News – Page 2 – Northwest Cider Association

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

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 29^th. 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 29^th 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 29^th.

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.

May 17, 2021

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