It is no secret the Northwest cider scene is booming like never before — recently released data says that regional and local cider sales for 2016 were up nearly 50 percent over the year prior. With spring officially taking hold yesterday and sunny days replacing winter rains, sipping on a chilled local cider sounds pretty enticing. At these newly opened, or soon-to-open, cideries, there are numerous ways and possibilities to sip on a taste of the region.
1859 Cider Co. | Salem, OR
Since opening in July, this Salem-based cidery has been whipping up fresh and unique ciders from organic fruit with an emphasis on the importance of the land in which it came from. From the wine-influenced Hunter’s Moon, that shows off hints of cinnamon and spice, to the Autumn Strawberry, an ode to summertime, the ciders range and revel the other side of the apple in Oregon’s capital city.
Scenic Road Cider Co. | Kelwona, BC
Showcasing what the Okanagan Valley has to offer to the cider scene, this small-batch cidery sits between rolling hills and overlooks the striking Okanagan Lake, the only inspiration one would ever need when looking to start a cider company. The exclusive use of locally grown fruit is something that makes the ciders shine, like the and that brings a unique truth to the cider they make.
betterRoot Orchard | Florence, MT
The husband-and-wife team behind this Montana cidery provecs that a lot of passion and love for something can go a long way. With the “farm-to-glass” movement guiding their every move, they are making quirky and fresh ciders such as the Sexy Tractor Rosemary Lavender, the perfect acidic marriage between earthy rosemary and subtle lavender. The operation also hosts a sister distillery, fireRoot, specializing in apple spirits like brandy, vodka and Calvados-style sippers.
Twin Island Cider | North Pender Island, BC
With plans to open this spring, the sustainable, Gulf Islands-based cidery is focusing on the importance of organic orcharding practices and buying into local products. Get ready to try some playful flavors from the new kid on the block and with the taproom just about open, there has never been a better excuse to make your way on out to British Columbia’s spectacularly scenic Gulf Islands this spring.
Double Shovel Cider Co. | Anchorage, AK
As the first mirco-cidery in Alaska, Double Shovel Cider has the power and flexibility to utilize all of the fruits that Alaska has to offer like their juicy apples, berries and syrups. With the ciders on tap at over 50 locations in the state, they might be new, but they’re giving the folks in Alaska a chance to see what the Northwest cider scene is all about.
