Spoke + Spy Ciderworks is a craft cidery that opened in Middletown, Connecticut in March 2018. It was founded by husband and wife Ronald and Kimberly Sansone. Ronald lived in London, England for a time and worked as a graphic designer. While in London, he saw how popular hard ciders were and it sparked his interest in the beverage. After returning to the states, he began making his own cider at home and enrolled in programs at Cornell and Oregan State Universities. He won numerous accolades over the years from his homemade ciders. Eventually, the Sansones decided to open their own cidery that featured hard ciders made from locally sourced apples. The cidery officially opened to the public in 2016 inside Middletown's old Remington Rand building. The historic building complex opened in 1896 as the Keating Bicycle Factory. Throughout the decades, motorcycles, automobiles, typewriters and even military missile parts were manufactured there. The building closed its doors in the early 1970s and fell into disrepair. The city later took it over and by 2009 it had been refurbished with several new tenants renting space inside. Sansone named the cidery 'Spoke & Spy' as a reference to the building's history as a bicycle factory as well as the Northern Spy Apple (one of Sansone's favorite varieties). I first visited Spoke + Spy in August 2019. I was training for the upcoming Closer To Free ride, so I decided to cycle from my home in North Haven all the way to Middletown (21 miles). By the time I made it to the cidery, I was very thirsty. The taproom is decorated with all sorts of bicycle memorabilia. I decided to order a sampler flight that consisted of six ciders ranging in flavors from pear to grape. I liked them all, but my favorite was a tart, semi-dry strawberry-rhubarb cider called "Love Shouldn't Hurt". I ended up purchasing a growler of it to bring back home. If you plan on visiting the cidery in Middletown, I must recommend making it a craft beer afternoon because the Remington Rand building is also home to Stubborn Beauty Brewing and Forest City Brewing. read more

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Cool place. I guess new thing in CT is touring breweries. We did 3 brewery tour while we were visiting CT. This place is located right next to Forest City Brewery. I never tasted cider as beer, but liked them a lot. We tried a flight with 8 different ciders. Some tasted like apple juice with bubbles, but pretty good. It was 20F below out side, in side of this old factory converted brewery was not much warmer, but extremely good ambience. Definitely we will visit here again whenever we are in CT. read more

Swung by on a recent CT visit. Situated halfway between two Middletown breweries, Spoke & Spy is a not-so-hidden gem. You might have to throw an elbow to find a seat as their current digs are pretty tight. They have a variety of styles of apple-themed art on their walls which are fun to look at as you sip your cider of choice. My friend and I elected for a flight and found styles that made each of us pretty happy -- she even took a mini growler home with her! I'm glad to see the cider scene expanding in CT and will be keeping an eye on Spoke & Spy to see what they come up with next. read more

LOVED. THIS. PLACE. I had been eager to find a cider place in CT since I'm not a big beer fan and I'm so glad I found this place. It's kinda hidden, in a old mill looking building shared with a brewery and a pizza place. It's definitely a small space, only with about 3 tables and some barstools, so you kind of have to get lucky with when you walk in if there's going to be room. Each of us got the flight of six which included small taster glasses of NoRa SPY, Pera (which tastes just like pears), Pumpkin Pie for the People (which is rimmed with cinnamon), Love Shouldn't Hurt (I have no idea how to describe this), Middle of the Cranberry (a delicious cranberry taste) and middle of the grape (which tasted just like Grape Fanta). The ciders were so good and they were all gluten free and vegan! They also had two drink options that were non-alcoholic. And it's dog friendly. read more

