By now you may have heard about the massive expansion at The Woods, the tasting room shared by Two Beers Brewing and Seattle Cider Company. We originally reported on the project back in October and construction is now briskly underway in the new space next door to the existing tasting room. But that aint the only expansion happening at Seattle Cider Company.
A couple months ago in Chicago I was pleasantly surprised to see Seattle Cider at more than one bar I visited. Turns out, I shouldn’t have been surprised at all. Outside of Washington, Seattle Cider is available in Oregon, Alaska, Texas, California and Illinois. The company announced today its plans to continue expanding distribution across the country, with the intention of entering at least six new markets in 2015. First up, Wisconsin and Minnesota, which will start to see Seattle Cider this spring. Having produced over 7,000 barrels of cider in its first full year of production, the company is now in the middle of an expansion project that will see it more than triple its production capabilities.
Beyond that, Seattle Cider also announced today that its uber-popular Gin Botanical cider will now be available year round. And there’s more news. See the press release below for complete details.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Year Brings New Markets, New Ciders & Tripled Capacity for Seattle Cider Company
Gin Botanical released year round, plus new winter and spring seasonals; increased capacity to allow for at least six new markets in 2015
SEATTLE (January 15, 2015) – Far surpassing its 2014 goals – producing more than 7,000 barrels of cider in its first full year of production – Seattle Cider Company is quickly gearing up for an even bigger and better 2015. In the midst of a massive expansion, expected to more than triple the growing cidery’s production capacity to 44,000 barrels, Seattle Cider is also preparing for distribution to at least six new states over the next year, with more on the horizon. The new year also brings a few exciting changes to the cidery’s distinctive product lineup. Oaked Maple becomes the new winter seasonal, available now through the end of February, while the cidery’s standout 2014 spring seasonal, Gin Botanical, moves to year round. Taking its place will be Basil Mint, an off-dry cider both savory and floral, available March through May.
“We never expected so much excitement and demand for our product,” said Seattle Cider Company Founder Joel VandenBrink. “It’s amazing to see and really humbling. We are thrilled at the opportunity to expand, allowing us to meet demand across the country, and to release a handful of new ciders. We hope by offering uniquely dry, inventive ciders, we can help grow the cider category and show people what great craft cider tastes like.”
New products from Seattle Cider Company include:
Gin Botanical – Limited Year Round (1.8 Brix; 6.5% ABV)
The only cider included in DRAFT magazine’s list of the “25 Best Beers of 2014,” you’re favorite Gin Botanical cider is now available year round. Fermented with spent gin botanicals from Batch 206 Distillery, our Gin Botanical is a semi-dry cider showcasing lemon, orange rind, juniper, cucumber and verbena. Like the spirit that inspired it, this cider is complex, clean, aromatic and refreshing. Now available.
Oaked Maple – Winter Seasonal (1.8 Brix; 6.5% ABV)
Fermented with raisins and oak chips, this semi-dry cider is back sweetened with pure Vermont maple syrup. Offering notes of vanilla and oak with a hint of maple, this unique cider is the perfect accompaniment to chilly winter weather. Best served chilled, around 55 degrees. Available December – February.
Basil Mint – Spring Seasonal (1.8 Brix; 6.5% ABV)
Perfect for spring, this off-dry cider is fermented with fresh basil and mint. Starting off with a crisp floral aroma, this unique cider offering flavors that are both savory and floral, complemented perfectly by a tart, clean finish. Available March – May.
Seattle Cider’s year round and seasonal offerings 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 100 percent fresh pressed Washington apples, Seattle Cider’s products are handcrafted with real ingredients, never from concentrate. Seasonal ciders – including Pumpkin Spice, Oaked Maple, Basil Mint and Berry – are released each quarter, offering unique and unexpected flavor profiles geared toward the season.
Find Seattle Cider Company products in stores and on tap throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, California, Illinois and Texas, with growing list of locations available at seattlecidercompany.com. Tastings and pints are also available at The Woods tasting room in SoDo, which shares the space with Two Beers Brewing Co. For more information, follow Seattle Cider Company on Facebook, Twitter (@seattleciderco) and Instagram (seattleciderco).
Media interviews, samples and photos available upon request. Please contact Caitlin Braam at caitlin@seattlecidercompany. 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 city’s first cidery since Prohibition, bringing true craft cider back to Seattle and across the country. Bridging the gap between wine and beer with flavorful, small-batch cider, Seattle Cider Company’s year round and seasonal offerings 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 Company’s products are handcrafted with all natural ingredients and never from concentrate, successfully distinguishing themselves from the mass market cider found in stores today. Seattle Cider products are currently available throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Texas, California and Illinois. Visit our tasting room, The Woods, open weekly Tuesday – Sunday at 4700 Ohio Ave. S. in Seattle. For more information, visit seattlecidercompany.com, or follow Seattle Cider Company on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
I’m delighted to see the residual sugar content of their ciders published, hopefully it makes it to the label too. As somebody who prefers off-dry cider this is vital information when selecting a cider that sadly isn’t always available.