Thirteen years of raising a glass for the NW cider community
On June 26th, the Northwest Cider Association announces the winners of the 2026 Northwest Cider Cup Awards. This was the 13th year for the region’s most prestigious cider competition, which is now considered one of North America’s most rigorous and respected cider judging programs.
The Northwest Cider Cup Awards accepts commercial entries from Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and British Columbia. The range of ciders and perries competing this year reflects the depth and diversity of Pacific Northwest cider culture. Each entry is evaluated by trained industry professionals on appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel — with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded to the best in every category. This year’s winners were celebrated at Holocene in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday, June 25th.
2026 Best of Awards
- Best of Show: 2 Towns Ciderhouse (OR) 15th Anniversary (Low-Tannin Ciders Dry)
- Best of Show Runner Up: Heartland Ciderworks (OR) The Little Rose (Specialty Low Alcohol/Alcohol Removed)
- New Cidery of the Year: Abandoned Orchards (WA)
- Large Cidery of the Year: 2 Towns Ciderhouse (OR)
- Medium Cidery of the Year: Bauman’s Cider Company (OR)
- Small Cidery of the Year: RAW Cider Co. (OR)
By the numbers
- 236 entries submitted, only 25% of ciders entered won
- 60 medals were awarded in 19 categories to 51 cideries
- Winners: 25 from Washington, 31 from Oregon, and 4 from British Columbia
- See the complete list of all winners here
Current trends revealed
The 236 entries reflect what cidermakers across the region are seeing in consumer demand — a real-time snapshot of what will be in glasses across the Northwest. This year’s trends include:
- Low-alcohol ciders continue to rise. The Low Alcohol and Alcohol Removed category (4.5% ABV and below) keeps growing — and this is the first year two low-ABV ciders won medals outside of the Specialty Low Alcohol/Alcohol Removed Category.
- New cideries are entering the market. Nine new cideries competed this year, all having opened throughout the Northwest since April 2025. That growth mirrors cider’s broader momentum across the craft beverage industry: According to a study done by market research firm Circana, cider is growing more than eight times faster than beer in the Pacific Northwest. That same study found that Oregon, Washington, and Idaho account for 24.8% of all U.S. cider sales, while these three states represent just 4.2% of the U.S. population.
- Beyond fruit-forward: emerging styles are making their mark. While ciders with fruit additions remain a leading category by volume, standout trends are emerging in what rises to the top:
- Red-fleshed apples had a spotlight moment this year. Their naturally striking color produces a red hue without any added fruit flavors.
- Single-varietal ciders surged, with 30% more entries than in previous years. Much like wine drinkers seeking out specific grape varieties, cider drinkers are gravitating toward individual apple varieties — Kingston Black, Golden Russet, and others gaining real momentum.
- Low-Tannin Ciders claimed the top prize for the first time. Dry and approachable, these ciders are made with everyday eating apples rather than cider-specific varieties — the most common non-fruited style, and now, finally, a Cider Cup winner.
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