It’s that time of year again, when Oregon squeezes both PDX Beer “Week” and Oregon Cider “Week” into one month where craft beer and cider nerds rejoice for the 11-days of events with their favorite breweries/cideries. Special releases, cellar series, and small batches OH MY!

As cider lovers across the state gather to celebrate the craft cider industry, it is a wonderful opportunity to see the diverse styles, techniques and flavors that cider makers are creating to define themselves. While there are many ways to go about making cider, here at 2 Towns Ciderhouse we believe in only using whole ingredients, fresh pressed 100% NW apples, purees, and juice. No concentrates, no added sugar, and nothing artificial! As with all things, creative human minds have revolutionized the ordinary fermented apple beverage. Cider is so much more than just apple! We have imperial ciders (8.5% alcohol and higher), barrel-aged ciders, wild fermented ciders, hopped ciders, sour ciders, and fruit ciders like our beloved Pacific Pineapple cider. Similar to beer, cider styles have expanded exponentially, and Oregon Cider Week is a great opportunity to broaden your cider profile.

Beginning June 21st and running through July 1st, Oregon Cider Week brings together bars, restaurants, taprooms, and bottle shops across Oregon to honor their favorite fermented apple beverages by hosting a wide variety of events. From tap takeovers and meet the cidermaker to exclusive charity dog washes (@Bushwhacker Cider) and comedy dinner pairings (@Curious Comedy Theatre), cider enthusiasts from all parts of Oregon come to celebrate! Not only is this a time to enjoy our favorite cideries but it also gives them an opportunity to show off some of their unusual ciders.

New to the cider game? Then this week is also for you! Most events are beginner friendly and hosted by knowledgeable reps who can teach you all you need to know about their cider. I personally recommend attending Oregon Cider Summit (June 29th-30th). OCS is an annual cider festival with over 150 ciders, food, and music. On top of this fun festival, the Northwest Cider Association has teamed up with the Portland Mercury to highlight local events happening around the area. Check out their calendar along with ours to the left, and start planning your Cider Week now!

Cider on, y’all. Cider on.

 

ASHLEY SORENSON

Portland Cider Slinger (Sales Rep)

Cider of Choice: Fresh-Hopped Hop & Stalk

Ashley has been working with 2 Towns for three years as our PDX Cider Slinger (Sales Rep). Before moving into the cider industry, Ashley worked as an American Sign Language-English interpreter with the Eugene School District and is very involved in coaching for the Special Olympics ski & snowboard team. Very active in the ice hockey community, Ashley also volunteers as a girls hockey coach and has started not one but two 2 Towns sponsored teams in the PNW! She enjoys climbing mountains with her dogs, handstands, and damn fine cider!