Derek Luke (JD ’19) has transformed his longtime passion for homebrewing into a thriving new business venture. Teaming up with fellow homebrewer and cider enthusiast James Bucki, Luke co-founded Voyager Cider, Pittsburgh's newest hard cider company dedicated to producing exceptional beverages using locally sourced heritage apples.
The journey began in 2021 when Luke and Bucki partnered with local orchards to create ciders that emphasize the complexity and character of the apples. Their approach mirrors winemaking, focusing on producing dry ciders with layered flavors and a refined finish.
"We believed Pittsburgh was thirsty for a carefully crafted cider with a more adventurous taste," says Luke, adding, "Bringing this project to fruition has been its own adventure for us."
Luke and his team spent 2022 and 2023 building their production facility, navigating local, state, and federal regulations to secure the necessary permits and licenses, and starting their first commercial batches of hard cider. Their efforts culminated in releasing Voyager’s first round of products in January 2024, quickly gaining traction among cider enthusiasts.
"My law degree taught me how to think more critically and anticipate challenges before they arise. It has also allowed me to have more confidence in my abilities. That has been invaluable in managing the risks associated with building a business from the ground up," Luke said.
Voyager Cider’s distinctive dry ciders are now reaching a broader audience thanks to a retail partnership with Coen Markets across the Pittsburgh region. Luke and Bucki often serve their ciders from Luke's restored 1977 VW Bus, a signature feature at pop-up events, to complement their retail presence. The vintage vehicle’s charm reflects the company’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation. Over the past year, Voyager Cider has expanded its availability to several prominent Pittsburgh establishments, including Iron Born Pizza, De Fer Coffee and Cocktails, Lilith, and Beer Town locations in Dormont and Greenfield.
"Pitt Law isn’t just where I earned my degree—it’s also part of my family’s story. My wife, father-in-law, and mother-in-law all graduated from Pitt Law. Their support and shared understanding of what it means to approach problems with a legal mindset have been key to building this business." Luke's Pitt Law family members are, respectively, Mariah McGrogan (JD ’14), Daniel McGrogan (JD '80), and Jo Ann Haller (JD '80).
Voyager Cider’s success underscores the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders. They blended expertise, creativity, community collaboration, and business savvy to bring a distinctive product. As the company grows, Luke and Bucki remain committed to crafting exceptional cider and fostering connections within the Pittsburgh region.
You can find Voyager Ciders at select Coen Markets in the Greater Pittsburgh area, as well as on tap and by-the-can at a variety of local locations. You can also follow Voyager Cider on Instagram @voyager.cider and visit voyagercider.com for details on ciders, upcoming events, and to sign up for the newsletter.