NABC Executive Director David Bauermeister to Retire

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

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 CiderPuget Sound Cider CompanyGOLD
Mountain Rose SV35A: Red Fleshed CiderBauman’s CiderSILVER
Serie VergerA1: Modern Dry Cider19 Acres Cider Co.BRONZE
Mcintosh Cellar SeriesA1: Modern Dry Cider2 Towns CiderhouseGOLD
Golden BelleA1: Modern Dry CiderThe Fraser Valley Cider CompanySILVER
OdysseyA2: Modern Sweet CiderSeattle Cider CompanyBRONZE
HoneycrispA2: Modern Sweet CiderSeattle Cider CompanyGOLD
11th AnniversaryA2: Modern Sweet Cider2 Towns CiderhouseSILVER
Sojurn – Vista RidgeB1: Heirloom Dry CiderFinnriver Farm & CideryBRONZE
Kingston BlendB1: Heirloom Dry CiderPuget Sound Cider CompanyGOLD
ClaystoneB1: Heirloom Dry CiderIdol Cider HouseSILVER
Excelsior Imperial Heirloom AppleB2: Heirloom Sweet CiderSchilling CiderBRONZE
Imperial Golden RussetB2: Heirloom Sweet CiderBauman’s CiderGOLD
Estate BlendB2: Heirloom Sweet CiderRootwood Cider CompanySILVER
55 ChainC1: English Dry CiderLiberty CiderworksBRONZE
Porter’s Perfection SVC1: English Dry CiderBauman’s CiderSILVER
BittersweetC2: English Sweet CiderSea Cider Farm & CiderhouseGOLD
KeevedD1: French CiderVictoria Cider Co.BRONZE
Semi DryD1: French CiderRAW Cider CompanyGOLD
QuimperD1: French CiderFinnriver Farm & CiderySILVER
Wolf In The WoodsE1: HoppedSea Cider Farm & CiderhouseGOLD
My Own Private Idaho 7E1: HoppedBauman’s CiderSILVER
Rubus Wild RaspberryF1: Wild/Non-SacArchibald James Wine And CiderBRONZE
GarratzaF1: Wild/Non-SacLiberty CiderworksGOLD
Wild EnglishF1: Wild/Non-SacSea Cider Farm & CiderhouseSILVER
Spiced PeachG1: Spiced CiderSeattle Cider CompanyGOLD
ChaiderG1: Spiced CiderSchilling CiderSILVER
Lavender HoneyG2: BotanicalTieton Cider WorksBRONZE
Golden GhostG2: BotanicalRootwood Cider CompanyGOLD
Gin BotanicalG2: BotanicalSeattle Cider CompanySILVER
Fire BarrelH1: Wood/OakedFinnriver Farm & CideryBRONZE
Farmer’s Old FashionedH1: Wood/OakedBauman’s CiderGOLD
Red Wine Barrel-Aged BerryH1: Wood/OakedSeattle Cider CompanySILVER
BlueberryI1: Fruit CiderSwift CiderBRONZE
Incline Blood OrangeI1: Fruit CiderIncline Cider CompanyBRONZE
Loganberry CiderI1: Fruit CiderBauman’s CiderBRONZE
Peach RaspberryI1: Fruit CiderBauman’s CiderBRONZE
Tropical Cosmic CrispI1: Fruit Cider2 Towns CiderhouseBRONZE
RaspberryI1: Fruit CiderPuget Sound Cider CompanyGOLD
CherryI1: Fruit CiderPuget Sound Cider CompanyGOLD
Blueberry PomegranateI1: Fruit CiderAvid CiderGOLD
Pacific PineappleI1: Fruit Cider2 Towns CiderhouseGOLD
Apple PearI1: Fruit CiderPuget Sound Cider CompanySILVER
Wild Red HuckleberryI1: Fruit CiderPuget Sound Cider CompanySILVER
Incline MarionberryI1: Fruit CiderIncline Cider CompanySILVER
Tilikum Tropic ThunderI1: Fruit Cider12 Bridge CiderworksSILVER
Apricot PeachI1: Fruit CiderAvid CiderSILVER
Gallatin Grapefruit MintI1: Fruit CiderLockhorn Hard CiderSILVER
Ice CiderJ1: SpecialtySeattle Cider CompanyBRONZE
Orchard Reserve Quince CiderJ1: SpecialtyPeak Light Cider CompanyGOLD
PommeauJ1: SpecialtyRagged And Right Cider ProjectSILVER
PearyK1: Modern PerryScenic Road Cider Co.GOLD
Semi-Dry PerryK1: Modern PerrySnowdrift Cider Co.SILVER
Traditional PerryL1: Traditional PerrySeattle Cider CompanyBRONZE
Sip & Tell Single Varietal Mac CiderM1: Single Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary applesRiley’s CideryBRONZE
HoneycrispM1: Single Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary applesSeattle Cider CompanyGOLD
Cosmic CrispM1: Single Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary apples2 Towns CiderhouseSILVER
HarrisonM2: Single Varietal Cider – bittersweet/bittersharp applesPuget Sound Cider CompanyBRONZE
Golden RussetM2: Single Varietal Cider – bittersweet/bittersharp applesFinnriver Farm & CideryGOLD
Limited Release Kingston Black Single Varietal CiderM2: Single Varietal Cider – bittersweet/bittersharp applesPeak Light Cider CompanySILVER