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Having been open only 2 months, it's impressive how good their cider is. The place has a strong bicycle aesthetic, and while they're still getting themselves settled with decor, the cider speaks for itself. We went with the full flight with one addition so we could taste all five they had available, for $10 total. On this day, they also had some vegan baked treats for the taking, but we didn't get to try them, unfortunately. They also have chips, water, ciderzines, and growlers to buy/fill up. On to the alcohol! - The five on tap were: Tepache Mode, Love Shouldn't Hurt, Middle of the Road, Somewaht Dry, and the Somewhat Dry x CT Dry Hop. Tepache Mode and Love Shouldn't Hurt were our clear favourites - both were really unique: Tepache Mode is named after the common Mexican drink Tepache, and is labelled as their "Spice infused wild fermented pineapples-apples" drink. This had a hint of heat to it, which I appreciate and reminded me of Mezcal; it was a great blend of flavours. The Love Shouldn't Hurt was their "Dry fermented apple with strawberry-rhubarb" - you wouldn't expect this to taste super sweet {or like a delicious pie...mmm...pie} but it didn't. This had a nice berry tart flavour that was held together with the rhubarb, and definitely felt like something I could drink all day long. The Middle of the Road is your standard semi-sweet fare - it'll be the crowd-pleaser for those who want a superior quality alternative to Woodchuck or Angry Orchard. The Somewhat Dry is great for people who prefer for the more dry stuff, but at that point I'd point you back to Tepache Mode, Love Shouldn't Hurt, or the last one, Somewhat Dry x CT Dry Hop instead for something more nuanced. The Dry Hop was true to its name, smelling and tasting almost like a Saison, as my partner said. All in all, we were happy to finally had the chance to come down, and with Stubborn Beauty and Forest City right down the hall, how can you lose coming down here? read more

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I went here on a Saturday night - their cider was delicious, but that's not why I rated them 5 stars, even though I would give their cider 5 stars. We came to the area on a Saturday night. We were going to forest city brewery but it was extremely busy and there were no seats available - we saw the Spoke & Sky sign and decided to venture over to see if they were open. Unfortunately, they were closed, but the owners were cleaning up from a private event and insisted on us coming in for a tasting. The owners had us in and let us sample every one of their ciders - they were delicious and it was so nice of them to let us in when they did not have to. They were extremely nice! We asked for a sticker before we left and they gave us 5 or so. I was just amazed with the level of customer service they offered. Once we have time, we'll be back when they're open!!!! read more

One of the few breweries located within a large industrial building that has been converted to house several businesses. I came here during my visit to CT as a suggestion from my sis, who knows how much I love cider. The brewery itself is small and intimate, with several tables and chairs. It was pretty packed when we got there, and were able to grab the last spot in the place with our ciders. I decided to do the cider flight and had the list of which each one was. The ciders ranged from dry to sweet and my most favorite was the Sidra and Tepache Mode. The folks who own this little place are very nice and let us know which local restaurant is currently carrying their ciders. Unfortunately, they are only open to the public on Saturdays from 12-5 at this time. I hope they expand their ciders and hours the next time I come up to CT. Definitely a place for those who loves ciders. read more

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It took me a while to get here (due to their limited hours), but so glad I finally did! The tasting room is small, but warm and inviting. The day we were there they had run out of a few ciders, but we were still able to taste 5. I liked all of the ciders, and I'm fairly picky. There are two other breweries in the same building, and there is usually a food truck outside on the weekends. Grab some friends and make a day of it. You won't be disappointed! read more

The only two downsides here are they're only open Saturdays for 5 hours and they're small. That being said, I really enjoyed this place last week. I've been to one of the other breweries in the building and the room was very similar. They had 2 6-person tables and then a few other seats around the room. They offered a very fair deal of either ordering full size pints or getting a flight (of 1, 2, 3, or 4) of their ciders, each for $2.50. Pours were generous. I tried four of the ciders - I really liked the strawberry apple one as well as the 'middle of the road.' I had a wine barrel one and the 'release the mackin' and one of those I didn't really like, but happy overall with my selections. $10 for 4 different small pours was a pretty reasonable deal. We brought some snacks and my friend and I hung out there for about 2-3 hours. Good experience overall, just wish they were open a little bit more because all the seats do get taken since everyone has to be there at the same times when they go. I'd definitely go back and try some other varieties. read more

After trying Ron's cider at different events in the past, I was really excited to learn that he was going to move into an actual space. When I learned that the space was right between Stubborn Beauty and Forest City, I couldn't have been happier! The space is small and cozy, but there are tables, counter space and quite a few seats. It's tastefully and appropriately decorated with artwork and items inspired by the building's history, which I love. Now on to what's really important- the cider! If you're not a fan of too-sweet, generic, commercially made ciders, you will love this place! Everything is crafted in small batches and the combinations are creative and delicious. I have never been disappointed, but my favorites so far are Love Shouldn't Hurt (brewed with strawberries & rhubarb) and Tepache Mode (a pineapple cider with a kick). The next time you find yourself with a free Saturday, I highly recommend packing some snacks and spending the day visiting Spoke + Spy and then heading to one or both of the breweries in the building. If you're lucky, there might even be a food truck outside too and then it will really be a party! read more

