Duluth Cider Puts Inclusivity On-Tap With New Stardust Cider

DULUTH, Minn. — When it comes to working as a team, it’s crucial to take into account every staff member. Duluth Cider puts their best foot forward on being inclusive and the story of this new brew, is no exception. It all started when a team member on the autism spectrum wanted to be more involved with the company.

“It just made sense,” said Owner Jake Scott. “It was a very natural kind of next step for him to start helping more in the tap room. Helping out in the canning line now and then. It was kind of the natural next step. One day, he came in and said ‘I have some cider ideas.’ And we’re like, ‘Okay, we’re all ears!’ There’s a great recipe that we could do that would be lavender and lemon. And he said, I’ve even got a name for it, which is stardust.”

In addition a company with a mission of social and support systems for individuals on the spectrum pitched in as well. Minnesota Neurodivergent is a company that has four different locations around the state. They are known for getting their message of support out there as much as they can. Initially, these guys were reached out to by Duluth Cider.

“They were looking for an autism based organization to partner with because they had this incredible product coming out,” said Ashley Castaldo, a board director for Minnesota Neurodivergent. “And they asked for my advice. Luckily, I work for a charity that specializes in it.”

Giving employees the ability to wear different hats in a company can be far more beneficial than you may initially think.

“When you see products like stardust, you’re getting to see an individual kind of giving back in a certain way,” said Castaldo. “And showing they have value in a company.”

Duluth Cider isn’t alone. MNeurodivergent has helped out over 8,000 people since they began in 2021. For Duluth Cider, it’s about being a comfortable environment for people to grow in independence, all while having acceptance towards one another.

“I have worked closely with him (the employee) since he started here,” said Taproom Manager Tera Norstegard. “And to be able to watch someone like him really, oh my god, I’m gonna cry. Just come up with, and have so much autonomy in his job, is just fantastic.”

That being said, his hard work has paid off. Recently, Stardust has been one of the quickest selling batches of cider they’ve seen. When life gives you lemons, you could just come out with a lemon lavender cider.

All proceeds from the Stardust cider will benefit Minnesota Neurodivergent. Stardust will be available for a limited time.