Ben Watson, 'Brother Apple,' Dies at 64 After Reviving U.S. Hard Cider Culture
Ben Watson, the cider expert known as 'Brother Apple,' has died at age 64 from uveal melanoma. A pivotal figure in the American craft-beverage movement, Watson authored 'Cider, Hard and Sweet' and spearheaded the rescue of the endangered Granite Beauty apple variety, helping transform cider from a niche drink into a mainstream craft beverage.