Spring has officially sprung. While the sunshine may not have fully arrived yet, there is no reason not to enjoy some Spring Ciders that embody the essence of the season. As Women’s History Month winds down, we bring to you some of our favorite ciders that are crafted or inspired by female cidermakers, producers or owners.
2021 FruitNat | Art+Science
Nestled in Sheridan, Oregon, Art+Science is known for its innovative and creative approach to cidermaking. The 2021 FruitNat is a beautiful example of a petillant naturel (pet-nat) co-ferment made with a blend of pear, apple, Mondeuse noir grapes and a hint of plums. The cider is barrel-fermented, aged with native yeast, and left unfined and unfiltered for a truly natural flavor profile. The result? A crisp, effervescent cider with layered complexity, perfect for those looking to try something new. ABV: 8.6%
Kim Hamblin, Co-owner
Cherry Lane | Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
Located in Saanichton, British Columbia, Sea Cider’s Cherry Lane celebrates the essence of spring with its blend of native cherries, including bitter cherry, chokecherry, and pin cherry. This cider is part of their Canadian Invasion Series, with proceeds supporting efforts to combat invasive species. The cider is both a tribute to the local cherry blossoms that grace the city streets of Victoria and a nod to the less showy, yet equally beautiful, cherry varieties that grow in the region. ABV: 9.9%
Kristen Needham, Owner and Molly Crandles, Senior Cidermaker
Alora! Hopped Golden Raspberry Cider | Bauman’s Cider
Bauman’s Cider is known for its commitment to crafting high-quality, modern ciders, and Alora! is no exception. Created in Gervais, Oregon, this cider is a delightful blend of farm-fresh golden raspberries, dry-hopped with Alora hops, creating a burst of fruity and floral flavors. It’s a refreshing cider that perfectly captures the joy of spring, offering vibrant berry notes with just the right touch of bitterness from the hops. ABV: 6.9%
Christine Walter, Head Cidermaker
2023 Glow Airlie Red Rosé Cider | Alpenfire Cider
Made from the unique Airlie Red Flesh apple, Glow is a rare rosé cider from Alpenfire Cider in Port Townsend, Washington. With its pale green skin and watermelon-red fruit inside, the Airlie Red Flesh apples give the cider its vibrant color and tropical fruit flavor. Lightly spritzed with bright acidity and a lingering sweetness, Glow is an ideal cider for sipping in the spring sunshine or as an aperitif. ABV: 7%
Nancy Bishop, Owner and Cidermaker
Pollinator | Rootwood Cider
Rootwood Cider, located in Manson, Washington, produces the Pollinator cider, which is made from Winter Banana apples and Manchurian Crab apples. These varieties were specifically chosen for their role in supporting pollinator populations. To further enhance the cider’s connection to pollinators, it’s infused with local honey, celebrating the essential work of honey bees. With its balance of sweetness and tartness, Pollinator is a tribute to both the cider-making process and the hive ecosystem. ABV: 6.7%
Owners – Emily Koenig McLean, Anna Koenig Caddey and Kate Koenig Howard
Black Currant | Meriwether Cider
Meriwether Cider is known for crafting ciders that are as bold as they are flavorful. Black Currant is a dark, fruited cider that combines the tartness of black currants with the sweetness of apples. Produced in Boise, Idaho, this cider has a rich, slightly tart profile that’s perfect for those who love a little added complexity of fruit in their ciders. It’s an ideal spring sip, especially when paired with charcuterie or a fruit-based dessert. ABV: 6.9%
Owners – Ann Leadbetter and Molly Leadbetter
Rosé Cider | Dragonhead
Located on Vashon Island in Washington, Dragonhead Cider produces a stunning Rosé Cider made from a blend of red-fleshed apple varieties, including Redfield apples grown on their estate orchard. When pressed these apples bleed a beautiful light pink, reddish juice. The cider is both fruity and vibrant with natural acidity, with a touch of complexity and tannins from the red-fleshed apples. It’s a perfect springtime drink, especially when paired with lighter fare like fresh salads or seafood. ABV: 6.9%
Laura Cherry, Owner and Cidermaker
