What’s better than an empty nest after kids go to college, 15 acres of apple orchards and a view of Mount Gardner and the North Cascade Mountains? Probably not much, but your own ciderhouse comes in at a close second. This scenario was brought to Richard and Lynne Wasson nearly a decade ago as they decided to take up some property off of the Chewuch River in Methow Valley, just outside of Winthrop, Wash. With 14 different cider varieties grown organically, Methow Valley Ciderhouse produces unique ciders that take root in equally unique black, rich river soils. The Screechin’ Eagle Scrumpy is a tribute to the birds of prey that cruise the Methow Valley skies, also showcasing the varying styles of cider apples the orchard grows. Bright with a vibrant bitterness, this apple is pure juice with a natural tang of acid that balances out the fruit.
