Far From The Tree

In the heart of the historic city of Salem, Massachusetts, lies a unique spot for craft beverage enthusiasts — Far From The Tree. It's not just a bar, but a full-fledged craft cidery and cozy tasting room where Old World traditions meet American innovation.

The establishment is housed in an atmospheric former slaughterhouse building spanning about 3,000 square feet. The interior harmoniously blends its industrial past with cozy details: for instance, the massive bar counter is crafted from reclaimed wood sourced from a 19th-century schoolhouse. This spot in the USA is famous for its commitment to authenticity and its rejection of overly sweet, mass-market cider varieties.

Far From The Tree. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main feature of Far From The Tree lies in its production approach. Here, they create high-quality cider, focusing on dry and complex flavor profiles characteristic of European regions. Visitors can not only sample rare varieties but also literally experience the process of cider making, being in close proximity to the fermentation area.

For those planning a visit to Far From The Tree, it's helpful to save the contact details in advance. This will help you easily find your way on-site or check for availability for a large group.

Below is the essential contact information and the exact address of the cidery in Salem.

The main reason to visit Far From The Tree is, undoubtedly, the tasting experience. Guests are invited to order signature flights, which allow you to try several types of cider at once — from classic dry varieties to experimental options. It’s a great way to find your perfect flavor before buying a full bottle or filling a growler (a glass jug).

Beyond the tasting, visitors often get a chance to peek into the adjacent "barrel room." This is where the magic of fermentation happens in over 100 repurposed bourbon barrels. Observing the rows of barrels allows you to better appreciate the scale and artisanal aesthetic of the production.

You can often meet the owners themselves — Denise and Al Snape — at the cidery. They are happy to share their knowledge about the differences between traditional European cider and its American counterparts. Such conversations turn a simple trip to the bar into a true educational adventure, where you'll learn a lot about cider culture and the history of local apples.

Far From The Tree is located at 108 Jackson Street, which is slightly away from the busiest tourist center but still within a comfortable walking distance. The city of Salem is located about 25 kilometers north of Boston, making it a popular destination for day trips.

If you are traveling by car, the cidery is easily accessible via I-95 or local Massachusetts state roads. Parking is usually available near the historic building. For those who prefer public transport, commuter trains (Commuter Rail) run from Boston, though it may take a short walk or a quick taxi ride to get from the station to Jackson Street.

Taxis and rideshare services are active in the city, so getting from any point in downtown Salem to the tasting room doors is easy. It is recommended to check a map before your trip to choose the most scenic route through the historic neighborhoods.

The story of Far From The Tree began with the passion of its founders, Denise and Al Snape, who originally worked in the wine business. In 2010, the couple moved to England, where Al studied enology and viticulture at Plumpton College. It was there that they discovered true European cider — dry, complex, and drastically different from the typical sweet American beverages.

Returning to the USA in 2013, the couple decided to bring their experience to life at home. They acquired a historic building on Jackson Street, which previously served as a slaughterhouse, and transformed it into a modern production space. The first batch of cider was released in 2014, quickly gaining popularity at regional farmers' markets.

Interestingly, the passion for cider has deep roots in the family: Al Snape can trace his ancestry back seven generations to the days of Colonial America. In that era, almost every family owned an apple orchard and produced cider themselves for personal consumption, so the current business is a sort of return to their roots.

Today, the cidery's tasting room is more than just a bar; it's a place with history. For example, the bar counter here is made of wood that was carefully reclaimed from a 19th-century schoolhouse building that once stood on Martha's Vineyard.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of Far From The Tree and sample their unique products, most visitors need about 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely enjoy a tasting flight and choose your favorite variety to take home.

If you plan to ask the staff in detail about the nuances of cider production or take a look at the barrel room, you should set aside a bit more time. A visit here is primarily about relaxed leisure, so there’s no need to rush, especially if you happen to catch one of the themed tasting sessions.

Since Far From The Tree is an artisanal production facility, the tasting room's hours are concentrated around the weekend. Typically, the establishment opens its doors to guests on Friday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. From Monday to Thursday, the hall is generally closed to the public.

The schedule may change depending on holidays or special events, so we strongly recommend checking for up-to-date information on the cidery's official website or their social media pages before your visit.

After tasting the signature drinks at Far From The Tree, it’s a great idea to continue exploring the city. The cidery's location makes it easy to reach many of Salem's iconic landmarks, combining gastronomic experiences with a cultural program.

Exploring the surrounding streets will help you get a deeper feel for the atmosphere of old New England. Below is a list of interesting sites located within walking distance or a few minutes' drive.