Episodes

  • 434: Elevating Cider with a Michelin-Starred Chef

    434: Elevating Cider with a Michelin-Starred Chef
    Nov 20 2024
    Exploring Cider’s Role in Fine Dining In this episode of Cider Chat, we sit down with Chef Ivan Vautier a Michelin-starred chef from Normandy, France, to discuss his approach to pairing cider with food and incorporating it into his dishes. Normandy, as a region is renowned for its cider, Calvados and Pommeau. As such it offers a unique perspective on how this traditional beverage is used in high-end cuisine. Ivan Vautier But does cider get the attention it deserves in fine dining? The answer might surprise you. While this Michelin Chef Vautier highlights some classic applications, like poaching foie gras in cider, the conversation reveals a deeper challenge: even in cider’s heartland, it appears that cider's potential remains under appreciated in haute cuisine. Key Takeaways from a Michelin-Starred Chef Traditional Uses of Cider: Chef Vautier shared his method for preparing foie gras terrine poached in cider, complemented by a semi-dry cider pairing. While a delightful tradition, it underscores the entrenched view of cider as a regional staple rather than an innovative culinary element.Critique of Heavy Cuisine: He addressed the overuse of cream in Normandy dishes, advocating for lighter preparations that let cider’s acidity and flavor shine—a refreshing perspective for modern palates.Missed Opportunities: The chef noted that cider could rival champagne as an aperitif. To create this new vision for cider, Chefs both in France and world wide must be called upon to rev up a sense of enthusiasm and vision to champion this transformation. Cod and Dupont Cidre pairing A Call to Action for the Cider Community This episode highlights the need for cider enthusiasts and producers to work together to elevate cider's status in fine dining. Here are some ideas discussed: Cider Education for Chefs: Host tastings and workshops to showcase cider's complexity and versatility, inspiring chefs to integrate it more deeply into their menus.Collaborative Menus: Develop cider-focused tasting menus and co-create signature ciders tailored for specific cuisines.Inspiring Innovation: Highlight cider's potential as a lighter, fresher alternative to traditional ingredients like cream or wine in sauces and reductions.Elevating Cider’s Image: Serve cider in elegant glassware and market it as a sophisticated aperitif to attract fine dining audiences.Engaging the Culinary World: Partner with culinary schools, host cider-focused food festivals, and celebrate chefs who innovate with cider through awards and recognition. Dessert at Ivan Vautier Why This Matters Cider is more than just a beverage—it’s a bridge between tradition and innovation. This episode sheds light on the barriers holding cider back in fine dining and offers actionable steps to move forward. By working together, producers and enthusiasts can inspire chefs to see cider not just as a drink, but as a transformative ingredient worthy of the world’s finest tables. Cider Dinner at Ivan Vautier Contact info for Ivan Vautier Website: https://www.ivanvautier.com/en/Address: 3 Av. Henry Chéron, 14000 Caen, France Subscribe and Share Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss more conversations like this! Subscribe to Cider Chat on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with friends who love cider and fine dining. Support Cider Chat: Your support helps keep these conversations flowing! Visit CiderChat.com to learn how you can help. Mentions in this Cider Chat CiderCon2025 Promo Code - Once you get to the registration form, towards the end of the first page you'll reach a section in the form that says "additional registration information" and there is a question: If you have a coupon, please enter code here (case-sensitive): CiderChat#xpromoteCider - Tips of the glass to the following brands! Do follow them on instagram! @prairiebearsciderco - Alberta Canada@anchgergely of Abilaget Garden Projects@santacruzciderco - California #ciderGoingUP campaign page
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    53 mins
  • 433: The Ultimate Cider Pairing Guide for Thanksgiving