Can't say enough good things about my Saturday afternoon at Spoke and spy! Hours: Right now it's only open between 12 and 5 on Saturdays! Location: Nestled in an renovated industrial building in a neighborhood in Middletown between Forest City brewing and Stubborn Beauty brewing. The space: I think the best description is industrial chic - great space and tastefully decorated. It is a cozy space so sometimes finding seating can be challenging but there is counter space and the turnover is pretty good. It's also a dog friendly space. The owner and master brewer - Ron is super friendly and wonderful to talk to. Can't wait to see what he comes up with. Most importantly... the CIDER: 5 on tap during my visit - My personal favorites were (1) Tepache Mode which was very reminiscent of fall (can't wait to come back for a growler in a couple of months) and (2) Sub Rose - the strawberry flavor was the perfect way to brighten a spring afternoon. But truthfully, all 5 were great and offered a wide range of flavor, hop and dryness. Flight of 5 tasters was 10 bucks. And they fill growlers! Other perks - the Whey station (gourmet cheese food truck) is often stationed here! Just a great space to visit, especially if you have gluten-free friends! Note: If you're planning to spend an afternoon here, note that there isn't really a lot of place to hang out outside of the cidery - not much developed/grassy space. There are a couple of benches outside along the building but not much other seating space. I saw a couple of people with lawn chairs...? read more

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Super cute cidery!!! Pretty small, but located in a cool old warehouse. The cider is SO GOOD and the flights are awesome. Flight of their 6 ciders for $15. We've already been twice in the last month. They're also dog friendly which we love. Same two employees have been both times that we went and they're so friendly and helpful. They currently have a pumpkin cider, so I assume they swap it out seasonally - can't wait to try what's next! read more

Spoke + Spy Ciderworks - Cideries Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

I don't understand this business. They are never open. I traveled here because google suggested they were open to find a sign on the door stating they were it open this particular weekend. When are you open? read more

This place is a great addition to the building. Having Forest City and Stubborn Beauty on either side, makes this the perfect weekend destination. The ciders here are on the sweeter side compared to my other favorite place, New England Cider Company, which just meant as an observation not a criticism. Not one single drop was left in any of the glasses of our flights. My favorite this last stop was the Tepache Mode. As indicated with the other reviews, the place is small and they are only open on Saturday's. The first time I stopped by, which was soon after they opened, they were so popular they ran out of ciders before closing time. Not sure if that still happens, but this last time we were the first in the door just in case! read more

Spoke + Spy Ciderworks - Cideries Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Cool little spot that is in an old warehouse a few minutes off of main street. The pineapple habanero cider is out of this world and the real gem of this place. I tried a few others from here which were good, but compared to that pineapple it was all just lost in comparison. I appreciate their "knock on window for service" style so you have the option to sit outside. Was slightly confusing since they share the space with at least one other "brewery". read more

Very disappointed I'm sad to say my group of friends did not like any of the ciders. The flavors were very odd and sour tasting. One was grape flavor one was sriracha flavored. 2 of them tasted like a really dry Wine. The place is VERY small inside a factory where the rent a room. Sadly none of us will be returning read more

Went to their first "unoffical" open hours on Thursday, 2/9. They were pouring two of their first offerings: Tapeche Mode and Love Doesn't Hurt. Love Doesn't hurt was a light, crisp, semi-sweet hard cider with hints strawberries and rhubarb (from real strawberries and rhubarbs). I especially loved the light blush color. Well-balanced with a fruity nose and clean finish. Tapeche Mode was a cider mixed with pineapple and some heat spices. Holy Cow was that good. So complex. Ron is a cider master. No other moniker will do justice. He's been honing his craft for almost two decades. His attention to detail leads to the intricate layers of subtleties in his ciders. Consider it the beverage version of a Shakespeare sonnet. It will make you cry. It will make you sing. You won't soon forget it. It's that good. Congratulations to Ron and his lovely wife on their first two offerings at your new Spoke + Spy Ciderworks. They are off to a great start and expect to see great new ciders coming out of this spot. read more

Good range of flavors in the ciders. Very friendly owners and staff. It's a small place. Bring your own food, order some cider and hang out.

