Is Hard Cider popular in Portland? (Salem, Hood River: camps, restaurant, stores)

[TygrrEyzz]

Hi everyone. Got another question for you. I know that beer is EVERYWHERE in Portland but I am very curious about Hard Cider. My boyfriend is allergic to wheat and so when we drink we mainly stick to the cider, as it is Amaaaaaaaaaaazing. LOVE love love it. Specifically Strongbow. How popular is it out there? Will I find a good selection of it in most liquor/grocery stores? Do they serve it in many bars? If so, what kind(s) and which places would I find it? I'd be really interested to know if there are any local cultivators in the area, whether in Portland or Oregon in general? Any information you have about this topic I would love to hear about. Thank you!!!

[hamellr]

Not really, but sort of surprising considering Hood River isn't that far away. There are plenty of gluten free beers, at least on the shelves at grocery stores.

I know McMenamins serves their own cider, but I'm not a fan of it. I don't know for sure if any of the other brew pubs serve cider of any type.

Portland has a huge distillery scene going on BTW, so if you're ready to upgrade to hard liquors, this is the place to do it.

[PNW-type-gal]

I know I've seen it at both Fred Meyer and Safeway (two grocery chains in Oregon). It's in the section with the specialty 22 oz beer bottles.

I found an article (behind a paywall, so I'll summarize) that talked about the Bushwhacker Cider Bar in Portland (25 varieties, or so the article claimed), Ford Farms Cyderworks in Portland, EZ Orchards, which sells at several farmer's markets, Wandering Aengus Ciderwork in Salem, Honeywood Winery (wine and hard cider) in Salem and a few others. Doubtless there must be some in Hood River. I don't think you'll have to look too far for local varieties.

[SETabor]

I think Bushwhacker also makes their own. They're across the street from the Berlin Inn. If you google portland cider, a few places show up that carry a broad selection or brew their own.

Most grocery stores carry at least Strongbow or Hornsby's but several also carry Wandering Aengus.

[Twilighter]

Market of Choice has several; I've only tried Fox Barrel (very good.) Market of Choice has a good selection of single bottle beers as well if he wants to try some of the wheat-free ones.

[davemess10]

Ham, I disagree, I have really yet to find a bar that didn't offer at least one cider (Though I will agree that the McM's cider is not that great). And with the abundance of apples around I think the cider market here in town is growing quickly. There seems to be two camps for ciders here. There is the more wine-oriented camp (Wandering Aengus is a great example) that have bigger bottles, more complex, and more expensive. Then the more beer-oriented (most others) with smaller bottles, cheaper, a little more generic.
There is actually a cider festival. I think it is in the spring, and takes place at the south waterfront.
Spire has some decent selections of ciders (from WA).
Haven't made it to the cider bar yet, but am looking forward to it!

[TygrrEyzz]

WHOOHOOO!!! Sounds like there is a lot to choose from out there. We do fine in Des Moines but it's great to know that when we move to Portland we will have even more to choose from. A Cider Bar?? That's probably going to be my first favorite place....

[eabcan]

Cider is popular and readily available. I don't drink beer either and almost always find a cider option at a restaurant. Most grocery stores carry some too. There are some Oregon producers and brands from England/Ireland, etc... available. John's Market in Multnomah Village has a good selection (not all apple cider, some pear and other fruits) as does Belmont Station in SE. Both stores have websites so you can check them out.

[eabcan]

Just looked up the Cider Festival. It is called Cider Summit NW and occurs in June. This past June they held the 2nd summit. They also have a website you can look up under Cider Summit NW. It mentions that Barbur World Foods is a sponsor. They also have a good selection of ciders and are located on SW Barbur Blvd.

[Squidlo]

Originally Posted by TygrrEyzz

Hi everyone. Got another question for you. I know that beer is EVERYWHERE in Portland but I am very curious about Hard Cider. My boyfriend is allergic to wheat and so when we drink we mainly stick to the cider, as it is Amaaaaaaaaaaazing. LOVE love love it. Specifically Strongbow. How popular is it out there? Will I find a good selection of it in most liquor/grocery stores? Do they serve it in many bars? If so, what kind(s) and which places would I find it? I'd be really interested to know if there are any local cultivators in the area, whether in Portland or Oregon in general? Any information you have about this topic I would love to hear about. Thank you!!!

I am a pretty big fan of Woodchuck Cider made in Vermont. If I can get it in Houston, you can probably get it anywhere. Ice cold its great.


TygrrEyzz I totally get the wheat free part. Tell me when you find some decent gluten free pizza.