cider and mead production. The small group size enhances interaction, making it easy to ask questions and engage directly with Jon & Diana. Since the venue is near public transportation, it’s accessible for most visitors staying in the city.

What Makes This Cider & Mead Tasting Stand Out

This tour is distinguished by its focus on craftsmanship and on-site production. Unlike larger, commercial cideries, Broad Street emphasizes small batching, which results in dry, effervescent ciders and meads that highlight quality over quantity. The owners, Jon & Diana, are described as amazing hosts who provide a knowledgeable and welcoming environment.

All four samplings are produced right on the premises, giving guests the chance to taste the distinctive flavors and learn about ingredients and processes directly from the makers. The tasting is not rushed, allowing ample time to savor the drinks and ask questions about their techniques and ingredient choices.

What to Expect During the 45-Minute Tasting

Participants will sample four different ciders and meads, each showcasing the dry and effervescent profile characteristic of Broad Street’s offerings. The owners guide the tasting, sharing insights into how their location in New Orleans influences their techniques and how their products differ from most cider production.

While no hot food is served, cheese pairings are offered most days, complementing the beverages perfectly. The experience is designed to be informative and relaxed, making it suitable for beginners and aficionados alike. Since the tour occurs primarily indoors, it’s accessible for most participants.

The Meeting Point and Accessibility Details

The tour begins at Broad Street Cider & Mead on South Broad Street, specifically at the rear patio. The location is near public transportation, making it easy to reach from different parts of New Orleans. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, providing a seamless experience.

Service animals are allowed, and the venue maintains a strict 21-plus policy, so children are not permitted. Since the group size is limited to 10, the experience remains intimate and personalized. Guests are encouraged to request specific tasting times if needed, as the owners are flexible when in town.

The Experience with Jon & Diana

Jon & Diana are the heart of this tour, offering a knowledgeable and personable approach to cider and mead tasting. Their expertise shines through as they explain production techniques, discuss ingredients, and share stories about their products. Guests appreciate the welcoming environment and the small batching process that results in exceptionally high-quality drinks.

The reviews highlight how informative and friendly Jon & Diana are, making this a memorable and educational experience. Visitors value the good value for a relatively short but richly rewarding session, especially considering the small group setting and on-site production.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At just $19 per person, this guided cider and mead tasting offers excellent value. The 45-minute duration strikes a good balance between depth of information and enjoyment, especially with the small group size. The inclusion of cheese pairings most days adds to the overall experience, making it worthwhile for those interested in craft beverages and local production.

Since bookings are typically made around 11 days in advance, it’s advisable to reserve early to secure a spot during busy periods. The free cancellation policy provides flexibility, allowing adjustments if plans change.

Limitations and Considerations

This tour is strictly 21 and up, so it’s not suitable for children or those under the legal drinking age. No hot food is served during the tasting, so don’t expect a full meal—just the beverages and cheese pairings most days.

The experience is designed to be informative yet casual, making it ideal for those curious about craft cider and mead, but possibly less engaging for those seeking a more extensive or food-heavy tour. The 45-minute format suits a quick, quality-focused activity but may not satisfy those wanting a longer tasting experience.

Who Would Enjoy This Cider & Mead Tasting?

This experience appeals most to adults interested in craft beverages, particularly dry ciders and meads. Those who appreciate small-batch, locally made products will find this tour especially rewarding. It’s perfect for wine or spirit enthusiasts looking to explore something different, or for locals wanting to support small producers.

Travelers seeking a relaxed, educational activity that combines tasting, learning, and conversation will find this tour both enjoyable and insightful. It also offers a great introduction to the craft beverage scene in New Orleans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people unfamiliar with cider or mead?
Yes, the guides provide detailed explanations, making it accessible for beginners.

How long does the tasting last?
The guided tasting lasts approximately 45 minutes.

What is included in the tour?
You receive four samplings of dry, handmade ciders and meads produced on-site, along with cheese pairings most days.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 11 days in advance, and the tour often sells out.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, the tour is strictly 21 and up, with no children permitted.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Broad Street Cider & Mead on 2723 S Broad St, specifically at the rear patio.

Are there food options available?
Hot food is not served, but cheese pairings are offered most days.

Is the venue accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the location is near public transit for easy access.

What if I want a different tasting time?
Guests are encouraged to request special tasting times; the owners are usually happy to accommodate when possible.

This guided Cider & Mead Tasting at Broad Street Cider in New Orleans offers a personal, educational, and delicious experience for adults eager to explore local craft beverages. With expert hosts, small group sizes, and on-site production, it provides a rich insight into the craftsmanship behind these dry, effervescent drinks.