With Washington State Governor Jay Inslee formally proclaiming September 8-18 to be Washington Cider Week, the nation’s fastest-growing beverage industry has cemented itself both commercially and politically. The official legislation states that “the Northwest is home to the nation’s most innovative cidermakers, whose ciders are racking up international acclaim.” As the sixth annual 10-day long celebration of all things apples in Washington, this recognition helps to affirm the historic beverage and all that goes with it.
But with so much to see and do during the annual cider bonanza, it can be easy to get a little lost and confused. From special releases to all-day events and everything in between, we’ve compiled a list of the best goings-on during the now-official Washington Cider Week.
Finnriver Farm & Cidery Pomona’s Nectar Release || Chuck’s Hop Shop || Seattle || Sept. 7
Kicking off Washington Cider Week right, Finnriver Farm & Cidery will be releasing its brand new Pomona’s Nectar the night before the 10-day mega event starts. A sour blend of apples, nectarines, white, green and black peppers, Pomona’s Nectar is sure to be as delicious as it is intriguing. The cider will be featured on tap exclusively at both Chuck’s Hop Shop locations and can be enjoyed as a pint, part of a flight, or even taken home in a limited release bottle.
CiderAuction Free Barrel Giveaway || Connell, WA || Sept. 8
To celebrate Washington Cider Week, CiderAuction will awarding the winner of a contest (held on their website) a 45-gallon barrel of Washington bittersweet juice. CiderAuction, an online auction house that allows buyers to purchase cider apples from verified growers, hopes to give one budding cidermaker the kickstart they need to be able to start off a new career in the fastest-growing beverage industry.
Cider Summit Seattle || Seattle || Sept. 9-10
Cider Summit Seattle, the Pacific Northwest’s largest cider festival, is returning for its seventh annual event on September 9 and 10. This year’s Summit will feature over 150 ciders from both regional and international cidermakers, food from Whole Foods, Capitol Cider, KRAVE Jerky and others, plus cider cocktails and music presented by KEXP. For those interested in bringing their four-legged friends, the Seattle Humane Society will also be hosting a dog lounge at the event. Tickets for the event start at $30.
Cider Fete || Bottlehouse || Seattle || Sept. 11
The day after Cider Summit Seattle, Bottlehouse Seattle will be hosting Cider Fete, a tasting event where guests can enjoy both brand new tipples and old favorites alike. Held in Bottlehouse’s backyard garden, Cider Fete will also feature live music from Norman Baker and the Backroads along with an oyster bar. The best part though is that the ciders will be poured by the very people that made them, giving attendees the opportunity to talk craft with the professionals. Tickets are $29 and include 10 two-ounce pours.
Pomme Boots Society Social || Capitol Cider || Seattle || Sept. 13
In Seattle for the first time, the ladies of the Pomme Boots Society — the organization for women in the cider industry — will be throwing down at the cider-centric bar in the Capital Hill neighborhood for the night. Meet prominent cider females while sipping tipples and toasting to awareness and unity within the industry, paired with a smattering of cider cocktails and elite selections for the week from the drinks to the food.
Cider Class + Food Pairs || Bruncheonette || Spokane, WA || Sept. 16
Located at the soon-to-be open Bruncheonette in Spokane, WA, Cider Class + Food Pairs offers guests the chance to learn about global styles of hard cider, including French, Basque, UK, and North American styles. The class, accompanied by cider tastings, will be led by Liberty Cider Works award-winning cidermaker Rick Hastings. Each glass of cider will also feature a food pairing from Couple of Chefs Catering & Food Truck.
Backyard BBQ || Skillet Ballard || Seattle || Sept. 16
If a cider class isn’t quite your thing, then maybe a backyard BBQ is. But with Chef Nick Novello taking to the grill and a menu consisting of grilled pineapples salad, 28-day dry-aged bone-in NY strip and grilled peaches with whipped black pepper mascarpone, this is far from a standard backyard BBQ. Hosted at Skillet’s Ballard location, the annual event will also feature cider pairings from Seattle Cider Co. and cider cocktails. Reservations are recommended as space (and meat) is limited. (Stay tuned for a recipe sneak peak later this week.)
Cider Week Grand Finale || Beveridge Place Pub || Seattle || Sept. 18
To send off the 10-day cider celebration, Beveridge Place Pub will be hosting its annual Cider Week Grand Finale on Sept. 18, the last day of Washington Cider Week. Those looking to end the festivities with a bang can enjoy 24 different ciders from around the world, with many of the cidermakers themselves there both to pour and partake.
Cider Swig || Sehmel Homestead Park || Gig Harbor, WA || Sept. 24
Still thirsty? This year’s third annual Cider Swig will feature over 90 ciders (and even an apple cider whiskey) by makers from all over the Pacific Northwest, including both regional favorites and newcomers alike. In addition to plenty of local food, Gig Harbor’s cider affair will also feature five live bands, a kids’ area with a drop-off for children under 12 (with plenty of apple-themed activities for them to participate in), local art, cider demonstrations from industry experts and the event’s first ever apple pie eating contest.
