Buskey Cider
Inspired by the incredible history of cider in the US but not by the cider options on the grocery store shelves, founder Will Correll started making cider in his Hampden-Sydney dorm room back in 2012. With the help of family, friends, mentors, former classmates and his then girlfriend Elle (Street) Correll, he spent the next 3 years perfecting cider recipes, visiting derelict warehouses, touring orchards, finding capital and putting together a brand.In the meantime, cider was made in friends’ apartments, a pastor’s garage, and eventually in a shed rented from a friend in the Church Hill neighborhood of Richmond, VA. It was a very long 3 years with several failed starts, a handful of craigslist roommates, and a part-time teaching job to hold Will over. Will even slept on a floor for a while as he poured everything into his startup.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