    433: The Ultimate Cider Pairing Guide for Thanksgiving
    Nov 13 2024
    Why Pair Cider with Thanksgiving Dinner? Cider is a fantastic beverage for Thanksgiving, with a range of flavors to suit savory, sweet, and spicy dishes. It’s an ideal alternative to wine or beer, bringing a refreshing acidity and fruit-forward profile that lifts and enhances Thanksgiving flavors. From crisp dry ciders to dessert-ready ice ciders, there’s a pairing for everyone at your table. Start Thanksgiving with a Cider Aperitif Opening your Thanksgiving celebration with a light cider aperitif or cocktail helps set a festive mood. Here are a few ideas to get started: Lisa Laird CranJack Cocktail 1 1/2 oz. Laird’s Straight Applejack 4 oz. Club soda Cranberry juice Slice of lime Classic Sparkling Cider: A crisp, dry sparkling cider in a champagne flute makes a refreshing, light aperitif. Apple-Ginger Cider Mocktail: Mix sparkling cider with ginger juice and garnish with apple slices for a warming, spiced start to the meal. Main Course: Turkey and Vegetarian Pairings Whether your main course is turkey or a vegetarian option, cider brings out the best in savory herbs and seasonings. Here are a few pairing suggestions For Turkey Lovers Herb-Roasted Turkey with Rosemary and Sage Pair with: Dry, crisp cider from the Finger Lakes or Vermont. Why It Works: The dry cider’s acidity complements the turkey’s rich, savory herbs, offering a light and refreshing contrast to the meat’s natural flavors. Recommended Ciders Alma Cider - Dry (Washington) (500 mL) 6.2% Cockrell Cider - 1783 (Washington) (750 mL) 6.9% Farnum Hill Extra Dry Cider (New Hampshire) 750 mL 7.5% Smoked Turkey Pair with: Barrel-aged cider from California or New York. Why It Works: Aged ciders with a smoky, woody profile enhance the bold, smoky flavor of the turkey, creating a complex and satisfying pairing. Recommended Ciders Bent Ladder Black Gold (Ohio) (750 mL) 8.7% Esso Terra Ciderworks Halcyon (Colorado) (750 mL) 7.6% Presque Isle Farm 2021 Single Barrel: Esopus Spitzenburg (Michigan) (750 mL) 10% For Vegetarian Main Dishes Mushroom Wellington or Stuffed Acorn Squash Pair with: Semi-dry cider from Oregon or Washington. Why It Works: The earthy, umami notes in mushrooms or squash pair beautifully with a semi-dry cider, amplifying the savory herbs in these dishes. Recommended Ciders: Gypsy Circus Cider/ Queen of Swords (Tennessee) (16 Ounce cans) 6% unfiltered medium bodied cider Gypsy Circus 2024 Raindancer (16 Ounce cans) 6% 100% locally sourced Semi dry ciders can be found in every liquor store that sells cider in the US - buy local and enjoy! Side Dish Pairings for Classic Thanksgiving Sides Thanksgiving sides are often seasoned with spices like sage, thyme, and cinnamon. Here’s how cider can enhance these traditional flavors: Savory Stuffing with Sage and Thyme Pair with: Semi-dry cider with herbal notes. Why It Works: A semi-dry cider’s acidity cuts through the richness of stuffing, while herbal undertones bring out the dish’s earthy flavors. Recommended Ciders: Snowdrift Cider - Red Cider 2023 (500 mL) (Colorado) 7.5% A beautiful deep rosé color courtesy of the redfleshed apples Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Pair with: Crisp, dry cider. Why It Works: A dry cider’s refreshing acidity balances the creamy, dense texture of mashed potatoes and gravy. Recommended Ciders: Botanist and Barrel 2022 Less is More Wild Ferment Pétillant Naturel (375ml) & (750 mL) Fermented from wild yeast on the apple skins using the Pétillant Naturel technique, subtle minerality, honey notes and racy acidity Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze Pair with: High-acidity, dry cider. Why It Works: The cider’s crispness contrasts with the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts and enhances the sweetness of the balsamic glaze. Recommended Ciders: Greenbench Webb City's Cellar Northern Spy (Florida) - 6.2% Northern Spy apples fermented dry create this crisp, tart cider. Sweet Potato Casserole with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Pair with: Sweet, spiced cider. Why It Works: Sweeter ciders with notes of cinnamon or nutmeg pick up on the spices in sweet potatoes, adding a warm, cozy feel to the meal. Recommended Ciders: Botanist and Barrel: Scarlet (North Carolina) (750 mL) & (375 mL) 6.9% - Spiced Winter Rose Cider, made with orange peel, cinnamon, star anise, allspice, cloves, dried ginger, nutmeg. Thanksgiving Dessert: Sweet Cider Pairings Finish off your Thanksgiving feast with dessert ciders that enhance the sweet, spiced flavors of classic holiday pies and treats. Pumpkin Pie Pair with: Ice cider from Vermont or New York. Why It Works: Ice cider’s concentrated apple sweetness and acidity balance the spiced pumpkin filling, creating a luxurious, indulgent pairing. Recommended Ciders: Eden Specialty Ciders Heirloom Blend (Vermont) (375 mL) 10% 15 heirloom apple varieties Cider Hill Cellars (Massachusetts) – Winter 12.5% an ...
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    58 mins
  • 432: Ancha Gergely’s Abaliget Garden Projects | Hungarian Cider Maker

