2 Towns Ciderhouse Earns Top Honors at 2026 LA Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge / World Beer Cup / World Alcohol Free Awards / GUAVA GET DOWN TAKES PLATINUM ACROSS BOTH ALCOHOLIC AND NON-ALCOHOLIC CATEGORIES AT THE 9TH ANNUAL CIDERCRAFT AWARDS / ROOTED IN OREGON, HONORED IN ENGLAND: 2 TOWNS CIDERHOUSE EARNS INTERNATIONAL GOLD / OREGON CIDERIES SWEEP TRADITIONAL TANNIC CIDER CATEGORIES AT INTERNATIONAL CIDER AWARDS
Guava Get Down named Best Cider and Best of Class as 2 Towns and Craftwell continue award-winning momentum
CORVALLIS, Oregon., March 11, 2026 — 2 Towns Ciderhouse has earned top honors at the 2026 LA Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge, with its newest release, Guava Get Down, capturing Gold Medal, Best Cider, and Best of Class. The Corvallis-based cidery also saw strong results across its Cosmic Crisp® cider lineup and Craftwell Cocktails ready-to-drink portfolio.
Judged by a panel of winemakers, distillers, sommeliers, beverage trade professionals, and media, the LA Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge highlights exceptional beverages from producers around the world.
The standout for 2 Towns was Guava Get Down, a tropical fruit-forward cider layered over a crisp apple base. Judges described the cider as “bright” with notes of “pineapple and guava.”
“Guava Get Down was crafted with carefully sourced ingredients to let the vibrant tropical character of guava shine,” said Dave Takush, head cidermaker at 2 Towns Ciderhouse. “Seeing it earn both Best Cider and Best of Class is incredibly rewarding for our team.”
2026 LA Invitational Wine Challenge Results – 2 Towns Ciderhouse
Guava Get Down
• Gold Medal – Fruit or Botanical
• Best Cider
• Best of Class
Apricot Cosmic Crisp® – Silver Medal – Fruit or Botanical
Huckleberry Cosmic Crisp® – Silver Medal – Fruit or Botanical
Spiced Cosmic Crisp® – Silver Medal – Fruit or Botanical
2026 LA Invitational Spirits Challenge Results – Craftwell Cocktails
Craftwell Guava Crush – Silver Medal – Ready-to-Drink Cider-Based
Craftwell Transfusion – Silver Medal – Ready-to-Drink Cider-Based
The results build on a strong track record for both brands at the LA Invitational competitions. In previous years, Raspberry Cosmic Crisp® earned Best Cider and Best of Class, while Craftwell favorites including Chocolate Espresso Martini, Cranberry Mule, and Transfusion have also earned medals across multiple RTD cocktail categories.
“The LA Invitational is judged by some of the most respected palates in the beverage world,” said Lee Larsen, co-founder and CEO of 2 Towns Ciderhouse. “Recognition for both our craft ciders and RTD cocktails reflects the versatility and talent of our cidermaking team. I couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
2 TOWNS CIDERHOUSE WINS 3 MEDALS AT THE WORLD BEER CUP
Award-winning lineup recognized on the global stage, led by Gold for The Bad Apple
CORVALLIS, Ore. — Apr. 27, 2026 — 2 Towns Ciderhouse continues its momentum at the global level, earning three medals at the prestigious World Beer Cup®, one of the most competitive and respected beverage competitions in the world.
Often referred to as the “Olympics of Beer,” the World Beer Cup is organized by the Brewers Association and brings together top producers from around the globe. This year’s competition featured 8,166 entries from 1,644 breweries and cideries across 50 countries, evaluated by 255 judges representing 37 nations.
2 Towns Ciderhouse was recognized across multiple cider categories:
- The Bad Apple GOLD (Experimental Barrel-Aged or Specialty Cider)
- Cosmic Crisp® SILVER – (No/Low Tannin Cider)
- BrightCider BRONZE (No/Low Tannin Cider)
“We craft a wide range of cider styles, so it’s great to see our flagship ciders recognized on the global stage,” said Dave Takush, head cidermaker at 2 Towns Ciderhouse. “We’ve been making these ciders for a long time, and they’re still the ones people reach for.”
Following a standout performance in 2025, when cider categories were first introduced at the World Beer Cup and 2 Towns earned six medals, this year’s results underscore the cidery’s continued momentum as the category gains traction globally.
“We’re honored to see our ciders recognized two years in a row at the World Beer Cup,” said Lee Larsen, CEO and co-founder of 2 Towns Ciderhouse. “This competition brings together the best producers from around the world, and to be recognized among them is incredibly meaningful. I’m grateful to our cider making team for their dedication to the craft and to a community that continues to support innovation in cider. We also appreciate the Brewer’s Association for continuing to recognize cider on a global stage.”
2 TOWNS CIDERHOUSE EARNS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AT THE WORLD ALCOHOL FREE AWARDS
Non-alcoholic lineup earns multiple awards, bringing total to 24 medals since launch
CORVALLIS, Ore. — Apr 30, 2026 — 2 Towns Ciderhouse continues to gain recognition in the growing adult non-alcohol category, earning multiple honors at the World Alcohol-Free Awards, an international competition held in England, celebrating excellence in non-alcoholic beer, wine, and cider.