Hidden gem found in Middletown! We each got sample flights as we couldn't decide and are new to the cider scene. Flavors really ranged some were super sweet and some almost sour. I honestly didn't know you could make ciders with flavoring like this! I suggest anyone new to just get a flight and get to sampling. Pretty confident that you will find a variety of cider that they liked here. We brought snacks and games, but the set up of the tables was really tight and uncomfortable, which made it hard to enjoy. My only negative is the seating is just not ideal if you plan on staying for longer than just the sample. read more

A for effort and I appreciate the non alcoholic options but this cider isn't good nor should it be sold in stores. It just doesn't not taste good. I wouldn't say I'm a cider snob but I shouldn't gag when tasting. I guess the people of Middletown haven't had quality cider to compare this too. read more

This place is a hidden gem! Was going to visit the other brewery's in the building when we happen to come across this place in between them. Decided to stop in there and give the cider a shot by getting a flight. Definitely was not disappointed. The staff was incredibly nice and the ciders were all unique and have extremely different tastes which was amazing. It's not your average cider. The different flavors they are able to come up with are amazing and left me wanting more. Will definitely return and see what else they can come up with! Prices are very reasonable and worth bringing home a growler of this stuff! read more

Spoke + Spy Ciderworks - Some of the flavors they had the day we went. Definitely recommend #5 and 6! - Cideries Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

This is a great addition to Middletown, and my only complaint is that I wish they were open more! But that aside, they have delicious ciders, are extremely sociable, and have a really decorative and inviting seating area. I've gone a few times for flight tastings, and they are reasonably priced and offer a wide variety of flavors. My favorite so far has been Tepache Mode which contains pineapple and habanero! If you like spicy & sweet, this is the cider too. If not, be sure to check out their "Middle of the...." line, which features various fruits like strawberries or raspberries, or a classic Middle of the Road which won't disappoint. read more

Meh. This place is super okay. The cider is incredibly sweet, a bit too sweet for me. The atmosphere is very intimate. A bit too quiet for a brewery type establishment. Very small and very quiet, also overpriced. $17 for a flight? No thanks. read more

Great cider, awesome service, must-do if you're local or drinking your way through CT... absolutely a wonderful experience, 5 stars all the way. read more

We absolutely enjoyed our visit here! We just moved to CT and I'm a huge cider fan so we were looking for something more cider less beer. Hubby and I absolutely enjoyed our visit here, it's a cute cidery in a large older warehouse - other breweries are in this building. While we were there, there was a food truck parked outside too so folks could get food. However Spoke + Spy had some wonderful ciders on their menu - 7 to be exact the day were were there. I think some of them they do tend to keep on tap others rotate. We ended up getting a taster of all 7 ciders, and even took a growler home it was so yummy! Everything was brewed well with nice flavor. I love to see more cideries these days! They did take credit card and even had some free snacks for guests - gluten free brownies and cookies i believe, they were a nice treat while we were tasting :) Very nice owners as well! Wonderful service, we will be back :) read more

A must try! Great setting, owners and venue! Beer drinkers must give it a try. I had one glass and felt the alcohol, shocking. Regarding it being small, all places pay rent and I suppose if business keeps up they could expand, the building they are in is big. Food trucks and weekend vendors a great plus. read more

We stopped by today just to peek in and were immediately warmed by the comforting vibe and atmosphere. The owners greeted us and served us samples of almost every cider. Each one was so unique in flavor and spectacular. I was with people who weren't big fans of ciders but upon one sample they were hooked. Each one has a blend of flavor that is not too sweet, but with a perfect hint of spice too. I highly recommend you stop by! Hidden in an industrial, rustic warehouse this is a true gem! A must- stop for sure. read more

Walked in not being a cider person and was met at the front counter with such amazing personalities and service that I can officially say I'm now a cider person. Every pour is packed with flavor and is refreshing in a way that I wasn't expecting. Give these guys a try for sure! read more