by Carrie Uffindell | Photo © Carrie Uffindell
In the last year, several new Northwest cider pubs and taprooms have opened their doors, making hard ciders more accessible than ever. From urban cideries creating small-batches on site to pubs pouring ciders from around the world, these four new cider-centric establishments each offer their own unique style and vision.
Reverend Nat’s Cidery & Public Taproom, Portland, Oregon
Housed in an attractive, industrial-style space, this urban cidery and taproom offers six of Reverend Nat’s year-round, seasonal and experimental ciders on tap. Owner and cider maker Nat West creates a wide range of traditional and modern small-batch ciders. Ingredients can include hops, lemongrass stalks, pineapple and carrot juice. “Some companies make a middle of the road cider but for me that’s boring,” Nat says. “We’re always trying new things.” reverendnatshardcider.com
Capitol Cider, Seattle, Washington
Inspired by her son’s passion for hard cider and her own artistic background, owner Julie Tall has created a vibrant pub filled with dark wood paneling, comfortable booths and colonial-themed artwork. Serving ciders from all over the globe, Capitol Cider has 20 on tap and more than 100 bottles available for purchase. There’s also a full-service menu featuring contemporary American flavors that pair well with cider. “We encourage our customers to come in as a group,” Julie says. “We want that homey feel.” seattleciderbar.com
The Cider House, Pullman, Washington
Whiskey Barrel Cider Company’s new tasting room is a comfortable space with modern and rustic touches. Owners and cider makers Trent Maier and Brian Augdahl offer twelve taps of their standard and seasonal ciders, each well-balanced and made with Washington apples. Look for specialty concoctions like a bacon cider, a cherry cider and a non-alcoholic fresh cider. “I really enjoy the process of blending different flavors,” says Trent. “It’s always fun to create.” There’s a lovely outdoor patio and a limited food menu for pairings. whiskeybarrelcider.com
Portland Cider Company Taproom, Oregon City, Oregon
Owners Jeff and Lynda Parrish offer six hard ciders on taps. This establishment is so new the aroma of fresh-cut cedar still perfumes this cozy taproom. Inspired by Lynda’s English heritage and his native Oregon roots, cider maker Jeff creates a variety of English- and American-style ciders on site. All taproom pints are served in 20 oz. imperial glasses, another nod to Lynda’s homeland. Portlandcider.com
Northwest Cider Events
If you’ve been poking around taprooms and scanning the beverage section of your favorite supermarket, you’ve probably noticed the variety and availability of hard ciders are on the rise.
Fortunately for cider consumers, Northwest Cider Association (NCA) organizes tasting events so we can all enjoy the delightful array of ciders and perries (pear cider) that are bursting onto the beverage scene.
On June 21 and 22 at Elizabeth Caruthers Park in Portland and on September 5 and 6 at South Lake Union Discovery Center in Seattle you can enjoy Northwest Cider Summits. These will be a who’s who and what’s what of Northwest artisanal ciders. cidersummitnw.com
On August 19, the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend will see Summer Cider Day, another tasting event featuring dozens of Northwest ciders. nwcider.com/cider-events.
