About - Nine Pin Cider New York's First Farm Cidery

You Taste. We Listen.
The Mountains Benefit.

Twenty-six ciders, released over one year—no shortcuts. Finish the challenge and earn perks that last.

WHAT IS THE 26ER?

The Nine Pin 26er is a year-long cider challenge we’ve held every other year since 2016. Every two weeks we’ll release a brand-new, small-batch experimental cider on draught in our Albany Tasting Room. Each release is guaranteed to be available for two weeks, and only registered and active 26ers get access to it during this time. Show up every two weeks, taste all 26 ciders, and you’ll earn Nine Pin 26er status—for life.

WHY IT MATTERS

The 26er exists to help us make better cider—and to give back to the place that inspired it. Your ratings and feedback help us decide which ciders have the potential of becoming future seasonals. At the same time, because the 26er was inspired by the Adirondack 46er which challenges people to hike all 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks—a portion of every 26er cider supports the Adirondack Mountain Club’s Summit Stewardship Program.

HOW IT WORKS

26 ciders, released every two weeks starting Monday, March 30, 2026
Poured exclusively in Nine Pin’s Albany Tasting Room
Purchase a 6oz or 12oz pour of each featured 26er cider
Receive a punch for every cider tried
Try all 26 to finish the challenge and earn 26er status for life

The most successful participants build cider tastings into their routine—they put it on their calendar, set up a standing meet-up with friends… whatever it takes to stay consistent.

2026 26ER PARTY

Finish the 2026 26er challenge and on Saturday, July 10, 2027 you’re invited to a three-hour open cider bar celebration built just for 2026 finishers. This year, the party moves indoors to the Albany Capital Center—with more space, more energy, and a setup that finally matches the effort it takes to finish. Platinum+ 26ers will get a VIP experience including a dedicated seating area and complimentary food.

26ER TEAMS (NEW FOR 2026)

Form a team of five or more and take on the 26er challenge together. Being a member of a team does NOT impact your individual 26er status—it simply adds an additional level of challenge.

Every team member must finish all 26 ciders for the team to qualify
Every team that finishes receives one raffle entry per member for a chance to win a 2-hour production floor open cider bar party
Bigger teams = more chances to win (and more pressure to show up)

Party is for winning team members only (no plus ones) and must be redeemed by March 31, 2028. The raffle winner will be announced at the 2026 26er Party. Team registration opens late March, stay tuned for more details.

THE RULES (SO EVERYONE PLAYS FAIR)

The 26er is meant to be challenging—but enjoyable. A few things to know:

Each cider is only guaranteed to be available during its 2-week release window
If you miss the 2-week release window and the cider happens to still be available, you can still earn a card punch
Bring your 26er punch card to every visit (replacements available for $10)
Flights, growler fills, and second pours don’t qualify for punches
Flights, growler fills, and second pours are only available following the initial 2-week release window if/when the cider becomes available to the public
No purchasing on behalf of another participant except under special circumstances agreed to in advance by Nine Pin
Allergies? Let your bartender know and we’ll substitute when needed

Questions or special circumstances? We’re always happy to help. Reach out to jade@ninepincider.com during the 2-week period following the cider’s release. Requests made beyond this window will not be accommodated. If you miss a punch without an accommodation, you are out of the challenge.