Seattle Cider Triples Capacity, Plans to Enter New Markets

19 Jan 2015 --- Far surpassing its 2014 goals – producing more than 7,000 barrels of cider in its first full year of production – Seattle Cider Company is quickly gearing up for an even bigger and better 2015. In the midst of a massive expansion, expected to more than triple the growing cidery’s production capacity to 44,000 barrels, Seattle Cider is also preparing for distribution to at least six new states over the next year, with more on the horizon.

The new year also brings a few exciting changes to the cidery’s distinctive product lineup. Oaked Maple becomes the new winter seasonal, available now through the end of February, while the cidery’s standout 2014 spring seasonal, Gin Botanical, moves to year round. Taking its place will be Basil Mint, an off-dry cider both savory and floral, available March through May.

“We never expected so much excitement and demand for our product,” said Seattle Cider Company Founder Joel VandenBrink. “It’s amazing to see and really humbling. We are thrilled at the opportunity to expand, allowing us to meet demand across the country, and to release a handful of new ciders. We hope by offering uniquely dry, inventive ciders, we can help grow the cider category and show people what great craft cider tastes like.”

New products from Seattle Cider Company include:

Gin Botanical – Limited Year Round (1.8 Brix; 6.5% ABV):

The only cider included in DRAFT magazine’s list of the “25 Best Beers of 2014,” you’re favorite Gin Botanical cider is now available year round. Fermented with spent gin botanicals from Batch 206 Distillery, Gin Botanical is a semi-dry cider showcasing lemon, orange rind, juniper, cucumber and verbena. Like the spirit that inspired it, this cider is complex, clean, aromatic and refreshing. Now available.

Oaked Maple – Winter Seasonal (1.8 Brix; 6.5% ABV):

Fermented with raisins and oak chips, this semi-dry cider is back sweetened with pure Vermont maple syrup. Offering notes of vanilla and oak with a hint of maple, this unique cider is the perfect accompaniment to chilly winter weather. Best served chilled, around 55 degrees. Available December – February.

Basil Mint – Spring Seasonal (1.8 Brix; 6.5% ABV):

Perfect for spring, this off-dry cider is fermented with fresh basil and mint. Starting off with a crisp floral aroma, this unique cider offering flavors that are both savory and floral, complemented perfectly by a tart, clean finish. Available March – May.

Seattle Cider’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’s products are handcrafted with real ingredients, never from concentrate. Seasonal ciders – including Pumpkin Spice, Oaked Maple, Basil Mint and Berry – are released each quarter, offering unique and unexpected flavor profiles geared toward the season.