12 Mar 2015 --- As the weather in Seattle takes an early turn toward spring, Seattle Cider Company is thrilled to announce the release of its new spring seasonal, Basil Mint. Available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft, this light, refreshing, and slightly tart cider is made with an impressive 118 pounds of fresh basil and mint per batch, making it the perfect accompaniment to the change in season.
“We continue to try and push the boundaries of cider, offering unexpected flavors, real ingredients and limited sweetness,” said Brent Miles, head cidermaker at Seattle Cider Company. “Basil Mint does just that. Starting with an aroma and initial flavor of basil, this cider finishes tart and fresh with a hint of mint. It’s unlike any cider we’ve ever had.”
Offering 6.9 ABV and just 1.8 Brix, Seattle Cider Company’s new seasonal begins with a base of 100 percent fresh pressed Washington apples, accompanied by 59 pounds of fresh basil and 59 pounds of fresh mint, muddled and ground at local raw juice provider Strawberry Moon Juice. The freshly muddled basil and mint is then added directly in with the cider during fermentation, creating an off- dry cider that starts savory and floral, perfectly complemented by a tart, clean finish.
Basil Mint replaces the popular Gin Botanical, now available year round, as the cidery’s spring seasonal. This delicious cider can be found on shelves and on draft throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Illinois, Wisconsin, Austin and parts of Idaho now through the end of May. It joins the growing cidery’s two year round ciders – Dry and Semi Sweet, available in 16-ounce cans – and two limited ciders, Three Pepper and Gin Botanical, available in 22-ounce bottles.
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 100 percent fresh pressed Washington apples, Seattle Cider Company products are handcrafted with real ingredients, never from concentrate and free from artificial flavorings.