Gold Medal Excellence: Imperial Paddy Blueberry Wins Big

Blue Toad’s Imperial Paddy Blueberry hard cider won Gold at the 2025 Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) for Specialty Dry Cider, adding to their growing collection of international recognition. This exceptional specialty cider represents Blue Toad’s innovative approach to traditional cider making, proving that creativity and craftsmanship go hand in hand.

What makes this achievement even more meaningful is Blue Toad’s commitment to local sourcing and innovation. Their Virginia hard ciders are crafted from apples grown in Nelson County, just across the mountain from their cidery, offering the distinct flavor of mountain-grown fruit in every crisp, refreshing sip. When you taste Imperial Paddy Blueberry during your Nelson 151 adventure, you’re experiencing Gold medal quality that truly captures the essence of our Blue Ridge terroir. The 16oz cans are available at their taproom now, so you can take home this award-winning taste of Nelson County.

More Than Cider: Nelson County’s Premiere Rodeo Experience

But Blue Toad’s impact on our community extends far beyond their exceptional ciders. The Rockfish River Rodeo has become Nelson County’s premiere rodeo experience, featuring professional cowboys, raging bulls, barrel racing, mutton busting, bucking broncos and more! Their most recent Spring Edition on May 31st proved once again why this event has become a cornerstone of Nelson County’s entertainment calendar.

“#WeKnowHowToRodeo” isn’t just a hashtag for Blue Toad – it’s a promise. Their team continues to improve the Rodeo Experience for all guests, welcoming folks back to the farm for a one-of-a-kind rodeo in the heart of Nelson County. The attention to detail is evident in everything from VIP experiences to traffic flow management, ensuring every visitor can focus on the excitement of authentic rodeo action.

The Perfect Blue Ridge Combination

What we love most about Blue Toad’s approach is how seamlessly they blend award-winning craft beverages with genuine mountain adventure. The Cider Farm opens early for craft ciders, local beers, and good eats, with live music at the Cider Hall setting the perfect atmosphere before rodeo action begins. This combination of quality craft beverages and authentic entertainment perfectly captures the Nelson 151 spirit.

At Blue Toad Hard Cider, they offer award-winning craft cider from farm to can, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their brewery and taproom are dedicated to producing naturally delicious dry hard ciders made exclusively from locally sourced apples. Every sip tells the story of local agriculture and mountain craftsmanship that makes our trail special.

Community at the Heart of Everything

As your authentic guides to Nelson 151, we’re consistently impressed by how Blue Toad creates genuine community connections. Their brewery and taproom is more than just a place to enjoy amazing cider; it is a hub for community gatherings. From live music and holiday celebrations to fall festivals and rodeos, they are dedicated to hosting vibrant local events that bring everyone together in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

This commitment to community building reflects the values that make Nelson 151 producers true partners rather than just individual businesses. When Blue Toad limits their rodeo ticket sales to ensure efficient traffic flow and optimal experiences for all guests, they’re demonstrating the kind of thoughtful hospitality that makes our trail a destination people eagerly return to.

Experience the Award-Winning Difference

The next time you visit Blue Toad during your Nelson 151 adventure, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship in every sip of their internationally recognized ciders. Their Paddy Green is described as “A Very Clean and Crisp Cider fermented with 100% Nelson County, Virginia Granny Smith Apples grown on the Blue Ridge Mountains. Clean & Refreshing with a Tart Finish.”

Whether you’re enjoying their award-winning ciders on a quiet afternoon with Blue Ridge Mountain views or experiencing the excitement of their Rockfish River Rodeo, you’re supporting a business that understands what authentic mountain hospitality means. Blue Toad proves that excellence in craft beverages and excellence in community entertainment go hand in hand.

Visit Blue Toad and Taste the Adventure

Blue Toad Hard Cider operates their cidery and event barn along Nelson 151, offering 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, access to the Rockfish River, and their beautiful Cider Hall. When you visit, you’ll experience not just internationally award-winning ciders, but the warm hospitality of a business that truly knows how to blend craft excellence with authentic mountain adventure. Ask for Creampuff, tell him Maureen sent you.

Ready to taste award-winning cider and experience Nelson County’s best rodeo? Visit nelson151.com to plan your Blue Toad adventure and discover why their combination of Silver medal ciders and world-class entertainment makes them an essential stop on Virginia’s most awarded craft beverage trail.

Because great adventures taste even better when they come with Gold medal quality.