Big B’s Hard Cider & Orchard is a one-of-a-kind, family-run cidery rooted in the fertile agricultural heart of Colorado’s North Fork Valley, where orchards, vineyards, and organic farms thrive beneath the dramatic backdrop of the West Elk Mountains. Founded in 1996 by Lance and Patsy Hanson, Big B’s began not as a cidery, but as an organic apple orchard with a simple, forward-thinking goal: to grow exceptional fruit and make honest, delicious products that reflect the land they come from. What started with fresh apples and juice naturally evolved into hard cider, and Big B’s quickly became a pioneer of Colorado cider long before the category gained national attention.
The orchard itself is the soul of Big B’s. Spread across dozens of acres outside Hotchkiss, the farm is home to a wide variety of organically grown apples, pears, peaches, cherries, apricots, and berries. This diversity is intentional and essential, allowing Big B’s to craft ciders with real depth, balance, and complexity while remaining fully connected to the rhythms of the growing season. Everything begins with a whole fruit, never concentrate, and that commitment to purity remains non-negotiable. The cidery presses fresh juice on site and ferments slowly, letting the character of each apple variety and harvest year shine through.
Big B’s ciders are known for being dry, vibrant, and food-friendly, often more reminiscent of traditional European farmhouse ciders than overly sweet commercial styles. Many are made with single varieties or thoughtfully blended orchard selections, while others incorporate estate-grown fruits, herbs, or spices to create expressive seasonal offerings. From crisp, mineral-driven apple ciders to nuanced pear ciders and fruit-forward blends, every bottle reflects both place and patience. Sulfites are used sparingly, if at all, and the focus remains squarely on natural flavor rather than manipulation.
Beyond cider, Big B’s has built a reputation as a true destination. The property includes a welcoming tasting room, outdoor picnic areas, and a small stage that regularly hosts live music, community gatherings, and seasonal celebrations. Visitors are encouraged to wander the orchard, relax under the trees, and experience the farm as a living, breathing ecosystem rather than just a production site. This deep sense of hospitality has made Big B’s a beloved stop for locals and travelers alike, especially those exploring Colorado’s growing wine and cider country.
Sustainability is not a buzzword at Big B’s; it is foundational. The orchard has long been certified organic, and the Hansons have championed responsible water use, biodiversity, and soil health since the beginning. Big B’s was also one of the earliest adopters of Colorado’s farm-to-glass philosophy, helping shape the identity of the state’s cider movement and paving the way for future producers.
Today, Big B’s Hard Cider stands as a benchmark for authentic American cider: deeply agricultural, thoughtfully made, and joyfully unpretentious. It is a place where fruit, land, and people are treated with equal respect, and where every glass tells a story of Colorado sunshine, mountain air, and decades of quiet dedication.
