Ciders. Ciders. Ciders. Ciders? We know what you're thinking and this isn’t about looking towards the Fall. Well sort of. And when we say Ciders we aren’t talking about the kind that you drink out of a stainless steel container, with bits of cinnamon in it.

Hard cider as it’s known, to most, is associated with yet another adult beverage that is inspiring discussions throughout the Northwest. With names like Traditional Dry, Cherry, Common, French, or English; ciders are becoming a ‘thing’ around here.

Just do a search for Cider Washington and you will discover over 6 million results on the topic alone. Add to the fact that Northwest is flush with apple orchards, and you have the makings of another obsession, this time over apples.

Today this writer is happy to announce a cross-over of sorts, with Two Beers Brewing’s Joel VandenBrink starting Seattle Cider Company.

“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.”

For small business owner and beer lover the idea of starting a Cidery Made sense. So what better way to promote one of Seattle’s first Ciders (in over 75 years) than with two ciders Dry (0 Brix) and Semi-Sweet (3 Brix).

Seattle Cider Company’s Dry is the driest cider 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.

Look for 16 ounce cans of Seattle Cider Dry and Semi-Sweet to hit the shelves this September. Till then we encourage you to swing by The Woods, which will be adding 6 new taps, to accommodate Seattle Cider Company’s future releases.

Cheers