If you’re over 21 and have recently visited downtown, you may have noticed more places to have a drink. No matter what your passion is; a mixed drink, a glass of wine or a nice cold draft beer, there are options to quench your thirst.

With a variety of places in Morgan Hill to choose from to spend your night out, there is one more option to add to your drink menu. Hard Cider. This tasty alternative has slowly made its way to becoming a desirable option. If you’re like me who has often chosen it as her drink choice, you may have tried her ciders. 

TenFiveOneCider is the product of Laura Bertoldi and her husband who started the company 4 years ago. At the time, the two were doing a weight loss program at their gym. They were searching for an alternative to alcohol; specifically something that was sugar-free, low-carb and gluten free. They started drinking hard cider that they found on the shelf in stores and realized most of them were full of sugar. 

One of the things they liked to do together during their free time was make beer. So they turned to each other and expressed, “let’s try to make cider.” The two bought some apple juice and some yeast and a couple of weeks later, had their own cider. 

After realizing what they made was “good,” the two headed for the store and began gathering supplies which included 25 to 30 different kinds of apple juice and different kinds of yeast. With the the one gallon jugs they had around the house, the two went to work. Like most beginners, they experimented with what they had. They tried different combinations, some they liked and some they didn’t. And according to Laura, “That’s kind of how we started.” Laura’s husband started to tell everyone that they were going to start up a hard cider company. So she said, “well I’m quitting my job if we’re going to do this.” And she did.

Experimenting is one thing. In order to start a business and to create a product that consumers want, it is essential to go to school and educate yourself with the ins and outs of the product and the business. That is exactly what Laura did. She went to cider school up at Oregon State University where she learned the insides of the cider industry, the makings of cider and what goes in to starting a business. 

With that knowledge, and using the shed in their backyard, the company took shape.

So let’s get down to some facts. 

What is TenFiveOneCider?

The name, TenFiveOne comes from a police code, which means an intoxicated person. Laura’s husband is a former police officer, and currently works in public safety. The name, she says is a tribute. 

Why hard cider?

Hard Cider is the number one growing industry in the craft beverage business. Just like its alcohol neighbor, beer, cider offers a wide range of options. Whether you are in the mood for light, dry, sweet or plain, cider comes in all shapes and sizes. In addition, no one is really doing it here. Morgan Hill has breweries and wineries but nothing coming close to hard cider. 

What makes TenFiveOneCider unique?

When it comes to cider, or most beverages, it all comes down to the unique way each one is made. Getting that unique taste can make or break your drink. With TenFiveOneCider, “We use better higher quality ingredients." Laura says, "We use fresh pressed not from concentrate juice in our cider. We also use a liquid yeast which adds a better flavor to the cider.” In addition, TenFiveOneCider only uses natural ingredients. According to Laura; they "don’t use preservatives, or additives...we don’t add water, or add additional sugar once the fermentation is finished.”

Future Goal?

Down the line, Laura plans to open up a tasting room and hopes that their cider is acquired by a larger beverage company. Which would mean more chances and more access to find and enjoy TenFiveOneCider.

In Morgan Hill, you can find TenFiveOneCider on menus at Craft Roots, Running Shop and Hops and Rosy’s At The Beach. There are several different types of ciders that are available. An assortment of flavors including the company’s most popular and consistent best seller; pineapple . The company also provides seasonal flavors like cinnamon.  

Why Morgan Hill?

The answer is simple. The Bertoldi’s have been residents of Morgan Hill for a long time and love the community. To them, “it is a great town” and a great fit for their cider.