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.
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.
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
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.
“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.
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 |
Purchase Cider Summit Portland Tasting Kits By June 6th- Nationwide Shipping Available!
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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).