Armada, MI – Blake Farms took a risk back in 2013 supporting grandson, Andrew Blake and his vision to start a craft hard cider company on the orchard property. Almost five years later and the company’s Tasting Room continues to innovate and grow to meet demand. Only a few years ago, Esquire Magazine named the Blake’s Tasting Room one of its Best Bars in America.

“We are grateful for the support our community has given our company, as they played a huge role in getting us to where we are today” says Blake. The Blake’s Hard Cider Tasting Room first opened 4 years ago as a cider/beverage only space with 8 taps. Today, Blake’s has announced that the now fully functioning restaurant will be almost quadrupling its offerings by increasing its system to 30 tap lines. Blake adds, “Over the last few years we’ve expanded our portfolio of styles and options, and the Tasting Room needed to adapt as well.” More taps mean more options, including 8 award-winning ciders that have placed in cider competitions around the country. A fan favorite is a Hopcat exclusive called Sir Lushington, a 9% bourbon barrel aged cherry cider that took Double Gold in the Cidercraft competition this year.

Located next to its Cider Mill, the space has a patio, full kitchen, live music on Friday nights, and an event space that’s seats up to 130 guests. Blake explains, “More options like craft beer, draft wine, and nitro-coffee, mean a better experience for new and existing customers.”

Although it will remain a cider-focused destination, the family-owned company is ready to provide other options to visitors. One of the most exciting new offerings is Michigan craft beer. “We want this to be an experience for our customers; we love the idea that they can come out here and get a mixed flight with our craft cider, great Michigan wine, and some of the best craft beer in the state” adds Marketing Manager, Chelsea Iadipaolo. Expect IPAs, Porters, Stouts, a Blonde Ale, and a Lager on tap this month.

The Blake’s Tasting Room will celebrate the new system on Friday, May 18th with the tapping of a new and limited cider; Great Blake’s, a coffee infused cider was made in partnership with Great Lakes Coffee, a Michigan based company. “We are proud to work with the growers in Peru and neighbors like Great Lakes to produce cider that continues to push the envelope” says head cider maker, Robert Lauer. All pints of hard cider, beer, and glasses of wine will be half off from 11am-7pm on the 18th. Exclusions may apply.