CiderCon® 2024 Tours

September 29, 2023

From the mountains to the valleys, from the cities to the farms and rural communities, these CiderCon® 2024 tours will explore the diverse natural beauty, apple growing regions, and cider traditions of the Great Northwest.

What to Know Before You Go:

  • Scheduled departure times are subject to change.  Please contact Emily to confirm timing before making travel plans.
  • All tours will involve decent amounts of walking and may involve mud, rough terrain, stairs and/or inclement weather. Please come prepared with sturdy walking shoes and clothing for all weather possibilities.

One Day Tours

Columbia Gorge Cidery & Brewery Tour

Tuesday, January 16, 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM

Cost: $110

Visit three fermentation focused businesses in the scenic Columbia River Gorge that make both cider and beer: Double Mountain, Mt View Orchards, and Working Hands Fermentation. We’ll tour production spaces and tasting rooms to see how these businesses attract both the local community and tourists, both beer and cider drinkers. Tour cost includes tastings, lunch, and transportation.

Visit:

Portland’s Quirky Culinary Adventure: Exploring Weird and Wonderful Food and Cider Pairings

Tuesday, January 16, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Cost: $100

Indulge your senses in a culinary adventure like no other as we take you on a journey through the heart of Portland, Oregon, where food, cider, and culture collide in a tantalizing fusion of flavors and experiences. This tour features 5 unique locations, with multiple pairings at each location. Don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate the vibrant culinary scene of this beautiful city, known for its diverse and quirky offerings and world-renowned ciders.

Co-Existing & Co-Fermenting in the Willamette Valley Cider & Wine Region

Tuesday, January 16, 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM

Cost: $110

The Willamette Valley, just south of Portland, contains two-thirds of Oregon’s wineries and vineyards. It’s also home to fabulous cideries, many of them using the bounty of the region to make co-ferments. On this tour we’ll visit four cideries and orchards to chat about how they coexist in wine country and taste their ciders. Tour cost includes tastings, lunch, and transportation.

Visit:

2 Towns Ciderhouse Open House

Wednesday, January 17, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Cost: $20

Catch a ride to 2 Towns Ciderhouse – Oregon’s largest craft cider producer – for a special CiderCon Open House. Tour the 2 Towns production space, meet with cidermakers, and mingle with CiderCon attendees under the big tent. Lunch and snacks from food trucks and more than 20 ciders will be available for purchase.

Overnight Tours

Olympic Peninsula Cider Tour

Monday, January 15, 12:00 PM – Tuesday, January 16, 6:15 PM

Cost: $295

Journey north to discover the beauty and history of the cideries, orchards, and lands of the Olympic Peninsula. This two day tour will visit two cideries, one cidery event space, and a new cider education facility. Tour cost includes tastings at 3 stops, dinner, lunch, breakfast, hotel, and transportation. In addition to the official tour agenda, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Fort Worden Historical Park where we will stay overnight in historic officer’s homes.

Visit:

Production Tour: Seattle & Surrounds

Overnight Full Tour Cost: $395

Monday, January 15, 9:00 AM – Tuesday, January 16, 6:00 PM

From small DIY to high tech high volume, this tour will visit 4 Seattle area cideries showcasing different production facility scales and styles. On this 2 day tour of production facilities you’ll visit Schilling Cider, Seattle Cider Company, Locust Cider, and Greenwood Cider Company. We’ll also make time for a tasting at Yonder Cider’s taproom and a cider pairing dinner at Capitol Cider. Tour cost includes tastings at each stop, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 hotel night in Seattle, and transportation to and from Portland. In addition to the official tour agenda, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Ballard brewery district and Capitol Hill neighborhood on your own.

Visit:

Partial Tour Cost: $100

Tuesday, January 16, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Live in the Seattle area? Join the Seattle tour for a cider pairing dinner at Capitol Cider on Monday evening and all activities on Tuesday 1/16. Bring your luggage and meet at the hotel in Seattle on Tuesday morning  You’ll meet the tour and catch a ride to Portland.

Visit:

Volunteer at CiderCon® 2024!

September 19, 2023

 

Fall is here and with the apples being picked all over this fair country, we can’t help but think of all the new ciders that will soon be bubbling away in fermentation vessels! Which also brings to mind the pleasant thought of another CiderCon® in the works! This year CiderCon® will once again be held in Portland, Oregon after an eight year hiatus. We’re already lining up an amazing assortment of tours, trainings, tastings, and educational sessions, not to mention the trade show, that we hope will help cidermakers thrive in 2024 and beyond. That being said, it takes a village to put on CiderCon® and we’re asking for your help. We are looking for volunteers for CiderCon® 2024 in Portland and we would love to have you join us!

Who’s Elegible?

  • Are you a cidery making less than 25,000 gallons?
  • Are you a cider enthusiast who would like to meet some of your favorite cidermakers?
  • Are you a cidery in planning interested in learning from fellow cidermakers?

Then you are elegible! If you have questions about whether or not your eligible, email Woodley.

What’s expected of you as a volunteer? 

It’s simple! 5 hours of your time between Monday, January 15 and Friday, January 19, including serving for at least 2 tastings (if physically able) within those 5 hours. That’s it!

What’s in it for you? 

