There’s a new trend in town, one that may cause flashbacks of mulled spices from autumn’s past. With premier soils and climate for growing apples, seasons that easily lend themselves to crisp, bold and intoxicating flavors, and a growing craft beverage market, cideries are popping up left and right throughout the Pacific Northwest, and sneaking their way into bars and bottle shops near you.
Perhaps not quite up to par with the craft beer scene, cider is still emerging in a big way. And while they may be few and far between, there are even a few local experts sharing their knowledge of the pressed stuff. Explore some cider blogs we dig, and learn everything from which local ciders you should be drinking, to how you can concoct your own brew at home.
• Old Time Cider: Also known as “Old Timey Dave,” Olympia, Wash.’s David White provides readers of his cider blog, Old Time Cider, with everything from how to make cider at home to exploring the country cider-style with his North American Cider Map, perfect for the cider-seeking road tripper. But, Old Timey Dave isn’t just a cider enthusiast, he’s also co-owner of Olympia’s Whitewood Cider Co. But don’t worry, his blog isn’t biased–he’s a celebrator of all ciders, and your go to source for learning more.
• Cider Monger: Ever wonder who the Cider Monger is? His name is Alex, and he is Canada’s voice when it comes to hard cider. While the Cider Monger’s focus is on Canadian ciders, don’t think he won’t venture out into the Pacific Northwest and beyond–because he will, and he does. On his blog you can find helpful links like a directory (inspired by Old Timey Dave’s North American Cider Map) of all of Canada’s cideries, which are organized by province, so it’s easy to find the cidery nearest your locale. Cider Monger also shares his “picks” which consist mostly of his Canadian favorites, but extend to Washington and Oregon brands, as well as several ciders sourced from across the pond.
Okay, Oregon, no cider blog? Yes, you’ve been busy making some of the best beers, spirits and wines in the region, so we’ll cut you some slack on this one. Despite Oregon not having a go-to blog for cider, the experts are still there, and in fact, some of our favorite beer bloggers also happen to be cider connoisseurs. Brewpublic features a variety of noteworthy Oregon ciders and can’t miss events on their website. Also, earlier this year Northwest Crossing, a leisure blog, asked the question, “Is Cider the New Craft Beer?” in response to Bend, Ore.’s, ATLAS Hard Cider Company’s take on craft cider.
Cider has surfaced, and though the trend is still catching on, craft cider has been well received by the craft beverage community. With new cideries opening all the time, it’s obvious this craft beverage is here to stay.