    432: Ancha Gergely’s Abaliget Garden Projects | Hungarian Cider Maker
    Nov 6 2024
    Bringing Cider to Hungary: The Story of Abaliget Garden Projects

    In this episode of Cider Chat, we learn about the southwest Hungary, where Ancha Gergely is building Abaliget Garden Projects, her small-scale cidery focused on Hungarian apples, pears, and centuries-old varieties. Ancha’s journey began in England, where she developed a love for cider. For Hungary it appears that there is little known about cider or cider making, prompting her to craft her own.

    Ancha Gergely

    With a deep passion for apples and heritage varieties, Ancha started her orchard in 2018 by grafting local and English varieties onto Hungarian rootstock. Her husband’s contribution of English cider apple graft wood expanded the orchard significantly, leading to her current collection of 600 apple and pear varieties.

    Ciders at Abaliget Orchard Projects

    Ancha crafts unique Hungarian ciders that highlight the region’s apple diversity. Some of her featured ciders include:

    • Fishti – A smoky cider aged in a Speyside whiskey barrel, offering mellow whiskey notes balanced with local apples.
    • Birs is the Hungarian work for Quince – This is a 100% quince cider with a delicate sweetness
    Abaliget Garden’s Quince Cider Back label of Birs – Quince Apple Varieties at Abaliget Garden

    Abaliget Garden includes a mix of English, Hungarian, and other European varieties. Here are a few notable apples in her collection:

    • Kanizsai – A classic Hungarian apple with a sweet profile
    • Húsvéti Rozmaring – Known for its rosemary scent, this apple can keep until Easter
    • Various Perry Pears – 20 different types from the UK, bringing unique flavor profiles for perry production
    Cider Making Techniques at Abaliget

    Ancha’s approach to cider-making combines traditional fermentation methods with her unique orchard composition, balancing Hungarian and English influences. In addition to cider, her nursery serves as a source for new Hungarian cider makers, offering heritage and cider-specific apple trees.

    Contact Info for Abaliget Garden Projects
    • Website: Abaliget Garden Projects via Facebook
    Mentions in the Cider Chat
    • Totally Cider Tours
    • EsoTerra Ciderworks – Arboretum Initiative
    • Cider Explorer review of Abaliget Garden Projects ciders and perry
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    57 mins
  • 431: Domaine Johanna Cécillon's Elegant Ciders | Brittany FR

    431: Domaine Johanna Cécillon's Elegant Ciders | Brittany FR
    Oct 30 2024

    Discovering Domaine Johanna Cécillon: A Journey of Cider, Heritage, and Terroir

    Johanna Cécillon and her husband, Louis Cécillon, have deep ties in the world of fermented drinks, and are now merging their wine heritage with cider-making in Brittany. Domaine Johanna Cécillon, near Dinan, honors family tradition and innovation through biodynamic farming methods. Established on family land from the 1800s, Johanna brings a refined approach to cider, embracing natural processes that reflect the land’s unique terroir.

    Louis and Johanna Cécillon

    Biodynamic Practices and Natural Fermentation

    At Domaine Johanna Cécillon, the orchard is certified biodynamic, preserving the ecosystem and producing exceptional quality fruit. Johanna practices natural fermentation, using no added yeasts or sulfites to allow the true flavor of each apple variety to shine. A dedication to biodynamics reflects Johanna’s commitment to safe farming practices for the entire ecosystem - people, animals, plants and the environment.