Tons! Your registration fee for CiderCon® will be waived! All general sessions and workshops will be open to you. While this does exclude paid tours or tastings, you will still be able to sign up and pay for these opportunities when you register for CiderCon®. That means that other than your volunteer shifts, the rest of the time is yours to check out the amazing sessions, tastings, trade show, etc. that make CiderCon® so wonderful to attend!

How do I sign up?

Please sign up on Bloomerang Volunteer if you’re interested in volunteering at CiderCon® 2024! Our Volunteer Coordinator, Woodley Smith, will be in touch with you as soon as more details are firmly in place.

If you have any questions, please contact Woodley Smith.

2023 NW Cider Cup Winners Announced

June 15, 2023

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The region’s most competitive cider and perry cup celebrates a record breaking 10th year!

PORTLAND, OREGON (June 16, 2023)

2023 NW Cider Cup  winners were announced Thursday evening, at Polaris Hall in Portland, Oregon. Simultaneously, results of this competitive showdown of cider and perry excellence streamed live on Northwest Cider Association’s instagram feed @nwcider. 

The Portland crowd, a vibrant grouping of nearly 200 makers, industry professionals and cider enthusiasts, donning dress-to-impress attire, cheered enthusiastically at each accolade. “The cider community in our region is very passionate and innovative,” NW Cider Association’s Executive Director, Emily Ritchie states. The competition’s playful Best Dressed Award, selected live from amongst attendees on award night, is an annual crowd favorite. 

2023 was a record breaking year receiving 279 entries, from 51 unique commercial cider and perry makers across Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho and British Columbia. In this banner year, entries competed in 19 categories, for up to 57 medals - one possible gold, silver and bronze per category. “Something that sets The Cup apart is how competitive it is to win.” Ritchie says. This year, only 19% of all entries were awarded. “These medals really matter,” she concludes. The 2023 Best of Show went to Alpenfire Cider from Washington for Glow-Airlie Red Flesh Single Varietal in the Red-Fleshed Dry Category. The Best of Show Runner-Up went to Yonder Cider also in Washington for their Barrel Aged Perry in the High-Tannin Perry Category.

2023 Best of Show Runner Up - Barrel Aged Perry, Yonder Cider (WA) and 2023 Best of Show - Glow - Airlie Red Flesh Single Varietal, Alpenfire Cider (WA)

NW Cider Cup, the region’s longest standing, most competitive blind judging of ciders and perries, has been organized since 2016 by the Northwest Cider Association, a regional non-profit that is nearly 100 cidery members strong. The Cup, founded a decade ago by local cidermakers aims to inspire and maintain high quality. That purpose remains a priority today. “Cidermakers want to win, but they’re also really rooting for each other.” Ritchie notes. “When NW makers take home gold and cider fans notice, the whole category benefits. This is a collaborative and supportive community.” 

51 total medals were awarded to 24 cideries in 2023. Entries increased by 12%, from 241 in 2022, following a 60% increase in entries from 2021 to 2022. Low Tannin Dry, Single Varietal, Red-Fleshed Sweet and 16 other categories were evaluated in an all-day judging session on Monday, June 12th in Portland, Oregon. 

2023 competition stats also boasted a record setting 62 judges with a cohort that mirrors cider owner and drinker demographics with roughly 50:50 male/female split. Judges included: 8 Certified Pommeliers™, the most advanced professional status the American Cider Association (ACA) currently offers, numerous Certified Cider Professionals, cidermakers, and category aficionados. Judges hailed from as far as Vermont, Virginia, New York, California, Washington, Idaho and the United Kingdom. Competition judges were trained to review: appearance, aroma, flavor and mouthfeel of each entry. The assessment, critique and praise makers receive as a result of this competition is part of an innovative feedback loop,  provided to makers a bit outside of the mainstream, from a uniquely relevant pool of qualified experts.

The NW Cider Cup aspires to help cider curious better understand and articulate what they like in ciders, demystify how to select the best. The competition results offer a what to drink guide for anyone excited about NW cider today.

This spring, the competition got a fresh logo and updated name: NW Cider Cup, formerly Portland International Cider Cup. Categories and evaluation criteria got an update following an in depth industry focus group review. New software, new receiving, judging and party locations all spurred new systems and served as catalysts for change. “We’re excited to be evolving the competition in a growing category. Local cider sales grew 30% over the last year!” Ritchie comments. The NW Cider Association team agrees the competition is in the process of being reinvigorated.

2023 NW Cider Cup Winners

BEST OF SHOW
Glow - Airlie Red Flesh Single Varietal, Alpenfire Cider (WA) - Red-Fleshed Cider Dry Category

BEST OF SHOW RUNNER-UP
Barrel Aged Perry, Yonder Cider (WA) - High-Tannin Perry Category

BEST NEW CIDERY OF THE YEAR *TIE*
Empyrical Orchard and Cidery (WA) - AND - Heartland Ciderworks (OR) 

BEST SMALL CIDERY OF THE YEAR
Puget Sound Cider Company (WA)

BEST MEDIUM CIDERY OF THE YEAR
Bauman's Cider (OR)

BEST LARGE CIDERY OF THE YEAR
2 Towns Ciderhouse (OR)

LOW-TANNIN CIDERS DRY
GOLD, Mac Dry, 2 Towns Ciderhouse - OR
SILVER - Dry Cider,  Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery - OR
BRONZE - Transplant, Highpoint Cider - ID

