Sly Clyde Ciderworks has announced Edan Valkner, award-winning craft producer, will be the new Head Cidermaker of its Hampton, Virginia craft cidery in Phoebus.
“The evolution of SlyClyde over the last two years has been breathtaking,” notes Doug Smith, one of the cidery’s two brother-founders. “Our customers are taking Sly Clyde somewhere special, so we conducted a national search for someone who’s technical and leadership qualities could lead us confidently in that direction. Edan’s background in the craft beverage industry made him a stand-out candidate: combining a deep understanding of fermentation with the ability substantially grow our production. And most importantly, he crafts amazing cider.”
A former Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marines, Valkner has been managing a large portion of Virtue Cider’s extensive production operations. He has a growing reputation among cider professionals and Sly Clyde Ciderworks’ owners felt that his connection to the U.S. Armed Services attunes him to the special culture of the Hampton Roads area. Not only is he a certified Cicerone and ACA Certified Cider Professional, he is a three-time recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
“We’re calling in the Marines,” noted Smith. “We love that Edan is dialed into making Sly Clyde Ciderworks a strong coastal brand throughout the Mid-Atlantic. His proven leadership skills are going to be a huge benefit to our organization and his attention to creativity and detail are going to be a huge value to us.”
Valkner is transitioning from Michigan to Virginia this month to take the helm. Sly Clyde’s former Head Cidermaker will be moving to South Korea to make cider for the country’s first craft cidery.
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