The history of cidermaking dates back many centuries, around the world, gaining popularity as it went along. In fact, cider became so popular back in the day, that it was the drink of choice for many. After losing favor for a time, today there is a revival. An ever-growing craft cider scene in the Northwest gains momentum and fanfare as more and more people discover the vibrant flavors that are being bottled up.

It all starts with apples. Washington State grows more apples in the U.S. than anywhere else - 60% of the country’s apples! Washington leads the nation in growing apples with five distinct growing regions characterized by temperate microclimates, a long season, arid climates, and rich volcanic soils. With the state supplying the majority of apples for cider made in the region, Washington cideries alone produce more than 2.5 million gallons of hard cider annually. Today, the Washington cider scene is known as one of the most prolific in the United States, boasting more than 100 cideries around the state. That means that people of all kinds are immersing themselves in the magic of cider and perries.

The best part? There are many that have recently won awards and are ripe for discovery this summer.

NW Cider Cup, the region’s longest standing, most competitive blind judging of ciders and perries, has been happening for the last 11 years thanks to the Northwest Cider Association, a regional non-profit that is nearly 100 cidery members strong. The competition brings industry experts together to evaluate and rank the best ciders in the Pacific Northwest. Fans of dry cider and folks with palates of all kinds look to the winning selections to help them choose the best ciders for our region. This year, 57 total medals were awarded to 29 cideries, both up from the last year.  

Plan Your Summer Cider Tasting Extravaganza

The most gold medals earned in the competition went to a maker in the state's urban center, Seattle Cider. This cidery is notably the first cidery in Seattle since Prohibition was lifted. More importantly, it won golds for Mixtape in the Botanical Hopped category, City Fruit 2023 in the Low-Tannin Cider Dry category and Odyssey in the Low-Tannin Cider Sweet category. “The annual collaboration with Seattle non-profit City Fruit that resulted in this award winning cider of the same name really exemplifies Washingtonians passion for fruit and sustainable food systems,” notes Emily Ritchie, Executive Director of Northwest Cider Association.

Looking to splash your summer with heat? Chili ciders are in! Family-owned and operated by three sisters, Rootwood Cider Company began a decade ago. The cidery was a natural extension of the family orcharding background that spanned over a century in the Lake Chelan Valley. In 2024, their Ghost Chili cider took silver in the Botanical Spiced category. Rootwood also tied for the Best of Show Runner Up for their gold medal winning Golden Russet in the Single Varietal category.

Cockrell Cider Farm in Puyallup, was founded by two brothers who have been hand-crafting cider for more than 30 years. Their Devil'n Cider, crafted with local apples, farm grown raspberries and habaneros took bronze in Botanical Spiced!

Nashi Orchards on Vashon Island continued a nearly two decade long tradition of growing fruit and crafting award winners with their 2023 Perry earning gold in Low-Tannin Perry.

Endless Orchard Cider, with 1,250 acres in the heart of Washington’s Okanagan won New Cidery of the Year and took home a gold medal in the Botanical Herbed category for its Boundless Blueberry-Basil cider.

“When you walk into a bar, you don’t just order a ‘beer.’ You specify a style you like, like a Pilsner or IPA. Cider has more flavors than wine, so surprise yourself and find what you like,” Ritchie said.

Summer is in full swing, and it’s the ideal time to get out and explore the variety of Washington’s award-winning cideries and the thirst-quenching beverages they have worked so hard to create.

Ready to set out on your cider tasting adventure? Learn more about this year’s award winners and let the 2024 NW Cider Cup Winners Guide lead you or map your own course.