LOW-TANNIN CIDERS SWEET
GOLD - 11th Anniversary, 2 Towns Ciderhouse - OR
SILVER - Original Cosmic Crisp, 2 Towns Ciderhouse - OR
BRONZE - Local Legend, Schilling Cider - WA

HIGH TANNIN CIDERS DRY
GOLD - Kingston Black, Puget Sound Cider Company - WA
SILVER - Reine Des Pommes, Bauman's Cider - OR
BRONZE - Dabinett Yarlington Mill  /  Dual Varietal, Alpenfire Cider - WA

HIGH-TANNIN CIDERS SWEET
GOLD - Estate Blend Rootwood Cider Company Gold WA
SILVER - Excelsior Imperial Apple Schilling Cider Silver WA
BRONZE - La Raison Reserve Empyrical Orchards and Cider Bronze WA

RED-FLESHED CIDERS DRY
GOLD - Glow - Airlie Red Flesh Single Varietal, Alpenfire Cider - WA
SILVER - Mountain Rosé, Puget Sound Cider Company - WA
BRONZE - Wenatchee Wave, Yonder Cider - WA

RED-FLESHED CIDERS SWEET
SILVER - Mountain Rose Single Varietal,  Bauman's Cider - OR

LOW-TANNIN PERRIES
GOLD - Perry, Seattle Cider Company - WA

HIGH-TANNIN PERRIES
GOLD - Barrel Aged Perry, Yonder Cider - WA
BRONZE - Principle, Empyrical Orchard and Cidery - WA

WOOD/OAKED
GOLD - Mezcal Barrel Aged Cider, Bauman's Cider - OR
SILVER - Reserve Cider, Kristof Farms - OR

SINGLE VARIETAL
GOLD - Kingston Black, Puget Sound Cider Company - WA
SILVER - Brown Snout, Single Varietal Bauman's Cider - OR
BRONZE - McIntosh Pet Nat, Bauman's Cider - OR

FRUIT CO-FERMENTED
GOLD - Quince Cider, Victoria Cider Co - BC
SILVER - Blackberry Pear, Puget Sound Cider Company - WA
BRONZE - Wild Blue Huckleberry, Puget Sound Cider Company - WA

FRUIT POST-FERMENTATION ADDITION SWEET
GOLD - Plum Dandy, Meriwether Cider - ID
SILVER - Coulee, Yonder Cider - WA
BRONZE - Cherry Lane, Sea Cider - BC

FRUIT-POST FERMENTATION DRY
GOLD - Palisades, Yonder Cider - WA
SILVER - Yuzu Plum, 19 Acres Cider Co. - OR
BRONZE - Loganberry Cider, Bauman's Cider - OR

BOTANICAL HOPPED
GOLD - Liquid Limber, Union Hill Cider Co. - WA
SILVER - Hop Shot, Meriwether Cider - ID
BRONZE - Imperial Citra Kissed, Cedar Draw Cider - ID

BOTANICAL HERBED
GOLD - The Baddie, 2 Towns Ciderhouse - OR
SILVER - Lavender Black Currant, Finnriver Farm & Cidery - WA
BRONZE - Lavender Honey, Shuswap Cider Company - BC

BOTANICAL SPICED
GOLD - Pineapple Mai Tai, Swift Cider - OR
SILVER - Pumpkin Spice, Seattle Cider Company - WA
BRONZE - Cucumber Jalapeno, Incline Cider Company - WA

SPECIALTY FORTIFIED
GOLD - Ore No. 001, Runcible Cider Company - OR
SILVER - Pomona, Sea Cider - BC
BRONZE - Apple Mistelle - #2 | Estate Blend, Alpenfire Cider - WA

SPECIALTY LOW ALCOHOL/ALCOHOL REMOVED
GOLD - N/A Pacific Pineapple Cider, 2 Towns Ciderhouse - OR
SILVER - The Little Apple, Heartland Ciderworks - OR
BRONZE - Light Cider, Bauman's Cider - OR

SPECIALTY OTHER
GOLD - Sour Empress, Cedar Draw Cider - ID
SILVER - Plum As You Are, 2 Towns Ciderhouse - OR
BRONZE - Hollow Jack, 2 Towns Ciderhouse - OR

We’re hiring for a Membership and Communications Coordinator

January 24, 2023

The Northwest Cider Association is looking for a positive, hard-working membership coordinator to be the first point of contact between members and our association. The coordinator is responsible for working closely with members, both existing and potential, in order to meet their needs and provide excellent customer service.

 

The Northwest Cider Association envisions the Pacific Northwest at the heart of the craft cider movement with a vibrant, collaborative industry where anyone can share in the success and joy of cider.  Our mission is to nurture the community, economy, and ecosystem of a thriving cider culture for our members and consumers by supporting businesses, inspiring quality, and telling the story of Pacific Northwest cider.

About the Position:

This is a part-time, remote position that reports directly to the Executive Director. Compensation range between $20-$25/h depending on experience. Competitive salary and generous benefits including PTO, paid sick leave, casual dress and remote work.

 

Primary Duties of the Membership Coordinator:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for members, prospective members, and partners.
  • Develop and manage online and offline content for members, including video content.
  • Manage membership coordination via NWCA website and Wild Apricot software applications.
  • Ensure members are informed about events, member-centered activities, and special initiatives by preparing and issuing regular emails and written communications.
  • Ensure excellent customer relations by helping members make the most of their association benefits.
  • Assist with event management, including registration, booking venues, etc.
  • Provide team support at in-person events, approximately 3x year.
  • Administrative duties to support Executive Director and team members.

