An “Incider’s” look at Peat’s Cider Social

Peat’s Cider Social is a family-friendly taproom in a retro bowling alley in Stevensville, Mich., specializing in unique hard ciders and seltzers. How did this interesting combination of family fun and craft beverages come to be? We got the inside scoop from Co-Founder and CMO Leah Peat.

How did Peat’s Cider start and how has it evolved?

We started as hard cider producers on the family farm in Paw Paw, Mich. We were looking at a long-term plan for the farm, and hard cider seemed like a natural space to grow market share within a budding industry. We launched our first hard cider flavor, “The Huntsman,” back in 2017. Since then, we’ve grown to include a hard cider taproom, Peat’s Cider Social, which opened in March 2020. We wanted to build a destination where cider fans of all ages — from juice box sippers to pint glass drinkers — could relax and have fun. We have many innovative flavors that combine unique fruits and herbs as well as hops. We also produce hard seltzer and will soon be crafting a mead made from honey.

What sets Peat’s Cider Social apart from other taprooms, wineries and breweries?

Many local breweries, wineries and cideries offer breathtaking landscapes and delicious products. However, we are the ONLY cider taproom that also offers a family-friendly indoor activity such as bowling. We also have a spacious and beautiful outdoor patio that’s ideal for hosting events or just relaxing with friends and family (pets are welcome, too!). Because we do not have a full kitchen, we partner with food trucks in the area to offer unique and delicious food choices on weekends (Friday-Sunday). We also allow people to bring in outside food (but no outside beverages).

What makes you proudest and most excited about your organization and the coming year?

Our taproom officially opened in early March 2020 and had to shut down two weeks later. I’m proud that we’ve survived a pandemic as a brand new small business and have continued to craft innovative flavor offerings that people are excited about. I’m also excited for our staff and us to really get to bring the full Peat’s Cider Social experience to people in Southwest Michigan. I’m looking forward to a fantastic summer full of hard cider, events, bowling and more. We couldn’t say more about how much we appreciate our team and all they have endured with us this year.

What should readers be looking forward to at Peat’s?

We’re renovating our patio area to get ready for the summer months and also have exciting product innovations coming, including a Pink Boots cider blend that benefits women in brewing. We’re also looking at mead, cyser, additional hard seltzer variations, and our flagship flavor, “The Huntsman,” will be available in cans in late spring! From a taproom perspective, we’re figuring out what recreational bowling leagues look like, so bowlers who are serious about fun (but not about bowling) can join!

Are you a hard cider fan? Be sure to stop by Peat’s Cider Social, 6201 Red Arrow Highway, on your next trip to Southwest Michigan! Follow them @peatscidersocial on Instagram and www.peatscider.com for updates and more details on events and new products.