    The Ciders of Domaine Johanna Cécillon

    • Poiré – 5% A delicate pear cider, or "poiré," that combines subtle tannins with a soft, dry finish. Aged for two years, it boasts a complex minerality, capturing the terroir of Brittany with every sip.
    • Divona – 5% This cider is crafted from acid-forward apples, bringing a refreshing minerality and gentle sweetness. With a very low bitterness, Divona offers a light and dry profile that balances softness with crisp fruit notes.
    • Toutatis– 7% Aged in Saint Joseph wine barrels, Tutatis is an innovative cider with rich oak flavors that enhance its complexity. This cider features subtle hints of white wine, bringing an added layer of depth and sophistication to the apple-forward character.
    • Taranis – 8% Taranis is a blend of perry and cider and aged in Syrah barrels, offering an amber hue and distinctive, refined tannins.
    • Nerios – 5% Nerios is a tribute to the traditional cider-making heritage of Brittany. Made from heritage apple varieties, it has a robust tannic profile, warm amber color, and offers a classic, rustic flavor with layers of depth and a lingering finish.

    Contact Info for Domaine Johanna Cécillon

    Domaine Johanna Cécillon welcomes visitors by appointment to experience the ciders firsthand and enjoy a tranquil orchard tour. Purchase is available on-site, or find their ciders internationally.

    • Website: Domaine Johanna Cécillon

    Mentions in this Cider Chat

    • Totally Cider Tours
    • Support Cider Chat via Patreon on your web browser
    • 408: Cider’s Pomological Life Coach | Know Your Roots, NY - Mike Biltonen on Biodynamic Orchard Care
    • 123: The Poiré Fermier - The Perry Farmer
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    1 hr
  • 430: Blending Cider Tradition with Modernity: Cidrerie Manoir du Val

    430: Blending Cider Tradition with Modernity: Cidrerie Manoir du Val
    Oct 23 2024
    Innovation at Cidrerie Manoir du Val: Blending Tradition and Modernity Located in Normandy’s Pays de Risle, Cidrerie Manoir du Val and with maker Marie Bourut at the helm s crafting innovative ciders with a nod to tradition. With Marie’s husband Thomas Courtoux., this couple has transformed a historic orchard. From pioneering the production of Blanc Cider (white cider) to fermenting with Sorbus Domestica via the distinctive La Cormé Cidre, the duo’s approach is reshaping the way we think about Normandy cider. In this Cider Chat Arnould Nazarian helped connect Cider Chat with Marie and was on hand during this interview and helping with the translation. Arnould’s hobby is both finding Sorbus Domestica trees and sharing his affection for this magical fruit. Listen to his two Cider Chat’s Episode 219 Sorbs Not SulfitesEpisode 220 Can Sorbus Domestica Save the World Innovations in Cider-Making at Manoir du Val One of the standout ferments at Cidrerie Manoir du Val is the development of La Cormé Cidre, a cider made with the unique Sorbus Domestica tree. This rare fruit imparts a complexity and depth of flavor that sets it apart from more traditional apple-based ciders. Marie and her husband have also crafted Blanc Cidre, a white cider made by halting the oxidation process to create a fresh, clear cider that pairs perfectly with seafood and light dishes. La Corme Cidre More Innovation! To support the orchard’s demanding harvest, Marie’s husband, Thomas, designed and built a custom machine called the Delorian. This tricked out tractor picks up apples from the ground, dramatically speeding up the harvesting process and reducing the need for manual labor. The Ciders of Cidrerie Manoir du Val Pink Cider (Rosé) – Made from red-fleshed apples like La Rouge du Val, this vibrant cider is a sweet, fruit-forward offering with a stunning hue.La Cormé Cider – This unique cider is made with a blend of apples, pears, and the rare Sorbus Domestica fruit, bringing a balance of tartness and complexity. Note: Arnould and his mother Charlotte pick all the Sorbs used Ciderie Manoir du Val.Blanc Cider – A white cider that stands out for its clarity and crispness, perfect for pairing with seafood. The lack of oxidation during pressing keeps the cider fresh and bright- hear how this is done in the episode.There is also Calvados, Pommeau, Fresh Pressed Apple Juice and Poiré Apple Varieties at Manoir du Val Cidrerie Manoir du Val’s ciders are made from a carefully selected range of apple varieties, each chosen for its unique contribution to the cider-making process. Some of the key varieties include: La Rouge du Val (Red-fleshed apple) – name after the estateLa Petit Jaune (Acidic variety)Chlorono (Sweet variety)Doux Vérets de Carrouges (Sweet variety)Benit Rouge & Douce Moen (Bitter Sweet) Fréquin Rouge & Marie Menard (Bitter variety) The Delorian – apple picker upper Where to Find Cidrerie Manoir du Val Ciders Cidrerie Manoir du Val products are sold both at their farm store and in various locations throughout the Paris region, including: Chateau d’HarcourtLes Ferme de Gally If you’re ever in Normandy, visiting the cidery is a must — not only for the ciders but also for a closer look at their innovative approach to cider-making. Contact for Cidrerie Manoir du Val Website: https://www.manoirduval.fr/Address: EARL Courtoux Bourut, 960 Route du Val, Saint Aubin Le Guichard. 27410 Mesnil-en-ouche Stay Updated with Cider Chat To learn more about innovative cider makers like Marie Bourut and stay informed on the latest episodes of Cider Chat, subscribe to the podcast and the Cider Chat YouTube channel. By subscribing, you’ll be notified of upcoming episodes that focus on cider-making, so you won’t miss any of the exciting stories from the world of cider.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 429: Cider Tour Recap France 2024