 

 

Skills and qualifications:

  • Good written and oral communications
  • Strong technology skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPress, database management (preferably with Wild Apricot or similar CRM)
  • Personable, friendly, and outgoing personality who enjoys interacting with people
  • Remote position, no office. Flexible hours within 9-5 parameter
  • Strong internet connection
  • Interest for the Northwest (fermented) cider industry
  • Preference for someone in Portland, OR or PNW
  • Self-starter

 

 

Other details:

  • Job hours may flex during event cycles. Guaranteed 20h weekly.

 

 

Application process:

  • Accepting applications from now until February 11th on a rolling basis. Ideal start date is early April.

 

To APPLY: Please email resume and cover letter to NWCA’s Director: emily@nwcider.com. Write in the subject line of the email: Membership Coordinator Application

 

 

CORE ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES ​​(Guiding principles that define how we treat each other, our members and the public in our daily interactions)

 

COLLABORATION: We believe in the power of teamwork founded on trust, and value the transformative impact of collaboration.

 

INCLUSIVITY: We listen with empathy and respect for one another, affirm the dignity and worth of each member of our community, and treat people with kindness.

 

ROOTED: We act with integrity and authenticity, commit to an ethos of openness, and achieve tangible results founded on the highest ethical standards.

 

EXEMPLARY: We engage with enthusiasm, dedication and pride, thinking big and creatively to help advance our industry in new and inspiring ways.

 

PASSION: We do our best work when we do it with a strong sense of purpose and a passion for each other and for cider.

 

FUN: Through our collegial culture, we celebrate each other’s victories and have each other’s backs—which helps us build a stronger team, a thriving industry, and a better future for all.

NABC Executive Director David Bauermeister to Retire

August 30, 2022

NABC Executive Director David Bauermeister to Retire

David Bauermeister, executive director of the Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC), has announced his retirement effective September 1, 2022.

Bauermeister and his team have grown NABC into a leader in Washington agriculture, making a lasting impact on how farmers access markets. Under his leadership NABC was instrumental in the launch of the Northwest Cider Association. During the height of the pandemic when creative solutions were sought to connect farmers with consumers, NABC also provided technical assistance to successfully launch new food hubs in Southwest Washington, the San Juan Islands, and for Whidbey Island.

Known for his collaborative skills, Bauermeister has worked closely with government agencies including the Washington State Department of Commerce, USDA and WSDA, as well as numerous nonprofits such as the Whatcom Community Foundation and Skagit Community Foundation. He has responded to producer needs to expand NABC’s services to 12 counties, as well as developed new initiatives to support farmers who traditionally have been underserved.

“Providing equal opportunity for all farmers has always been important to me.  The NABC board of directors and staff take this very seriously and know this means being proactive. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, particularly the launch of the Latinx Business Development Program and our other efforts to better reach and serve members of underserved communities.”

Raised on a wheat farm east of Connell in eastern Washington, agriculture has always played a big role in Bauermeister’s life. He graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Agronomy. Bauermeister had a career in agri-business before he switched to non-profit work as the Director of Natural Resources for the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce.

He joined NABC in 2006, shortly after its formation, and served as the organization’s first executive director.  “I was immediately interested in the job. I thought it was a great opportunity to jump in and have a service role within the agriculture industry. That really appealed to me,” he said. “Plus I have always loved the Skagit Valley. It is a gorgeous valley, and is simply a great place to live.”

Bauermeister contributed years of his experience and knowledge to build NABC’s offering of business consulting services and training. This has established NABC as a “can do” organization, providing technical assistance to farmers to be more profitable and maximize their capabilities as value-added producers.

“Speaking for not only myself but for the other members of the Board, clients past and present, we want to thank David for his tremendous leadership and guidance of the Northwest Agriculture Business Center,” said Bruce Gregory, president of the NABC Board of Directors and one of the original directors who first hired David. “His quiet demeanor, sharp mind, and humor, traveled well with his tireless dedication over the years. We are extremely grateful to David for his vision and commitment. His impactful energy, work, and willingness to go into so many projects and travel through sometimes crazy schedules, has grown the organization and the value-added agricultural landscape that has helped hundreds of farming families realize their dreams.”

During his time with NABC, Bauermeister served on numerous boards himself, including Genuine Skagit Valley, Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative, Northwest Cider Association and Cider Institute of North America and San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild.

“David was instrumental in the growth of the cider education program in collaboration with Washington State University in northwest Washington. He also provided leadership in the establishment of the Northwest Cider Association, that has been foundational for cider makers throughout the Pacific Northwest.” According to NABC Board Member Carol Miles, Director, WSU Mount Vernon Northwest Washington Research and Extension Center. “David has earned a life-time supply of cider from the industry that he was instrumental in supporting!”

Mike Peroni, currently assistant director for NABC, has been named the new executive director.

David and his wife Janet, plan to enjoy retirement by spending more time with their 10 grandchildren, as well as working their own farm in the Skagit Valley.

Portland International Cider Cup 2022 Winners Announced

May 26, 2022

2022 Portland International Cider Cup Winners Announced

Northwest cideries make this the largest competition year ever!

PORTLAND, Ore. (May 27, 2022) – The Northwest Cider Association (NWCA) proudly announced the 2022 winners of their annual Portland International Cider Cup (PICC) competition last night at a sold-out awards party, hosted at Swift Cider in NE Portland. 

