The 26er is Nine Pin’s bi-annual, year-long cider challenge where registered participants taste 26 experimental small-batch ciders released every two weeks in our Albany Tasting Room. Finish all 26 and you earn 26er status for life.

The first cider releases on Monday, March 30, 2026.

26 releases × two-week windows = 52 weeks from the first release on March 30, 2026 through the last tasting day of the last cider release on March 28, 2027.

Registration is free. You only pay for each cider you taste (6oz or 12oz pour).

Yes — registration is open to all cider fans (21+). Whether you’re brand-new or chasing Platinum+, you’re welcome.

Every two weeks, like clockwork. Visit our Cider Releases page for specific dates.

26er cider can be tasted in-person during business hours in our Albany Tasting Room at 929 Broadway.

Each cider is guaranteed for its two-week release window only.

If a cider is still available after its release window, it’s released to the public, but 26ers can still earn a punch.

Purchase a 6oz or 12oz pour of the featured 26er cider during its release window. Show your punch card.

At the Albany Tasting Room — starting immediately after registration.

Replacements are available for $10.

Only a single 6oz or 12oz pour of the featured cider. Flights, growler fills, and second pours do not count.

If the cider is still available after its window, you can still earn the punch. If it’s gone, that punch can’t be made up and you are out of the challenge.

You earn 26er status for life, which comes with permanent benefits (tier-specific) and access to the 2026 26er Party at the Albany Capital Center.

Each time you finish the full 26-cider challenge, you move up a tier.
1 finish = Bronze
2 = Silver
3 = Gold
4 = Platinum
5+ = Platinum+

Never. Once a 26er, always a 26er. Your status is yours for life.

All tier benefits are listed on the Tiers & Benefits page. Each tier builds on the last.

– Happy hour pricing now extends to select off-premise events
– A bigger, indoor 2026 26er Party at the Albany Capital Center
– Introduction of the Platinum+ VIP tier
– 26er Teams (registration opens in March, more details to come)

Yes — a short online survey accompanies each cider and helps shape future Nine Pin releases.

In the release email for each cider and on the Cider Release page of ninepincider.com

Not required, but highly encouraged. The hardcover journal is the best way to compare and contrast tasting notes across all 26 ciders.

Online or in the Tasting Room while supplies last.

Teams add an extra layer of challenge. It doesn’t affect your personal 26er status.

Minimum 5 members. No maximum.

Every member must complete all 26 ciders.

– One raffle entry per team member
– A chance to win a 2-hour production-floor open cider bar party (no plus ones; must be redeemed by March 31, 2028)

Team registration opens in late March, more details to come.

Saturday, July 17, 2027

Indoors at the Albany Capital Center

Only participants who finish the 2026 26er Challenge.

– A 3-hour open cider bar featuring top-rated 26er ciders
– Live music
– Prize distribution
– ADK donation check ceremony
– 26er Team raffle winner announcement
– Platinum+ VIP access (dedicated seating + complimentary food)

A portion of every 26er cider supports the Summit Stewardship Program, which protects fragile alpine ecosystems and educates hikers on New York’s highest peaks.

On the last day of the first cider release which is April 12, 2026

Absolutely. They just can’t access the featured 26er cider during its two-week window.

No — punches must be earned in person unless pre-approved under special circumstances.

Let your bartender know. We can offer substitutions when appropriate.