2026 NW Cider Cup Winners Announced

PORTLAND, OR (June 26, 2026) – 

2026 NW Cider Cup Winners Announced

Thirteen years of raising a glass for the NW cider community

The Northwest Cider Association announces the winners of the 2026 Northwest Cider Cup Awards, the region’s most prestigious cider competition. Now in its 13th year, the event has earned its place among North America’s most rigorous and respected cider judging programs.

Accepting commercial entries from Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and British Columbia, the range of ciders and perries competing this year reflects the depth and diversity of PacificNorthwest cider culture. Each entry is evaluated by trained industry professionals on appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel — with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded to the best in every category. This year’s winners were celebrated at Holocene in Portland, Oregon on Thursday, June 25th.

2026 Best Of Awards

A full list of winners is available in the 2026 Winner’s Guide:
https://www.nwcider.com/northwest-cider-cup/winners/

By the numbers
236 entries submitted, only 25% of ciders entered won
60 medals were awarded in 19 categories to 51 cideries
Winners: 25 from Washington, 31 from Oregon, and 4 from British Columbia

The 236 entries reflect what cidermakers across the region are seeing in consumer demand — a real-time snapshot of what will be in glasses across the Northwest. This year’s trends include:

• Low-alcohol ciders continue to rise. The Low Alcohol and Alcohol Removed category
  (4.5% ABV and below) keeps growing — and this is the first year two low-ABV ciders
  won medals outside of the Specialty Low Alcohol/Alcohol Removed Category.
  
• New cideries are entering the market. Nine new cideries competed this year, all having
  opened throughout the Northwest since April 2025. That growth mirrors cider’s broader
  momentum across the craft beverage industry: According to a study done by market
  research firm Circana, cider is growing more than eight times faster than beer in the
  Pacific Northwest. That same study found that Oregon, Washington, and Idaho account
  for 24.8% of all U.S. cider sales, while these three states represent just 4.2% of the U.S.
  population.
  
• Beyond fruit-forward: emerging styles are making their mark. While ciders with fruit
  additions remain a leading category by volume, standout trends are emerging in what
  rises to the top:
  
  • Red-fleshed apples had a spotlight moment this year. Their naturally striking color
    produces a red hue without any added fruit flavors.
    
  • Single Varietal ciders surged, with 30% more entries than in previous years. Much
    like wine drinkers seeking out specific grape varieties, cider drinkers are
    gravitating toward individual apple varieties — Kingston Black, Golden Russet,
    and others gaining real momentum.
    
  • Low-Tannin Ciders claimed the top prize for the first time. Dry and approachable,
    these ciders are made with everyday eating apples rather than cider-specific
    varieties — the most common non-fruited style, and now, finally, a Cider Cup
    winner.

Press photos are available here. Winning bottles and cans shipped to your door are available in
most states at Press Then Press.

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About Northwest Cider Association

For more than 15 years, the Northwest Cider Association (NWCA) has brought cideries
and cider lovers together to learn, experience and enjoy the Northwest cider culture.
Representing more than 300 cider professionals throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
Montana and British Columbia, the group is dedicated to supporting, promoting and
growing its thriving industry. For more information, visit NWCider.com and follow @nwcider
on social media.

Media Contact:

Sarah Lemmon
sarah@lemmonpr.com