Northwest Cider Association hires third employee -Jana Daisy-Ensign

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!

 

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 Bouché2 Towns CiderhouseFrench CiderBronze
2019 Pommeau2 Towns CiderhouseSpecialtyBronze
2017 La Mûre2 Towns CiderhouseWild/Non-SacBronze
Clyde’s DryBauman’s CiderHeirloom Dry CiderBRONZE
Hop CollabBauman’s CiderHoppedBRONZE
OpalFreewater Cider CompanyModern Dry CiderBRONZE
55 ChainLiberty CiderworksEnglish Dry CiderBRONZE
PineapplePuget Sound Cider CompanyFruit CiderBRONZE
Virginia CrabapplePuget Sound Cider CompanySingle Varietal Cider – crab applesBronze
ProhibitionSea Cider Farm & CiderhouseWood/Oakedbronze
Berry RoséSeattle Cider CompanyFruit CiderBRONZE
HoneycrispSeattle Cider CompanyModern Sweet CiderBRONZE
Spiced PeachSeattle Cider CompanySpiced CiderBRONZE
Easy Squeezy2 Towns CiderhouseFruit CiderGOLD
11th Anniversary2 Towns CiderhouseModern Sweet CiderGOLD
Strawberry MojitoBauman’s CiderBotanicalGold
Gravenstein SVBauman’s CiderModern Dry CiderGOLD
McIntosh SVBauman’s CiderSingle Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary applesGOLD
Mountain Rose SVBauman’s CiderSingle Varietal Cider – red flesh applesGOLD
ChaiBend Cider Co.Spiced CiderGOLD
PerryFinnriver Farm and CideryTraditional PerryGold
Orchard Reserve Quince CiderPeak Light Cider CompanySpecialtyGold
RosePuget Sound Cider CompanyHeirloom Sweet CiderGOLD
Hazy GuavaRain Barrel CiderworksFruit CiderGOLD
Hop InfusedRootwood Cider CompanyHoppedGOLD
BittersweetSea Cider Farm & CiderhouseEnglish Sweet CiderGold
Pinot RoséSwift CiderWood/Oakedgold
ScrumpyThe Fraser Valley Cider CompanyEnglish Dry CiderGOLD
ApricotTieton Cider WorksFruit CiderGOLD
Cosmic Crisp2 Towns CiderhouseSingle Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary applesSILVER
Loganberry CiderBauman’s CiderFruit CiderSILVER
Porter’s Perfection SVBauman’s CiderSingle Varietal Cider – bittersweet/bittersharp applesSILVER
B.O.M.B. Cider – Mango CiderCyderishFruit CiderSilver
Sparkling PerryDragon’s Head CiderTraditional PerrySilver
First Pick: GravensteinRagged And Right Cider ProjectSingle Varietal Cider – dessert/culinary applesSILVER
Bergamot OakRuncible CiderBotanicalSilver
City Fruit 2018Seattle Cider CompanyModern Dry CiderSILVER
Pumpkin SpiceSeattle Cider CompanySpiced CiderSILVER
Pineapple HopSwift CiderHoppedSILVER
BlueberryTieton Cider WorksFruit CiderSILVER
Lavender HoneyTieton Cider WorksModern Sweet CiderSILVER
Perry OakyUpside CiderWood/Oakedsilver
FarmhouseWestern Cider CoEnglish Dry CiderSILVER
WicksonWestern Cider CoSingle Varietal Cider – crab applesSilver
Yonder Bar Anniversary BlendYonder CiderHeirloom Dry CiderSILVER

