One of Duluth Cider’s newest and most popular flavors, Stardust, was created by an employee with autism and benefits an organization called MNeurodivergent.

“We focus on helping increase the socialization and connectivity of adults with neurodivergency. So that includes autism, borderline disorder, Prader-Willi Syndrome, and mood affective disorders,” MNeurodivergent board member Ashlie Castaldo said.

They create opportunities for neurodivergent adults to connect and feel safe and comfortable. Castaldo made the connection between Duluth Cider and MNeurodivergent, and the autistic employee came up with names and flavors. He and the production crew landed on a lemon-lavender cider called Stardust.

“It’s so validating, but it’s also really uplifting for me personally,” Castaldo said. “I am an autistic individual as well. It’s wonderful that not only did a business view them as being trustworthy to kind of be an economic developer and kind of give back to their business and show that they can have a great idea that sells, but I think it’s so incredible to see that the community is supporting it and sees that it’s a quality product.”

Taproom Manager Tara Norstegard has been personally working with the employee who created the cider for over a year.

“He was always very curious about what was going on in production. And our production staff was fantastic. They brought him right in and kind of showed him how everything worked,” she said. “They were putting him on the canning line for big shipment days. And so that’s really where he thrives.”

Stardust is available on tap at Duluth Cider and to-go in crowlers and growlers.