About the Ciderhouse

The West End Ciderhouse began, as many dreams do, in long conversations over tall drinks.

On the porch of a farmhouse in Meigs County, Ohio, Fifth Element Distillery owner Kelly Sauber and his partner Deanna Schwartz began to imagine a bar: a place where they could not only showcase their talents in the crafting of spirits but also share and spread their passion for hard cider.

With a simple mission: to ferment traditional, farmhouse-style ciders from Ohio apples and to share them with their friends and neighbors, the two set out on their journey.

In 2013 they began renovations on the historic West End Tavern, which had been empty for several years.

With a painstaking eye for detail, they were able to restore the brick patio, the main bar (originally a 1900s post office counter from Pageville Ohio,) the ornately carved back bar, and even the exposed brick walls of the century-old building.

When the doors first opened in May of 2014, the diligence and care of the design were evident in every detail of the bar and patios, where customers lounge in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

With a handpicked staff of experienced bartenders, they began creating Athens’s first cocktail-centered bar menu, with a focus on highlighting Sauber’s impressive line of spirits and ciders. Through constant research and education, the Ciderhouse staff continues to innovate and impact the Ohio craft cocktail scene in their own unique way today.

In 2018 a new facility was purchased, just across the street from the bar. Renovations are currently underway and in 2019 we will unveil our newest venture, West End Ciderworks & Distillery, where customers will be able to tour our production facility, taste exclusive products, and purchase bottles directly from the producer.

We are taking our time, because we believe in slow, sustainable growth. We look forward to playing a larger positive role in the Appalachian community while continuing to support local and regional farmers.