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April 15, 2017
Boldest Rock Cider Cocktail
April 25, 2017
The “Ciderhaze”. It is the happy medium after a night of drinking cider. You find yourself in a generally good mood and wanting to consume more cider. We made plans to do so.
We parked our Portland-friendly hybrid down SE 36th Ave and walked the roughly 185 steps to the front of the the Portland Cider Company taproom located on Hawthorne street. This is their second taproom, as their first is located in Clackamas with their cidery. As we strolled down the streets we walked by the Waffle Window and the Bread and Ink cafe which were packed with brunch goers with lines out the door. Did I mention it was also pouring down rain? Loyal customers is all I can say.
Stepping inside Portland Cider Company’s taproom our eyes immediately locked to the huge cider board they have against the far wall. If their electronic cider menu board is any indication of how Portland Cider company is doing financially I’d say they are doing exceptionally well. This cider reader board extraordinaire is what dreams are made of. This board which is powered by DigitalPour, not only lists the 28 ciders that they have on tap but it also lists how much the price per glass, pint, and growler, the ABV, and the amount left in the keg. It also has any social media that may pertain to Portland Cider Company. On the bottom it also lists it’s upcoming ciders as well — something to look forward to and to keep you coming back!
We sat upfront at the bar to check out their cider board and to get a better look at their merchandise and all of the other neat decor they have on their back walls. After glancing over their pub menu, which has vegetarian and had gluten-free options, I went with the Portland standby. I had their cajun and regular style tots. I do have love for the tots!
As we ate and looked over the cider board, our waitress, Sarah, was patient with us as we decided on what ciders we would like for our flight.
We opted for this flight:
- Portland Cider Company-Kinda Dry (off-dry hard cider) ABV 6.8%
- Clean, fresh, and just what you’d expect from what they call a “traditional English cider.”
- Portland Cider Company-Sorta Sweet (semi-sweet cider) ABV 4.5%
- An exceptional balance of sweet and mild. This cider really encompasses the apple taste and would be a great first cider for those who have never tasted.
- Portland Cider Company-Pineapple (semi-sweet hard cider w/pineapple) ABV 6%
- This was my favorite of our flight. I just can’t get over (as I mentioned in my previous post) how much I enjoyed this cider. Very unique with it’s sweet, pineapple complexity. It is a seasonal and will only be around until June so I need to get back to Portland before it is gone.
- Bad Granny Hard Cider (hard cider) ABV 6.9%
- What I expect out of the great apple state. This cider holds true to what a bad granny would expect in her cider, a dry, apple intense cider. I bet this Bad Granny has some good stories as well.
- Baumans Clyde Dry (dry apple cider Manchurian crab apple) ABV 6.9%
- Crisp and dry with a subtle apple flavor. Once finished with our flight I chose a glass of the Pineapple Cider and Bryan opted for the Moultan Falls Raspberry (his new favorite).
As we sipped on our selection, Bryan and I couldn’t help but notice that within the half-hour we had been there fifteen other cider-goers had come through the doors seeking their cider and the NCAA tournament. One patron was there purchasing a birthday gift and Mira the next waitress on shift gave the woman her expert opinion and suggested their Passionfruit and Off-Dry ciders and 2 glasses with the clean Portland Cider logo.
Mira shared with us that they would be having their 2nd anniversary party celebrating this taproom location. She went on to explain they put out their personal favorites and their best sellers for the event. The event includes rotating cider tastings all day, a class about learning the basics of cider, an informal meet and greet with cider makers from the northwest, as well as a live painting and art show.
After our tater tots were consumed and our cider glasses were empty, we left with a growler of the Moultan Falls Raspberry. We had FOMO (fear of missing out) as we weren’t sure if we would have access to this cider it in our part of Washington. So, we took our loot, said our goodbyes, and headed home. We satisfied the “Ciderhaze” for now, but I am sure it will hit again soon.
If you find yourself in Portland, and you are looking for a great cider, Portland Cider Company is the destination for you. Their employees are easy-going, friendly, and are happy to answer any questions that you might have. They really know their cider which is always a good thing. They not only showcase their own cider, but other cider makers as well — one of our favorite things. I really love that feeling of “it’s all in the cider family.”
And, as a reminder of a great event, keep your calendars open for April 8th. It sounds like a blast. I know if we can, we will be there, too!