NWCA unveiled 57 Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winning ciders from Pacific Northwest cidermakers across 20 distinct categories and seven subcategories – ranging from Modern Dry to Traditional Perries. The newest category additions being the adoption of a dedicated category for Red Fleshed Ciders and expansion of Fruit Cider subcategories. 

The Northwest is home to 150 orchard-based, small, independent, and mid-sized makers, and Portland International Cider Cup is the region’s premier judged competition. This year, PICC received more cider entries than ever before, up nearly 100 entries from 2021. In the 2022 competition, nearly 50 cideries from OR, WA, MT, ID and British Columbia entered 241 unique offerings, judged by just under 50 professional cider judges who traveled from around the region to Portland, Oregon for the all-day judging event in early May.

“Cider was the only craft beverage that grew  in the Northwest last year, so this year’s competition was very exciting,” says Northwest Cider Association’s Executive Director, Emily Ritchie. “We had nearly 60% more entries than last year, and also created some interesting new categories like Red-Fleshed ciders. NWCA, who runs the competition, is a non-profit supporting cidermakers in four Northwest states and British Columbia – an area recognized as one of the most innovative cider regions in the nation.

Started nearly a decade ago, by a handful of local makers, Portland International Cider Cup is still a bit of an industry insider secret. Born from the founders’ desire to solicit valuable, blind product feedback from judges, the cup has been an engine, driving quality and fostering healthy competition and community. PICC has gradually grown in size and visibility as the cider category becomes more known and more cideries open their doors. In 2021, 45 medals were awarded. In 2022, the number rose to 57 medals, in concert with a sizable increase in competitive entries. “After a hiatus in 2020, it feels like we are coming back with renewed energy” states Ritchie in reference to the uptick in entries.

The PICC 2022 Runner Up and Winner of Best of Show

Northwest Cider Association has been running the competition since 2016. Training judges is something the Association takes seriously. Ciders are judged by trained industry experts looking for excellence, flaws and determined style qualities. The competition is strict and not all categories take medals if the quality is not there. 

As the competition continues to grow, medaling at PICC remains a challenge and is a respected accolade. Less than a quarter of ciders entered this year won a medal, so these wins really count, they carry weight both in the backyard and afar. “Cidermaking is a celebrated and respected craft here in the Northwest and our ciders are earning recognition at home and internationally,” Ritchie says.

2022 By the Numbers:

  • 57 Total Medals were awarded (17 Bronze, 21 Silver and 19 Gold). 
  • Best in Show went to Seattle Cider (WA) Honeycrisp, which won gold in both Modern Sweet and Single Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary category. 
  • Best in Show Runner Up went to Peak Light Cider (OR) for their Orchard Reserve Quince Cider, which took Gold for the second year running in the Specialty category. 
  • Best New Cidery went to RAW Cider Company (OR). RAW earned Gold for their Semi Dry in the French Cider category.

Gold medal winners from PICC 2022

 

