2023 NW Cider Cup winners were announced Thursday evening, at Polaris Hall in Portland, Oregon. Simultaneously, results of this competitive showdown of cider and perry excellence streamed live on Northwest Cider Association’s instagram feed @nwcider.
The Portland crowd, a vibrant grouping of nearly 200 makers, industry professionals and cider enthusiasts, donning dress-to-impress attire, cheered enthusiastically at each accolade. “The cider community in our region is very passionate and innovative,” NW Cider Association’s Executive Director, Emily Ritchie states. The competition’s playful Best Dressed Award, selected live from amongst attendees on award night, is an annual crowd favorite.
2023 was a record breaking year receiving 279 entries, from 51 unique commercial cider and perry makers across Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho and British Columbia. In this banner year, entries competed in 19 categories, for up to 57 medals – one possible gold, silver and bronze per category. “Something that sets The Cup apart is how competitive it is to win.” Ritchie says. This year, only 19% of all entries were awarded. “These medals really matter,” she concludes.
The Big Winners Are…
BEST OF SHOW
Glow – Airlie Red Flesh Single Varietal, Alpenfire Cider (WA) – Red-Fleshed Cider Dry Category
BEST OF SHOW RUNNER UP
Barrel Aged Perry, Yonder Cider (WA) – High-Tannin Perry Category
BEST NEW CIDERY OF THE YEAR *TIE*
Empyrical Orchard and Cidery (WA) – AND – Heartland Ciderworks (OR)
BEST SMALL CIDERY OF THE YEAR
Puget Sound Cider Company (WA)
BEST MEDIUM CIDERY OF THE YEAR
Bauman’s Cider (OR)
BEST LARGE CIDERY OF THE YEAR
2 Towns Ciderhouse (OR)
