Written by Dave, from Old Time Cider
It certainly doesn’t need to be said that “all cider” events are pretty rare here in the US.
However consider an event where the overwhelming percentage of bottles poured and kegs tapped are from craft cider makers. Well it finally happened in Seattle last Saturday!
Cider Summit N.W. was also the inaugural event for the Northwest Cider Association of which many of the names above are members or on their way to becoming members.
The Cider Summit N.W. boasted some 40+ craft ciders and they delivered. In attendance from the NW craft cider ranks were Blue Mountain Cider Company, Carlton Cyderworks, Eaglemount Cider, Finnriver Farm & Cidery, Red Barn Cider, Snowdrift Cider Co., Tieton Cider Works Vashon Winery/Irvines Vintage cider, Wandering Aengus Ciderworks, Westcott Bay Cider, and Wildfire Cider. We even had an extra special visit from my favorite BC cider maker Sea Cider. Visitors from abroad included Dupont & Drouin from France, and from England Aspall and Samuel Smith. I’d really love to see true English cider representation increased on the market and at the event.
The highlights? Where to begin and too many to list. I’ve had the pleasure of drinking most of the ciders there and if I were to only name the highlights it might misrepresent the amount and quality of the craft ciders present. My favorite cluster of booths just happen to house my favorite regularly available cider selections. Snowdrift Cider Co., Tieton Cider Works, Wandering Aengus, Westcott Bay Cider, and Wildfire Cider.
More great NW Cider events on the way. Check out Vashon Island’s Cider Fest October 9th, Portland Nursery’s Artisan Cider Festival October 9th-10th and 16-17th, and Ivar’s Salmon House 3rd Annual Fall Cider Celebration coming in November.
Other reviews of the NW cider summit from American cider bloggers:
- NW Beer Guide
- Old Time Cider