We are a simple, yet funky kind of family with deep roots set in the countryside just north of Lowell, Michigan. But don’t let our country dwelling, nature-loving heritage fool you: we occasionally like to take a walk on the wild side. My dad, Bob, has been creatively living for years, pushing the envelope, pursuing each unique business venture with grace, fortitude, and certainly persistence. Cultivating the beautiful Michigan land, farming sweet raspberries & outstanding apples, starting and operating a tart cherry juice concentrate business were all on the list of the accomplishments, passions, and past times for my dad and mom, Marie. Marie's essence has always been built purely on thinking outside the box. She is an artist, entrepreneur, a super fit grandmother, and is the glue holding our family together. When I returned from a sabbatical to Southeast Asia in 2014 after a career as an engineer, I returned with an idea, “Dad, let’s make hard cider”. Yes, he thought I was crazy. Maybe I am. But why not? I had a vision. It all made sense. Our family had all of the pieces of a puzzle that just needed to be put together. Dad had grown and managed apple orchards for over 30 years plus he always dares to be different. He taught us kids to do the same. Mom & Dad had built successful tart cherry juice business they ran for years. My brother Rob has a long standing successful career in sales and my sister-in-law Melissa creatively juggled cooking, crafts, and being a mother of three. All of us were foodies and all of us were passionate about cider. We are farmers, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs. Cider was it. And so, Painted Turtle Hard Cider was born. The vision of Painted Turtle is this: Be creative. Move forward. Take chances. Live with no regret. Dare to Drink Different. The Painted Turtle is the Michigan state reptile, so it was fitting that this could represent our local handcrafted product. But also, Michigan Painted Turtles are….fearless; Kind of like our family. We move forward no matter what life deals us. This is how we want to live and how we want everyone to live. We hope you enjoy our Hard Cider. It was hand crafted in small batches exclusively by our family using only quality Michigan apples and ingredients. It was made simply in a classic English style using only the best local ingredients selected by us. It's fermented slowly for great flavor. However, be aware: it’s different, it’s unique, but trust me, you deserve to live on the edge. It very well may be something a little different than what’s out there and what you are used to; I admit that we just decided to design it that way. We know this will be the best hard cider you’ve ever had and we’re not afraid to say it. From our family to yours, go out on a limb, live creativity, be enchanted. Drink Painted Turtle and Dare to Drink Different. Tracy Loughlin Cider Maker, Painted Turtle Hard Cider