    429: Cider Tour Recap France 2024
    Oct 16 2024
    Find Highlights & Tips in This French Cider Tour Recap!

    The 2024 cider tour to Paris, Normandy, Brittany and Domfrontais was an absolute success! With guest from the United States, Canada and Hungary the makers in France did a knock out job introducing everyone to the tastes, sights, sounds and people in the region.

    This tour is curated and led by Ria Windcaller, the producer and host of Cider Chat

    Hear from the guests on the tour and they share their personal highlights, insights and experiences along the cider trail.

    Blending Cider with Epic Experiences!

    This seven night tour began in Paris, with a meet up at a cider bar and then out to Normandy on the Route du Cidre.

    The cider tour table has a place for you!

    Evening meals where paired with cider and there was both a Michelin Star Dinner with special guest Etienne Dupont and Mathieu Chevrier of Domaine Dupont. Later this same week, a cider dinner with special guest Eric Bordelet end the week perfectly! Agathe Letellier of Manoir d”Apreval joined the tour group this night and treated us all to a late night talk in the living room of the hotel!

    Epic Sights for This Cider Tour Recap

    Cider plays the lead role in this journey, but for this cider tour recap UNESCO World Heritage sights also played a big role.

    Hear from the guest as they mention some of their favorite tour sight seeing stops on this cider tour.

    Be Part of the Next Cider Tour Recap

    We certainly hope that you too will want to join us on the next Totally Cider Tour! Get on the Wait List to be the first to know when the next cider tour is rolling out and about to Ciderville!

    Send an email to info@ciderchat.com and put in the subject heading Cider Tour and we will you add you to eCiderNews list to receive early-to-know-notifications!

    Mentions in this Cider Chat
    • Totally Cider Tours
    • How to say Cheers in Hungary “Egészségére”
    • A Hungarian Apple variety called Kanizsai
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    57 mins
  • 428: Winchester Ciderworks: English Inspiration and Virginia Apples

    428: Winchester Ciderworks: English Inspiration and Virginia Apples
    Oct 9 2024
    From Suffolk to Virginia: Stephen Schuurman’s Cider Journey

    In Episode 428 of Cider Chat, we meet Stephen Schuurman, owner and cider maker at Winchester Ciderworks in Winchester, Virginia. Originally from Suffolk, England, Stephen has brought his deep love of English cider to the northern portion of the Shenandoah Valley. What started as a passion project has grown into a successful business, blending English cider-making techniques with Virginia-grown apples.