Redfield Rose’ 35A: Red Fleshed Cider Puget Sound Cider Company GOLD
Mountain Rose SV 35A: Red Fleshed Cider Bauman’s Cider SILVER
Serie Verger A1: Modern Dry Cider 19 Acres Cider Co. BRONZE
Mcintosh Cellar Series A1: Modern Dry Cider 2 Towns Ciderhouse GOLD
Golden Belle A1: Modern Dry Cider The Fraser Valley Cider Company SILVER
Odyssey A2: Modern Sweet Cider Seattle Cider Company BRONZE
Honeycrisp A2: Modern Sweet Cider Seattle Cider Company GOLD
11th Anniversary A2: Modern Sweet Cider 2 Towns Ciderhouse SILVER
Sojurn – Vista Ridge B1: Heirloom Dry Cider Finnriver Farm & Cidery BRONZE
Kingston Blend B1: Heirloom Dry Cider Puget Sound Cider Company GOLD
Claystone B1: Heirloom Dry Cider Idol Cider House SILVER
Excelsior Imperial Heirloom Apple B2: Heirloom Sweet Cider Schilling Cider BRONZE
Imperial Golden Russet B2: Heirloom Sweet Cider Bauman’s Cider GOLD
Estate Blend B2: Heirloom Sweet Cider Rootwood Cider Company SILVER
55 Chain C1: English Dry Cider Liberty Ciderworks BRONZE
Porter’s Perfection SV C1: English Dry Cider Bauman’s Cider SILVER
Bittersweet C2: English Sweet Cider Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse GOLD
Keeved D1: French Cider Victoria Cider Co. BRONZE
Semi Dry D1: French Cider RAW Cider Company GOLD
Quimper D1: French Cider Finnriver Farm & Cidery SILVER
Wolf In The Woods E1: Hopped Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse GOLD
My Own Private Idaho 7 E1: Hopped Bauman’s Cider SILVER
Rubus Wild Raspberry F1: Wild/Non-Sac Archibald James Wine And Cider BRONZE
Garratza F1: Wild/Non-Sac Liberty Ciderworks GOLD
Wild English F1: Wild/Non-Sac Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse SILVER
Spiced Peach G1: Spiced Cider Seattle Cider Company GOLD
Chaider G1: Spiced Cider Schilling Cider SILVER
Lavender Honey G2: Botanical Tieton Cider Works BRONZE
Golden Ghost G2: Botanical Rootwood Cider Company GOLD
Gin Botanical G2: Botanical Seattle Cider Company SILVER
Fire Barrel H1: Wood/Oaked Finnriver Farm & Cidery BRONZE
Farmer’s Old Fashioned H1: Wood/Oaked Bauman’s Cider GOLD
Red Wine Barrel-Aged Berry H1: Wood/Oaked Seattle Cider Company SILVER
Blueberry I1: Fruit Cider Swift Cider BRONZE
Incline Blood Orange I1: Fruit Cider Incline Cider Company BRONZE
Loganberry Cider I1: Fruit Cider Bauman’s Cider BRONZE
Peach Raspberry I1: Fruit Cider Bauman’s Cider BRONZE
Tropical Cosmic Crisp I1: Fruit Cider 2 Towns Ciderhouse BRONZE
Raspberry I1: Fruit Cider Puget Sound Cider Company GOLD
Cherry I1: Fruit Cider Puget Sound Cider Company GOLD
Blueberry Pomegranate I1: Fruit Cider Avid Cider GOLD
Pacific Pineapple I1: Fruit Cider 2 Towns Ciderhouse GOLD
Apple Pear I1: Fruit Cider Puget Sound Cider Company SILVER
Wild Red Huckleberry I1: Fruit Cider Puget Sound Cider Company SILVER
Incline Marionberry I1: Fruit Cider Incline Cider Company SILVER
Tilikum Tropic Thunder I1: Fruit Cider 12 Bridge Ciderworks SILVER
Apricot Peach I1: Fruit Cider Avid Cider SILVER
Gallatin Grapefruit Mint I1: Fruit Cider Lockhorn Hard Cider SILVER
Ice Cider J1: Specialty Seattle Cider Company BRONZE
Orchard Reserve Quince Cider J1: Specialty Peak Light Cider Company GOLD
Pommeau J1: Specialty Ragged And Right Cider Project SILVER
Peary K1: Modern Perry Scenic Road Cider Co. GOLD
Semi-Dry Perry K1: Modern Perry Snowdrift Cider Co. SILVER
Traditional Perry L1: Traditional Perry Seattle Cider Company BRONZE
Sip & Tell Single Varietal Mac Cider M1: Single Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary apples Riley’s Cidery BRONZE
Honeycrisp M1: Single Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary apples Seattle Cider Company GOLD
Cosmic Crisp M1: Single Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary apples 2 Towns Ciderhouse SILVER
Harrison M2: Single Varietal Cider – bittersweet/bittersharp apples Puget Sound Cider Company BRONZE
Golden Russet M2: Single Varietal Cider – bittersweet/bittersharp apples Finnriver Farm & Cidery GOLD
Limited Release Kingston Black Single Varietal Cider M2: Single Varietal Cider – bittersweet/bittersharp apples Peak Light Cider Company SILVER

Northwest Cider Association hires third employee -Jana Daisy-Ensign

April 11, 2022

Northwest Cider Association (NWCA), dedicated to connecting cider fans and the Northwest ciders they love, got one employee stronger this month, with the official hire of Jana Daisy-Ensign. 

 

Bringing a new full-time employee on board marks a notable growth milestone for the Association and speaks to NWCA’s unwavering commitment to serve the industry and grow the cider sector in the Pacific Northwest. As a Program Manager, Daisy-Ensign joins employees: Executive Director, Emily Ritchie and Program & Membership Coordinator, MJ Harris along with core contractors: Strategic Communications Director, Michelle Markesteyn, PhD and Program Manager, Emily Becker.

 

Daisy-Ensign was contracted to be part of NWCA’s small, but mighty all-woman team beginning fall 2019, with a plan to orchestrate in-person trade and consumer-facing events across the region. When pandemic forced a pivot, Daisy-Ensign hosted virtual meet the maker events and the team got busy launching the nation’s premier cider subscription service, NW Cider Club, delivering curated cider to 39 states. Prior, Daisy-Ensign was actively involved with the Association, serving on the Oregon Cider Week Planning Committee, judging at Portland International Cider Cup and helping organize Cider Rite of Spring (2017). 

 

Daisy-Ensign brings valuable insider perspective, versatility and connections to the role, having logged nearly two decades in craft beverage. She has experience working in distribution, consulting, sales, events, marketing and category writing, holds a Masters Degree in Communications, helped found Pomme Boots Society – for women in cider (2015) and earned Certified Pommelier™ status in 2020, as one of a small number of American Cider Association’s highest ranking cider experts.

 

Media contact: Emily Ritchie, Executive Director emily@nwcider.com

Portland International Cider Cup 2021 Medal Winners Announced!

November 19, 2021

 

Portland International Cider Cup 2021 Winners Announced

Northwest cidermakers have been hard at work turning apple juice into liquid gold!

PORTLAND, Ore. – Nov 19, 2021

The Northwest Cider Association (NWCA) proudly announced the 2021 winners of their annual Portland International Cider Cup (PICC) competition last night at a sold-out awards party at Swift Cider in NE Portland. NWCA unveiled 45 medal winning ciders across an array of categories, ranging from Modern Dry to Traditional Perries. 

Prize for Best in Show!

