A new venture in Perry County agriculture is Fallen From Grace Cidery, which opened Aug. 22 at 283 Evergreen Road, Shermans Dale. The cidery, led by Dustin Sparr along with his parents John and Carrie, emerges as an evolution of the family’s Deep Blue Farms, and blends years of fruit farming with a fresh approach to craft cider making.
The Sparrs spent eight years cultivating unique fruits, many of which had long disappeared from commercial markets due to short shelf life or lack of commercial appeal. Rather than pursuing jams, jellies or pies, Dustin saw more promise in fermentation, drawing on his years of home brewing experience. “I’ve been brewing for probably a good eight years, experimenting with meads, ciders, even botanical wines. I always wanted to be the niche kind of guy, because that’s why our farm was so successful.”
The cidery’s name reflects that philosophy. “It’s not a religious thing,” John explained. “It’s fallen from grace as in the fruits have fallen from grace. They’ve lost commercial favor, but they still have outstanding flavor.”…