The cidery’s non-alcoholic lineup was recognized for its flavor, balance, and craftsmanship, reinforcing 2 Towns Ciderhouse’s approach of fully fermenting cider before gently removing the alcohol to preserve character and complexity.
“We approach non-alcoholic cider the same way we approach everything we make, starting with real fruit and fully fermenting to build depth of flavor,” said Head Cidermaker Dave Takush. “From there, it’s about preserving that character throughout the dealcoholization process so the final product shines with all the complexity that our alcoholic ciders have.”
The World Alcohol-Free Awards Competition is judged through blind tastings by a panel selected for their expertise in alcohol-free beverages, with a focus on aroma, flavor, balance, and overall drinkability, underscoring the increasing sophistication of the category.
2 Towns Earned a Medal for Each Entry
- NA Guava Get Down (Silver) Judges noted: “Very floral, with notes of elderflower and violet joined by red berries, and leading to baked red apple and quince on the palate…This would taste amazing with soft goat’s cheese.”
- NA Pacific Pineapple (Bronze) Judges noted “Delicious aromas and flavours of pineapple chunks, mango and a cider edge…great as an accompaniment to Cajun chicken.”
- NA Cosmic Crisp® : (Bronze) Judges noted “…has appealing aromas of juicy apples, balanced by refreshing notes of green fruits and some fermentation character. Vibrant and versatile – could be good with Japanese cuisine.”
This recognition builds on a strong track record for 2 Towns Ciderhouse’s non-alcoholic ciders across both global and domestic competitions. Since its launch in 2024, the lineup has earned 24 awards from leading competitions, including CIDERCRAFT, SIP Awards, San Francisco Ready-to-Drink Competition, GLINTCAP, Northwest Cider Cup, Pr%f Awards and Untappd Community Awards, including multiple gold-level honors and recognitions for innovation.
“As consumer demand for high-quality non-alcoholic options continues to grow, 2 Towns Ciderhouse will continue to bring the fun and passion we put into all of our ciders, including our ANA cider line” Said VP of Business Development Nels Jewell-Larsen. “Our goal is to bring the experience of an authentic craft cider to those looking for an ANA beverage occasion.”
All offerings contain <0.5% ABV, are gluten-free, and are crafted with fresh-pressed Northwest apples, delivering a true cider experience for a wide range of drinking occasions. Today, 2 Towns Ciderhouse is the #1 selling non-alcoholic cider brand family in the U.S, as reported by Circana, crafting products specifically for adult drinkers seeking a true cider experience.
GUAVA GET DOWN TAKES PLATINUM ACROSS BOTH ALCOHOLIC AND NON-ALCOHOLIC CATEGORIES AT THE 9TH ANNUAL CIDERCRAFT AWARDS
Corvallis, Ore., May 18, 2026 — 2 Towns Ciderhouse is proud to announce five award-winning ciders recognized at the 9th Annual Cidercraft Awards, including a rare and exciting achievement where both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of Guava Get Down earned Platinum honors in their respective categories.
The annual blind-tasting competition featured entries from across the United States, Canada, and Ukraine, honoring the innovation, craftsmanship, and creativity shaping the future of cider.
2 Towns Ciderhouse received the following honors:
- Platinum — N/A Guava Get Down (Low Alcohol / Alcohol Removed)
- Platinum — Guava Get Down (Tropical)
- Gold — Original Cosmic Crisp (Imperial Cider – Apple Only)
- Judges’ Pick — Dry Fidelity (Modern-Dry)
- Judges’ Pick — Huckleberry Cosmic Crisp (Imperial Cider – Adjuncts)
The dual Platinum recognition for Guava Get Down highlights 2 Towns Ciderhouse’s ability to deliver a premium craft cider experience across both alcoholic and non-alcoholic formats without compromise. As one of the cidery’s newest releases, Guava Get Down has quickly emerged as a standout example of the innovation and technical craftsmanship driving the next generation of cider.
At the same time, Original Cosmic Crisp, one of the company’s earliest and most iconic releases, earned Gold in the Imperial Cider category, reinforcing the consistency and staying power of the 2 Towns portfolio. Together, the awards showcase a cidery equally capable of pushing boundaries with new releases while continuing to elevate the products that helped define the brand.
“These awards are especially exciting because they recognize both innovation and consistency across our lineup,” said co-founder and CEO, Lee Larsen. “To see both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of Guava Get Down earn Platinum honors speaks to the level of intention and craftsmanship our team brings to every product. Whether someone chooses alcohol or non-alcoholic, we believe they deserve the same elevated cider experience.”
The recognition adds to a growing list of national and international accolades for 2 Towns Ciderhouse and further reinforces the cidery’s leadership in both premium craft cider and the rapidly growing adult non-alcoholic beverage space.
To view the full list of winners, visit Cidercraft Magazine.