Executive Director of NWCA, Emily Ritchie

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

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!

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!

BC Cider Week is Back! Cideries across the province come together to celebrate their craft.

The Northwest Cider Association invites British Columbians to explore BC cider by visiting cideries and picking up BC cider at local retailers during BC Cider Week 2021, being held this month from Thursday, May 20th to Sunday, May 30th.

Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse is one of many craft cideries in BC gearing up for BC Cider
Week. “It’s not the BC Cider Week that we are accustomed to but we look forward to
celebrating and bringing attention to our craft each year.” Says Kristen Needham, Sea
Cider’s Founder and General Manager. “We believe that cider is for celebrating and that
cider is worth celebrating.”

Cideries across the province are coming together to provide safe and creative ways for
consumers to appreciate BC cider. From exciting seasonal releases to cider infused food
pop-ups and more, cider lovers can stay up to date on what’s happening here.
Working in cooperation with the Northwest Cider Association to celebrate BC cider is the
BC Farm Crafted Cider Association. “This past year has brought on plenty of challenges for
cideries throughout our province and we are lucky to have many local supporters,” says
Melissa Dobernigg, a Board member of the BC Farm Crafted Cider Association.
“BC Cider Week celebrates both those who make cider and those who enjoy cider,” says
Kristen. British Columbians can support their local cideries during BC Cider week by
purchasing cider, either directly from any of the nearly four dozen cideries in the province,
or by purchasing cider through BC liquor stores and restaurants.

About BC Cider Week
Founded in 2015 by the Northwest Cider Association, BC Cider Week brings attention to the
dozens of cider producers across the province. BC Cider Week, happening May 20-30th,
2021, was re-imagined so cider lovers still celebrate BC cider. www.bcciderweek.org

Announcing the launch of the Northwest Cider Club!

The Northwest Cider Association, a non-profit trade organization representing nearly 100 cideries in Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho and British Columbia is launching a first of its kind, the Northwest Cider Club nwciderclub.com.

Club members will enjoy quarterly shipments of perfectly picked, carefully curated ciders made in the Pacific Northwest.  With abundant fields of apples, fruits, hops, and botanical herbs, the Northwest has become the heart of the craft cider movement. 

Craft cider can be hard to find, but the Northwest Cider Club makes it easy. Now cider curious and dedicated fans alike can get hard-to-find, handcrafted selections delivered to their door.

The Northwest Cider Club also offers behind the scenes views of getting to know the Northwest’s vibrant community of innovative and award-winning cidermakers; respected around the world for their eclectic ability to combine art, science, and the region’s high-quality fruit and ingredients to create unique and distinct craft ciders. 

As people experience fatigue with distancing and sameness, the delicious and dynamic world of cider provides a chance to safely explore new landscapes of flavor profiles. Lovers of wine, craft beer, artisan spirits and fine foods are delighting in the accessibility and nuances of cider. “There is joy and adventure in craft cider. Now more than ever is the time to explore and share new flavors, while supporting Northwest cidermakers and farmers,” said Emily Ritchie, Executive Director of NWCA.

The limited-release, debut club box is themed Discover Oregon, including 6 unique, hand picked cider offerings, available for order at www.nwciderclub.com only until November 22, 2020.  The Discover Oregon box will arrive mid-December just in time for the holidays. A club membership is a unique holiday gift for friends, family and in lieu of the office holiday party.