    Ciders tasted in this Episode

    At Winchester Ciderworks, the focus is on producing hard ciders that are not overly sweet nor dry ciders. Expect a wide range of cider offerings and the option for a tasting flight at the Ciderhouse or go directly to the flagship cider, Malice.

    Malice is a classic, off-dry cider with a clean, crisp finish and just the right amount of residual sugar. Made with a blend of Virginia apples. At 6.5% ABV, it’s sessionable and easy-drinking — perfect for enjoying with friends or pairing with a meal.

    522, a cider infused with black currant. Named after the road where Winchester Ciderworks was originally located, this cider blends the tartness of black currants with the brightness of local Virginia apples. At 5.9% ABV

    Support Cider Chat and Keep the Stories Flowing

    If you’re a fan of learning about the stories behind great cider makers like Stephen Schuurman, consider supporting Cider Chat. Your donations help keep the podcast on the air, allowing us to continue sharing stories from the world of cider. To help us continue to bring you these amazing episodes, hit the donate button at CiderChat.com.

    Contact for Winchester Ciderworks and Ciderhouse
    • Website: https://winchesterciderworks.com/
    Mentions in this Cider Chat
    • Totally Cider Tours
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    45 mins
  • 427: Under 30 Startup Ingenuity | Heartland Cideworks, OR

    427: Under 30 Startup Ingenuity | Heartland Cideworks, OR
    Oct 2 2024
    Collaboration Meets Ingenuity at Heartland Ciderworks This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship and craft cider-making. In Episode 427 of Cider Chat, Eliseo Bell-Uribe shares his story as a young entrepreneur and how and why he founded Heartland Ciderworks. Practical Advice for Cider Startups: Learning to Collaborate Starting a cidery from scratch is no easy task. The Eliseo shares practical advice on how to navigate the hurdles of zoning issues, sourcing equipment, and finding the right partnerships. By collaborating with a local winery, Heartland was able to sidestep some of the common challenges faced by new cideries, such as acquiring expensive equipment and navigating complex regulations. For budding cider makers, this episode offers a blueprint for how to creatively solve problems and make the most of available resources. Whether it’s building your own bottling setup or finding a winery willing to do custom crush, the key takeaway is to stay flexible and open to collaboration. A Closer Look at Heartland’s Ciders Heartland Ciderworks may be a young company, but their lineup of ciders is anything but ordinary. Here’s a quick look at the ciders discussed in the episode: Avalon Description: Heartland’s flagship cider that combines Foxwhelp, Golden Russet, Yarlington Mill, and Dabinett apples.ABV: 7.7%Notes: Features a beautiful orange hue with a balance of tannins and acidity. Little Apple Description: A low-alcohol cider kin made with rehydrated pomace and back-sweetened with Golden Russet and Foxwhelp.ABV: 3.65%Notes: Easy-drinking with a light and refreshing profile. Cooper Description: A bourbon barrel-aged cider made primarily from Sweet Alford apples.ABV: 6.4%Notes: Rich with subtle bourbon notes, this cider is a limited-edition favorite, but more Cooper is in the cue! Heart of the Valley Description: A community-foraged cider made with apples gathered from the Salem area, benefiting the local Boys and Girls Club.ABV: 5.75%Notes: A modern cider with a sweeter profile and a beautiful can design. Olive Branch Description: A Newtown Pippin cider aged on olive leaves, offering a unique bitterness similar to hops.Notes: A one-of-a-kind cider with complex aromas and a distinctive flavor profile. Rosé Cider (Upcoming Release) Description: A co-ferment of red-fleshed apples with Pinot Noir grape skins, lightly oaked for added tannin. Contact for Heartland Ciderworks Website: https://heartlandcw.editorx.io/hlcwIn the US – Buy Heartland ciders online at Press Then Press Support Cider Chat Enjoying the stories brought to you by Cider Chat? Help keep these stories rolling out by supporting the podcast by becoming a patron. Your support helps keep the podcast on the air, allowing us to continue bringing you inspiring stories like this one. Mentions in this Cider Chat Totally Cider ToursCider Institute of North America
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    54 mins