ROOTED IN OREGON, HONORED IN ENGLAND: 2 TOWNS CIDERHOUSE EARNS INTERNATIONAL GOLD
Family orchard cider earns Gold in England, highlighting Oregon’s growing place in traditional cider making
CORVALLIS, Ore., May 26, 2026 – 2 Towns Ciderhouse has earned two gold medals at the prestigious International Cider Awards in England, including a second consecutive award for its Kingston Black Single Varietal cider, crafted from apples grown in the Willamette Valley on Head Cidermaker Dave Takush’s family orchard.
The International Cider Awards is part of an international awards program with roots dating to 1888, judged exclusively by working brewers and cidermakers through a multi-round tasting process built on discussion and consensus.
2 Towns Ciderhouse received gold medals for:
• 2025 Kingston Black Single Varietal – GOLD
Tannin Driven Cider Class 1.2 (2–8.5% ABV)
• 14th Anniversary – GOLD
Class 2.2 (2–8.5% ABV)
For Takush, the recognition represents more than a medal.
Traditionally grown in England, Kingston Black apples are prized for their balance of tannin, acidity, and sugar – qualities that have made the variety foundational to classic English cider for generations. In 2012, Takush planted Kingston Black trees on his parents’ orchard in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The orchard block, known as Lizzie’s Lot, was named in memory of his mother.
Today, that fruit is earning international recognition on the very stage where traditional cider styles were born.
“The apples come from my father’s orchard in the Willamette Valley, from a block called Lizzie’s Lot, named in memory of my mother,” Takush said. “Our Kingston Black cider is about showcasing the depth and structure of this apple. To have it recognized with back-to-back awards in a competition where we’re going head-to-head with English producers who have been making these styles for centuries is incredibly meaningful.”
“It also reflects the evolution of cider in Oregon,” Takush added. “We now have the fruit and the expertise to produce traditional cider styles at a world-class level.”
2 Towns also earned Gold for its 14th Anniversary cider, a thoughtfully blended release crafted with heirloom varieties from local orchards, including Washington-grown Dolgo crabapples and a mix of Oregon heirloom apples, celebrating the cidery’s longstanding commitment to Pacific Northwest-grown fruit and balanced, fruit-forward craftsmanship.
For 2 Towns, the recognition is both deeply personal and reflective of a broader shift happening within American cider. What was once considered a distinctly European tradition is now being shaped by orchards, growers, and cidermakers in Oregon and across the Pacific Northwest.
From a family orchard in the Willamette Valley to the world stage in England, the award-winning Kingston Black from 2 Towns Ciderhouse represents not only a cider, but the growing global recognition of Oregon’s place in the future of craft cider.
2 Towns Ciderhouse earned Gold medals for:
• 2025 Kingston Black Single Varietal — Tannin Driven Cider Class 1.2
• 14th Anniversary — Class 2.2
Bauman’s Cider earned Gold medals for:
• Kingston Black SV — Tannin Driven Cider Class 1.1
• Endless Harvest — Naturally Sparkling Cider Class 3.2
• Loganberry Cider — Fruit Flavoured Cider – Berries
Bauman’s also earned Silver for Mountain Rose SV and Bronze for McIntosh SV.
Most notably, both Oregon cideries earned Gold in the competition’s tannin-driven categories, a major achievement in cider styles deeply rooted in English tradition and built around specialized cider apple varieties prized for structure, balance, and complexity.
“Kingston Black is one of the great traditional cider apples, with deep roots in English cidermaking history,” said Dave Takush. “To plant those trees in Oregon more than a decade ago, watch them mature on my family’s orchard, and now see that fruit recognized in England, where these cider traditions began centuries ago, feels incredibly meaningful. It speaks not only to the quality of fruit we can grow here in the Pacific Northwest, but also to how far cider in Oregon has come.”
Once considered primarily the domain of historic European cider regions, traditional cider apple varieties are now being cultivated extensively throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. The results at this year’s International Cider Awards reflect the growing global recognition of the region’s orchards, fruit quality, and cidermaking expertise.
About 2 Towns Ciderhouse
Founded in 2010, 2 Towns Ciderhouse is an independently owned, Northwest-based beverage company dedicated to crafting high-quality cider and innovative beverages using whole, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. What began in a 900-square-foot garage has grown into one of the nation’s largest craft beverage companies, with more than 100 employees, three production facilities totaling over 100,000 square feet, and distribution across 16 states. 2 Towns is the #1 craft cider and beer brand in the Pacific Northwest and #2 cider brand nationwide and continues to evolve the beverage space as a premium total beverage company. For more information on 2 Towns Ciderhouse, visit www.2townsciderhouse.com.
For more information on 2 Towns Ciderhouse, visit www.2townsciderhouse.com.
About Craftwell Cocktails
Craftwell Cocktails brings real fruit, bold flavor, and Pacific Northwest craftsmanship to the ready-to-drink cocktail category. Created by the award-winning team at 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Craftwell delivers fresh, flavorful cocktails made with real fruit and designed to travel wherever the moment takes you. Available in canned cocktails, premium bottles, draft, and non-alcoholic options, Craftwell encourages people to live life with flavor and create cocktail moments anywhere.
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