“We’re judging one of the most prestigious apple growing regions, and a place that puts a high value on craft culture. These awards are big,” says Emily Ritchie, Executive Director of Northwest Cider Association. NWCA is a non-profit supporting cidermakers in four Northwest states and British Columbia – an area recognized as one of the most innovative cider regions in the nation. The Northwest is home to 150 orchard-based, small, independent, and mid-sized makers, and the 8th annual Portland International Cider Cup is the region’s premier judged competition. “Makers rely on this event for critical peer review, not to mention bar, restaurant and retail buyers who use these results for curating their cider selections.”

 

The Big Winners Are…

Best In Show – “Bittersweet Cider” from Sea Cider Farm and Cidery (Victoria, BC): They’ve taken home this award for the second time (first in 2018) for this cider

Runner Up – “11th Anniversary Heirloom Cider” from 2 Towns Cider (OR) 

Small Cidery of the Year – Puget Sound Cider (WA) 

Medium Cidery of the Year – Bauman’s Cider Co (OR) 

Large Cidery of the Year – 2 Towns Ciderhouse (OR) 

 

Some Noteworthy Medal Winners…

New Cideries

Gold: Peak Light Cider (OR) for “Orchard Reserve Quince” 

Silver: Yonder Cider (WA) for “Yonder Bar Anniversary Blend” 

 

Established Cideries

Gold: Finnriver Farm & Cidery (WA) for “Traditional Perry” 

Silver: Seattle Cider (WA) for both “City Fruit” and “Pumpkin Spice” ciders

Gold: Fraser Valley Cider Company (British Columbia) for “Scrumpy” 

Silver: Western Cider (MT) for “Farmhouse” 

For a full listing of winners, keep scrolling down.

Ciders are judged by trained industry experts looking for both flaws and determined style qualities. The competition is strict and not all categories take medals if the quality is not there.

“After a hiatus last year, it felt like the right call to bring back this critical competition,” Ritchie states. “Partnering with Swift Cider to hold the awards in their industrial cider space gave us an opportunity to safely gather people in a celebratory place. It was a fantastic night that shows the resiliency of this community and this growing category!”

With the pandemic in full swing over the last year and a half, cideries faced serious production and sales challenges, the NWCA dug deep to find innovative opportunities to support the Association’s nearly 100 cidery members in their three pronged mission – maintaining sales, increasing cider quality and fostering community. The main campaign has become the nation’s premier cider subscription, the NW Cider Club. The quarterly subscription features curated boxes of themed cider experiences delivered to the door. The coming Spring box will be themed “Best Of” and will feature winning ciders from the 2021 PICC awards.

Sea Cider’s youngest owner, Thomas, came from Victoria to claim the cup!

Here is the full list of medal winners:

2018 Cidre Bouché 2 Towns Ciderhouse French Cider Bronze
2019 Pommeau 2 Towns Ciderhouse Specialty Bronze
2017 La Mûre 2 Towns Ciderhouse Wild/Non-Sac Bronze
Clyde’s Dry Bauman’s Cider Heirloom Dry Cider BRONZE
Hop Collab Bauman’s Cider Hopped BRONZE
Opal Freewater Cider Company Modern Dry Cider BRONZE
55 Chain Liberty Ciderworks English Dry Cider BRONZE
Pineapple Puget Sound Cider Company Fruit Cider BRONZE
Virginia Crabapple Puget Sound Cider Company Single Varietal Cider – crab apples Bronze
Prohibition Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse Wood/Oaked bronze
Berry Rosé Seattle Cider Company Fruit Cider BRONZE
Honeycrisp Seattle Cider Company Modern Sweet Cider BRONZE
Spiced Peach Seattle Cider Company Spiced Cider BRONZE
Easy Squeezy 2 Towns Ciderhouse Fruit Cider GOLD
11th Anniversary 2 Towns Ciderhouse Modern Sweet Cider GOLD
Strawberry Mojito Bauman’s Cider Botanical Gold
Gravenstein SV Bauman’s Cider Modern Dry Cider GOLD
McIntosh SV Bauman’s Cider Single Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary apples GOLD
Mountain Rose SV Bauman’s Cider Single Varietal Cider – red flesh apples GOLD
Chai Bend Cider Co. Spiced Cider GOLD
Perry Finnriver Farm and Cidery Traditional Perry Gold
Orchard Reserve Quince Cider Peak Light Cider Company Specialty Gold
Rose Puget Sound Cider Company Heirloom Sweet Cider GOLD
Hazy Guava Rain Barrel Ciderworks Fruit Cider GOLD
Hop Infused Rootwood Cider Company Hopped GOLD
Bittersweet Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse English Sweet Cider Gold
Pinot Rosé Swift Cider Wood/Oaked gold
Scrumpy The Fraser Valley Cider Company English Dry Cider GOLD
Apricot Tieton Cider Works Fruit Cider GOLD
Cosmic Crisp 2 Towns Ciderhouse Single Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary apples SILVER
Loganberry Cider Bauman’s Cider Fruit Cider SILVER
Porter’s Perfection SV Bauman’s Cider Single Varietal Cider – bittersweet/bittersharp apples SILVER
B.O.M.B. Cider – Mango Cider Cyderish Fruit Cider Silver
Sparkling Perry Dragon’s Head Cider Traditional Perry Silver
First Pick: Gravenstein Ragged And Right Cider Project Single Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary apples SILVER
Bergamot Oak Runcible Cider Botanical Silver
City Fruit 2018 Seattle Cider Company Modern Dry Cider SILVER
Pumpkin Spice Seattle Cider Company Spiced Cider SILVER
Pineapple Hop Swift Cider Hopped SILVER
Blueberry Tieton Cider Works Fruit Cider SILVER
Lavender Honey Tieton Cider Works Modern Sweet Cider SILVER
Perry Oaky Upside Cider Wood/Oaked silver
Farmhouse Western Cider Co English Dry Cider SILVER
Wickson Western Cider Co Single Varietal Cider – crab apples Silver
Yonder Bar Anniversary Blend Yonder Cider Heirloom Dry Cider SILVER

Executive Director of NWCA, Emily Ritchie

Purchase Cider Summit Portland Tasting Kits By June 6th- Nationwide Shipping Available!

