Cider Mill

Golden light pours through tall windows over orange hills and a split-rail fence. Inside the old mill, a copper kettle steams on a glowing wood stove, two mugs of hot cider wait beside the hearth, and crates of apples, pumpkins and an old wooden cider press fill the barn under a string of soft lights.

A small acoustic jazz trio plays throughout: warm, characterful piano with a lightly playful melody, round upright bass and softly brushed drums, with a relaxed swing and plenty of breathing room. It sits gently alongside the crackle of the wood stove, easy company for reading, studying or working.

Cider Mill is a working barn at the end of harvest, with the pressing done for the day, worn leather chairs pulled up to the stove and plaid blankets over the arms. Put it on for a slow fall afternoon, a quiet Thanksgiving week, or any evening that calls for something warm in a mug.