Cider fan?  I confess I wasn't much of one before, but after moving to Washington State 11 months ago I became a fan fast!  My introduction to cider from this area started with just driving around and seeing a sign for the Alpenfire tasting room.  Once there, I discovered a new passion for all things cider!  Before, I'd had a lot of ciders that had a bit of a vinegar taste, but the ones in this area really celebrate the true fresh apple taste, and allow the fruits own natural sugars to shine without ever being too sweet.  So when I heard about a cider event taking place right here in Port Townsend, WA I knew I had to go! (One of the many fantastic things about living in Port Townsend is that there is literally an unending list of awesome things to do locally).  

This past August 8th, 2015 marked the 5th annual Summer Cider Day here in Port Townsend, WA. The event was presented by the Northwest Cider Association, and took place upstairs in the Northwest Maritime Center with the added bonus of great waterfront views.  I love events like this where I can try so many versions of a product side by side because I always find that's the best, and quite often, the fastest way to learn about many things like wine, coffee, chocolate, and in this case, cider. 

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Doors opened at noon, and tickets were $25 in advance, and $30 at the door.  This price included 10 tasting tickets, along with a souvenir tasting glass.  There was a also a cider store where most ciders from the tasting were available for purchase.

I especially enjoyed the voice of the event's singer/songwriter Callie Cash.  (You may both hear, and see her in my video of this event on Youtube, and at the end of this post).

I loved the full on Asian pear taste in the above pic of Nashi Orchards, located on Vashon Island, WA, Chojuro Asian Pear Perry. (This was my top fav pear product at the event).

My top fav cider of the entire event was the North Fork Traditional by Montana Ciderworks.  I spent a long time conversing with the friendly people representing this cidery, and found out there is only a tiny handful of cideries in Montana.  (When I read the list of cideries that would be at this event this is the one I wanted to try the most since I had never had a cider from Montana).  Let's just say I definitely purchased the full sized version of this at the event's cider store! I also recommend their other cider variations as well.

My second fav cider overall of the event, was the cherry cider by New West Cider from Oregon. (Their blueberry one was pretty awesome too).  This product had lovely cherry, popcorn, cotton candy nose and taste elements, but not sweet, just very flavorful.  I've never tasted anything like it. The only rub is that it isn't available for purchase yet!  I look forward to it being available!

I also tried some various ciders made in the Willamette Valley Oregon (not pictured), and found it surprising that they had a certain old world elegance to them, not unlike Pinot Noirs grown in that area.  That is some soil there!!

I also couldn't help myself, and had to buy a cider cupcake!!  Yum!!

The location of this event also happens to be a great place to chill out by the water any day of the week.  (Velocity Coffee shop is located here too if you are feeling the need of a latte or two).

All in all, I definitely plan to attend this event next year, and absolutely encourage you to do so as well.  (While writing this blog I happen to be drinking a cider made in Oregon called 2 Towns Ciderhouse Made Marion made with apples and marionberries which has a nice balance of both fruits, and a good acidity in the finish).

For more information please refer to all the links below my video of this event, and until next time, drink on world!!!!
Victoria Cooksey

Northwest Cider Association:
http://www.nwcider.com/

Callie Cash:
https://www.facebook.com/calliecash?fref=ts&ref=br_tf
http://www.calliecashmusic.com/

Nashi Orchards:
http://www.nashiorchards.com/

Montana Ciderworks:
http://www.montanacider.com/

New West Cider:
http://www.newwestcider.com/

Alpenfire Cider:
http://alpenfirecider.com/

Victoria Cooksey:
https://www.facebook.com/victoriacookseysrandomdish
https://instagram.com/victoria.cooksey/
https://twitter.com/VictoriaCRandom
https://www.pinterest.com/beyourfreedom/
https://plus.google.com/u/0/103970619994694551224/posts
http://victoriacookseysrandomdish.blogspot.com/
Cooking and travel videos:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm-lp-lF_wB2oX_592jK9UQ
My comedy cooking videos page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGYozoGjCmRQXZmxFiGFpg