Some new; some old. Some light; some bold.
New non-alcoholic cider selections hit the market in Dry January, and inspired me to raid my stash for other zero-proof options. Whether you’re participating yourself or want to stash up to accommodate teetotaler friends, below are some great options!
2023 Ellie’s Non-Alcoholic Gravenstein • Tilted Shed
Windsor, CA
A cider with cats on the label? How could I say “no”? Tilted Shed is located in California, so I ordered this semi-new release from their website. Made with dealcoholized wild-fermented Gravenstein apples and a touch of Wickson, I found it to be decently complex. I could drink this every day. The tannins and acidity were nicely balanced. The aromas and flavor notes were amazing: clementine, orange peel, white flowers, and apple skin with a hint of herb and petrichor. With a cider this excellently crafted, you don’t even miss the alcohol!
Ground Control • Schilling Cider
Seattle, WA
Ground Control hit the market only a couple weeks ago, and it’s worth checking out. Schilling Cider comes out of Seattle, but where I’m at it often locally found in grocery stores. This cider is not made by dealcoholization (like most of the ciders on this list). Instead, apple cider vinegar was blended with cherry juice. The result is something that smells like a cherry ICEE, and tastes like a kombucha. It’s high in acid and readily available, making it a great choice to have on hand for parties.
Happy Hour and Date Night • Reverend Nat’s Cider
Portland, OR
RIP, Rev Nat’s. At least, kinda? Nat West is leaning into consulting, but it seems that he’s still pouring some wares in Portland on special occasions. I digress.
I don’t think these two are available anymore, which is a shame because they were enjoyable options. I snagged these at the farewell party before they closed up shop. Date Night is a black lime, pear and quinine concoction. It smelled a bit like a Mule cocktail and tasted like lime, pear candy and herbs. Happy Hour is a pineapple, watermelon and orange cider. Orange, clove, honey and pineapple aromas were present, while tasting notes included orange, rose, and sweethearts candy. I found the aromas to be stronger than the flavors, but these were pleasant overall.
Sparkling • Bauman’s Cider
Gervais, OR
To my knowledge, this cider has only been available on the Bauman Farm in Gervais. However, with Bauman’s Cider bringing their production and a taproom into Portland, that may change! This cider is what Martinelli’s wants to be when it grows up. It’s got great apple characteristics, some stone fruit notes, isn’t overly carbonated and isn’t too sweet. It’s exactly what you think of when you want a sparkling cider and it’s well-priced.
Pacific Pineapple Sidekick • 2 Towns Ciderhouse
Corvallis, OR
If you like Two Towns Cider’s Pacific Pineapple, then you’ll like this version too. It’s slightly less sweet and a little lighter, but very comparable. It reminded me of a pineapple soda, but one of those healthy, low-sugar sodas you find at a natural grocery story. I didn’t taste any apple in this at all or find any level of tannins, but it was tasty. This would be great to throw in a cooler during the summer.
Perlant • Eric Bordelet
Charchigné, France
It almost felt unfair to include this one on the list, as I knew it was going to be my absolute favorite. Eric Bordelet shows his masterful skills with this cider that goes above and beyond expectations. It’s insanely complex with tropical fruit, stone fruit and red apple skin. It typical French fashion, this cider is sweet but beautifully balanced with moderate acid and rich tannins. This cider was absolutely incredible. While a bit pricey, it would be great for special occasions.
Esters 