Seattle Cider To Become Seattle’s First Cidery Since Prohibition

Seattle’s first cidery since Prohibition – unveils plans to release a new line of craft ciders in 16-ounce cans. 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, Washington apples, Seattle Cider’s products are handcrafted with all natural ingredients, never from concentrate. Scheduled for release in September, these unique ciders will be available in cans and on draft in select markets throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“The demand for cider continues to grow across the country, but we continue to see the same overly sweet ciders dominating the market,” said Founder and Head Cidermaker Joel VandenBrink, also known for his role as founder and head brewer at Two Beers Brewing Co. “We’re on a mission to change the current perception of cider and show that it doesn’t have to be sweet. It can be complex, dry, flavorful and refreshing – and as distinctive as any local beer.”

Seattle Cider Company’s Dry is one of the driest ciders on the market, with zero percent residual sugar (0 Brix). Featuring a 6.5 percent ABV, the golden orange glow of this unique unfiltered cider lends way to notes of lilac, blood orange and green apple on the nose. Dry and pleasantly acidic, flavors of nectarine, under ripe peach and tart cherry hit the palate, with no sweetness to be found. Only Washington grown apples, including Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Red Delicious, are used to create this unique cider.

The Semi-Sweet is light, crisp cider with just a touch of sweetness. This refreshing, honey-toned cider comes in at 6.5 percent ABV with an approachable 3 Brix. Notes of bergamot orange, lemon and apple give way to hints of citrus and cinnamon on the palate, allowing the true flavors of the Washington-grown apples to show through. As with the Dry, the Semi-Sweet features a blend of only Washington grown apples, including Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Red Delicious.

To be produced and canned in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, Seattle Cider Company is a longtime dream of founder Joel Vandenbrink. As current owner and founder of Two Beers Brewing Co. – a rapidly growing microbrewery founded in 2007 – VandenBrink began to see an increase in the number of people asking for gluten-free options, including two of his own employees who were recently faced with gluten allergies. With production facilities located next door to one another, the two businesses will share a common tasting room, The Woods, making it the perfect destination for locally produced craft beer and cider.

“This fall, we’ll be expanding The Woods to incorporate Seattle Cider Company, adding six new taps and expanding our hours to include Sundays,” added VandenBrink. “We can’t wait to offer an even bigger, better tasting room and such an exciting new product to our fans.”