Last I heard, cider was the fastest growing segment of the adult beverage market. Not surprising, really, as more and more people are learning about the value of (or need for) a gluten-free or gluten-reduced lifestyle. Cider is a growing trend because it provides a flavorful drinking experience without the gluten. It’s a fantastic alternative to craft beer for those who need one.
Seattle Cider Company has now officially announced its launch. Brought to you by the same folks that bring you Two Beers Brewing (blog sponsor), Seattle Cider Company is the first cidery to actually produce cider in the city limits since prohibition. We reported on Seattle Cider Company a couple months ago (read it). The company will have two flagship products, Semi Sweet and Dry Cider, which will be available in 16-ounce cans. If you know anything about Two Beers Brewing, you’ll recognize the same creative spark in Seattle Cider Company. For instance, at launch they will introduce a Pumpkin Spice Cider which will be available in 22-ounce bottles.
Here is the press release about next week’s launch (including the official launch party):
Seattle Cider Company to Launch on August 24
Seattle’s first cidery since Prohibition moves up product launch & announces party; 16-ounce cans and draft to hit PNW market beginning late August
SEATTLE (August 14, 2013) – Seattle Cider Company is excited to announce its fast approaching launch date has been set for Saturday, August 24. As Seattle’s first cidery since Prohibition, Seattle Cider will introduce two year round ciders – Dry and Semi-Sweet – in 16-ounce cans and on draft throughout the Pacific Northwest, accompanied by the cidery’s first seasonal, Pumpkin Spice, in 22-ounce bottles. To mark the occasion, this exciting new cidery will host a launch party on Saturday, August 24 at The Woods tasting room in SoDo, offering the public their first taste of this brand new take on cider.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between beer and wine, and change the perception that cider has to be overly sweet,” said founder and head cidermaker Joel VandenBrink, also known for his role as founder and head brewer at Two Beers Brewing Co. “We’ve created flavorful, small-batch ciders with limited sweetness using all natural ingredients and fresh pressed Washington apples, making for a truly unique product.”
Taking place from 2-7pm, Seattle Cider’s launch party will feature the cidery’s year round offerings, its first seasonal – Pumpkin Spice – and a special Gin Botanical cider created using the herbs and spices from local distillery Batch 206. Pints of cider will be available for $4 each with tasting sampler available for $11, featuring four 4-ounce cider pours. Growler fills will also be available for $11 for Semi Sweet and Dry, and $14 for seasonal ciders. Cans and bottles will also be available for purchase. Cidery tours will be available at 3 pm and 5pm, with raffle prizes – including bottles, cans, t-shirts, growlers, the chance to pick your own cider infusion and more – given away every hour.
The Seattle Cider launch party will also mark the grand reopening of the newly expanded tasting room, The Woods. Located in SoDo, The Woods features offerings from both Seattle Cider Company and Two Beers Brewing Co. with eighteen tap handles, six dedicated growler filling stations, seating for 97 people, a sun-filled outdoor patio and HD TVs for watching the game. The Woods will also be extending its hours to include Sundays from 1-6pm, in addition to its current Tuesday through Saturday hours.
Seattle Cider’s initial offerings – Dry and Semi-Sweet – break the mold of overly sweet cider, bringing the natural flavors of Washington apples to the forefront. Naturally gluten free and made from a custom blend of fresh pressed, Washington apples, Seattle Cider’s products are handcrafted with all natural ingredients, never from concentrate.
Find Seattle Cider products in stores and on tap throughout Washington beginning August 26, with Oregon and Idaho soon to follow. Tastings, kegs and growler fills are also available at The Woods tasting room in SoDo. For more information, follow Seattle Cider Company on Facebook, Twitter (@seattleciderco) and Instagram (seattleciderco). A growing list of locations will soon be available at seattlecidercompany.com.
Media interviews, samples and photos available upon request. Please contact Caitlin Braam at caitlin@caitlinbraam.com. Establishments interested in carrying Seattle Cider Company products are encouraged to send inquires to info@seattlecidercompany.com.
About Seattle Cider Company
Not your standard cider. Seattle Cider Company is the city’s first cidery since prohibition, bringing true craft cider back to Seattle. Bridging the gap between wine and beer with flavorful, small-batch cider, Seattle Cider’s initial offerings – Dry and Semi-Sweet – break the mold of overly sweet cider, bringing the natural flavors of Washington apples to the forefront. Naturally gluten free and made from a custom blend of fresh pressed, locally grown apples, Seattle Cider’s products are handcrafted with all natural ingredients and never from concentrate, successfully distinguishing themselves from the mass market cider found in stores today. Available in 16-ounce cans beginning September 2013, Seattle Cider products will be available at retailers and bottle shops throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Seattle Cider will also be available on tap in Seattle-area bars and restaurants, with tastings, kegs and growler fills available at The Woods tasting room, located at 4700 Ohio Ave. S. in SoDo, open weekly Tuesday – Saturday. For more information, visit seattlecidercompany.com, or follow Seattle Cider Company on Facebook and Twitter (@seattleciderco).