Discover Oregon cider collection includes a diverse range of cider styles and formats hailing from makers large and small, from different backgrounds and from across the map. The Northwest Cider Club’s inaugural box includes 2 Towns Ciderhouse’s 10th Anniversary special release, Peak Light Cider’s estate Field Run Semi Dry, La Familia Cider’s Guava, Salt Creek Cider House’s heirloom blend called Rebel, Double Mountain Brewery and Cidery’s blend called Heirloom, and Reveille’s homage to Harry Potter’s Sirius Black called Serious Black which is fermented with black tea and apricots. For more information on this box’s specific bottles and how to join the club visit nwciderclub.com.

 

The celebration package makes exploring Northwest cider easy. “All you’ll need to go along with the box is a good cheese, a fresh loaf of bread, and your “quaran-team” to share these beautiful libations with. We’re stoked to collaborate with the Northwest Cider Association to work together to celebrate craft cider!” said Aaron Sarnoff-Wood, co-owner of 2 Towns Ciderhouse.

Greenwood Cider Whiskey Barrel Heirloom Bottle Release with Press Then Press for Washington Cider Week

Whiskey Barrel Heirloom Bottle Release with Press Then Press
Online-only Exclusive Release From Now Through Washington Cider Week

Greenwood Cider and Seattle-based online retailer Press Then Press have partnered for their
first ever online-only exclusive release, Whiskey Barrel Heirloom. 500ml bottles of Whiskey
Barrel Heirloom will be available at pressthenpress.com from now through Washington Cider
Week (9/10 – 9/20). With a virtual Seattle Cider Summit and limited Cider Week events, the two
companies seek to bring something new to isolated at-home celebrations taking place in
Washington and across the country this year.

North Seattle’s Greenwood Cider has offered barrel-aged and heirloom releases, but never one
and the same. Whiskey Barrel Heirloom is a blend of heirloom and cider apples, bittersweet and
bittersharps, aged for six months in Westland whiskey barrels. More than 13 varieties were
used, including Foxwhelp, Muscat de Dieppe, and Reine des Pommes. This is their third barrel-
aged release and first Heirloom Series release of 2020.

Seattle-based Press Then Press is an online retailer of rare, independent and craft ciders. Born
from an evening of drinking fine ciders around a firepit, they became determined to get craft
ciders in the hands of more people so they too can experience the best the Pacific Northwest
has to offer. They now ship to 49 states (Utah excluded).

From the usually boisterous Seattle Cider Summit to the extensive events that occur during
Washington Cider Week, this year is bound to feel a little different. Greenwood Cider and Press
Then Press hope to fill the void of this less-than-ideal year, break out of the mold and offer
something new for cider fans across the country.

Yonder Cider to Launch August 22 in Washington State and Beyond

Wenatchee-based cidery launches Seattle tasting room, online sales and new craft ciders

SEATTLE (August 17, 2020) – Yonder Cider is excited to announce the launch of its new line of
craft ciders, blending modern apples with traditional apples to create ciders as balanced, bright
and complex as the land they come from. Picked and pressed in Wenatchee, Washington – the
heart of Apple Country – Yonder’s unique approach creates ciders that are more full-flavored
and complex than traditional modern ciders, while still remaining affordable and wrapped in
packaging that’s perfect for any occasion. Available in 16-ounce cans ($11.99 four-pack) and
draft, Yonder marks the August 22 launch of its ciders with distribution throughout Washington,
online shipping, a Seattle retail shop and more.

“I’ve always been captivated by the beauty of the Wenatchee Valley and the apples it produces,
along with their unlimited potential for amazing cider,” said Caitlin Braam, founder of Yonder
Cider. “It’s why there was question where we would be producing ours. The depth of flavors and
character coming from the region’s apples are what help set our ciders apart, and we’re excited
to share what Wenatchee has to offer with the rest of Washington and beyond.”
Crafted using a blend of bittersweet cider apples and juicy culinary apples, Yonder creates ciders
that are hardly simple and you can always count on being interesting. With a foundation of
flavorful Fuji and Honeycrisp apples, a variety of cider apples – containing added tannins, acid
and body – are blended in to create a beautifully bright and complex cider. Products available
for launch include:

Dry (6.5% ABV) – Bright, light and refreshing. This easy drinking cider is a blend of traditional
and modern cider apple varieties with bright notes of citrus. Hints of orange and lime dance
with flavors of tropical fruit, making this a very refreshing but hard to define cider. Apples: Fuji,
Honeycrisp, Roxbury Russet, Ashmead’s Kernel, Porter’s Perfection, Wickson Crab
Semi Sweet (6.5% ABV) – Juicy, crisp and beautifully balanced. Bold tones of peaches and
strawberries compete with the nuance of spice, bringing the best out of our red fleshed and
traditional cider apples. This stunning and complex blend will keep you coming back to pinpoint
just what makes it so delicious. Apples: Fuji, Honeycrisp, Golden Russet, Dabinett, Various Red
Fleshed Apples

Palisades (6.5% ABV) – The perfect mix of tangy and tart. A blend of juicy culinary and old-world
apple complexity meets bright and mouthwatering Pacific Northwest blackberries, all of which is
supported by an herbal hint of sage. Inspired by a favorite cocktail at Seattle’s Oliver’s Twist.
Apples: Fuji, Honeycrisp, Roxbury Russet, Dabinett, Various Red Fleshed Apples

 

Yonder Cider will also feature a selection of single varietal ciders available only on draft,
including Roxbury Russet, Red Fleshed and more.

Available from Bellingham to Olympia through NW Beverages and Sound Beverages beginning
August 22, Yonder Cider will also be available throughout the greater Wenatchee/Leavenworth
area via self-distribution with plans for expansion to the rest of the state in the coming months.
From those not in Washington state, Yonder Cider is also now available online for shipping to 40
states.

For those in Seattle, Saturday, August 22 will also mark the official opening of ‘Yonder Bar,’ the
to-go only retail shop for Yonder Cider. Located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood on 1 st Ave
NW between 78 th Street and 79 th Street (one of Seattle’s now pedestrian-only Stay Healthy
streets), Yonder Bar will offer four-packs and growlers to-go, along with merchandise, special
releases and more. A portion of the proceeds from Yonder Bar will be donated to the Phinney
Neighborhood Association.

“When we dreamed up Yonder, we also dreamed up the perfect tasting room – then COVID hit,”
added Braam. “We quickly pivoted, turned our garage into a little to-go spot, and now we
couldn’t be more excited about Yonder Bar. We love adding something fun to the
neighborhood, while bringing a little piece of Wenatchee to the heart of Seattle.”
Founded by Caitlin Braam (President), Tim Larsen (Head Cidermaker) and Maddy Porter
(Creative Director), Yonder Cider was born out of a true love for cider, both modern and
traditional. With more than a decade of experience in each of their respective fields, the team at
Yonder has spent the last nine months crafting the Yonder brand. Putting branding right
alongside cidermaking in importance, Yonder Cider offers ciders as beautiful as the packaging it
comes in, and through creative marketing, hopes to introduce an entirely new audience to the
world of cider.

For more information and updates, follow Yonder Cider on Instagram and Facebook, or visit the
website at yondercider.com. To buy online, visit yondercider.com/buy-cider.
Media interviews, samples and photos available upon request. Please contact Caitlin Braam at
caitlin@yondercider.com. Establishments interested in carrying Yonder Cider products are
encouraged to send inquires to hello@yondercider.com.

About Yonder Cider
“I’ll be over yonder.” Yonder Cider was started to bring full-flavored, delicious cider to every
occasion. Whether it’s a hammock, a hike, or your favorite hole-in-the-wall, Yonder is a place
where you’re welcome and every possibility is just within reach. Picked and pressed in
Wenatchee, Washington – the heart of Apple Country – we create cider that's as balanced,
bright and complex as the land itself. Crafted using a blend of bittersweet cider apples and juicy
dessert apples, our ciders are hardly simple, and never straightforward – but you can always
count on them being interesting. Launching August 2020, Yonder Cider will be available in 16-
ounce cans and on draft throughout Seattle at your local grocery store, bottle shop or bar, and
online at yondercider.com. For more information, follow Yonder Cider on Instagram and
Facebook (@yondercider).