June 2, 2021

This is the last week to purchase the Cider Summit PDX tasting kits! We have sorted these delicious ciders into 3 kits – Global Artisans, Art of the Apple (and Pear) & Modern Styles. Each kit includes our new Cider Summit cooler bag, access to our virtual tasting event and promotional gifts from Cider Summit & participating cidermakers. You can even add on Portland Pet Food Grain & Gluten Free Biscuits during checkout!

For those in the Portland area drive thru pickup available Saturday, June 26 from 12pm-3pm at the Benton Parking lot on the north side of Memorial Coliseum. Delivery also available statewide in OR. Nationwide shipping orders accepted via our friends at Press Then Press. Be sure to order by 11:59pm on June 6. Cheers!

Visit CiderSummit.com for all the info!

Zeeks Opens in Bellingham May 29th! Celebrates with Double Mountain Cider Collaboration!

May 26, 2021

Zeeks Pizza Bellingham is set to open to the public on May 29th.  Located at 2416 Meridian St., Zeeks Pizza Bellingham will be the first Zeeks location in Whatcom County and nineteenth overall. The newest addition to the Fountain District, Zeeks Pizza Bellingham is locally owned by Matt Stotts, Julie Stotts, Brady Scott and Cindy Scott, operating under the name Fountain Pyze, LLC.

The Fountain District restaurant will feature one of the most noteworthy beer line-ups in the Northwest and one that celebrates beers and ciders brewed in and around Bellingham. Zeeks has long partnered and collaborated with Bellingham breweries, and eight of the seventeen initial taps will feature local producers including Aslan Brewing Co., Chuckanut Brewery, Kulshan Brewing Co., Lost Giants Cider Company, Otherlands Beer, Stemma Brewing Company, Structures Brewing and Wander Brewing. It will also feature the newly released Steller’s Jay, a crisp dry-hopped lager brewed by Zeeks in collaboration with Black Raven Brewing built for summer beer quenching. Steller’s Jay was named by Zeeks Pizza Bellingham owner Julie Stotts and the beer celebrates women entrepreneurs in the Zeeks system including Stotts and Cindy Scott.

The entire Zeeks Pizza Bellingham tap line-up will be available for delivery in growlers and crowlers.  Its extensive bottle shop will also be available for delivery.  Like Zeeks’ tap list, the bottle shop features the best and brightest in Pacific Northwest beer and cider along with Washington wines, and local hard seltzer.  Zeeks two most renowned collaboration beers are the headliners.  Reuben’s Hop Tropic NW IPA and Urban Family’s Zeek & Destroy IIPA have a cult following in the Northwest and are the only two beers available year-round at Zeeks. Zeeks Pizza Bellingham’s delivery area will include most of Bellingham and by Washington State law food must be purchased to get alcohol delivered.

“We have been huge fans and advocates for Bellingham beer for a long time. I can’t think of a better beer city than Bellingham for Zeeks to be a part of, and we aim to keep the beer dollars as local as possible. We could not be more psyched to be a part of the community” says Tommy Brooks, the Director of Zeeks’ beverage program.

Zeeks Pizza Bellingham will have an indoor dining capacity of 194 people including 92 seats in the over 21 bar area.  Zeeks Pizza Bellingham will follow Washington State Covid guidelines and seating may be restricted when it opens.   Limited outdoor seating will be available on May 29th and will continually expand after opening.   In addition to dine-in, bar and delivery, take-out service will also be available.  Take-out and Delivery can be ordered directly from Zeeks Pizza Bellingham using the Zeeks Pizza App (available at the App Store and Google Play), online at zeekspizza.com, or by calling 360- 858-8646.

Local owners Matt and Julie Stotts and Cindy and Brady Scott are thrilled to bring Zeeks Pizza to Bellingham.  “Community connection is at the heart of our mission and we look forward to providing a space for neighbors, friends and family to gather around great food, the best local beer and a great customer experience 100% of the time.”, says Cindy Scott.  “We are excited to open in Bellingham”, says Dan Black, President of Zeeks Pizza, Inc.  “The beer centric-culture and enthusiasm for the Northwest lifestyle rooted in outdoor adventure are a good match for us and Matt, Julie, Brady and Cindy embody the entrepreneurial spirit and community commitment that we love about franchising.”

Zeeks Pizza is opening up shop in Bellingham on Saturday, May 29th.

On the cider front, we’ll be opening with the barrel-aged version of our ongoing collab with Double Mountain. Details here – Orchard Party Blog: https://zeekspizza.com/lets-have-an-orchard-party/ in addition to Pineapple Cider from Lost Giants in Bellingham. Of course we’ll have the Tieton Apricot and Rambling Route cans available as well. All of the above available for on-premise AND delivery!