Cidery News: WA: Seattle: Seattle Cider Company expands distribution to Texas

Press Release

AUSTIN, TX (November 6, 2014) – Seattle Cider Company and KEG 1 have announced a new partnership to bring Seattle Cider’s unique selection of craft ciders to Austin, Texas. Seattle’s first cidery since Prohibition, Seattle Cider Co. is known for its handcrafted collection of dry, flavorful ciders, successfully bridging the gap between beer and wine. Welcoming Texas as the fifth state to carry the growing cidery’s year round and seasonal lineup of products, Seattle Cider Co. will be available in Austin area bars, restaurants and bottle shops through local distributor KEG 1 beginning November 17.

“We’re excited to be launching in Austin and partnering with KEG 1 to bring a new type of cider to the area,” said Joel VandenBrink, founder of Seattle Cider Company. “Our flavorful, small-batch ciders offer limited sweetness and are made using all natural and local ingredients, including fresh pressed Washington apples. We strive to make a truly unique product that everyone can enjoy and hope Austin enjoys it as much as we do.”

Established in August 2013 by Joel VandenBrink, Seattle Cider Co.’s products break the mold of overly sweet cider, bringing the natural flavors of Washington apples to the forefront. Made from a custom blend of local apples and flavorful additions – such as fresh berries, peppers and more – Seattle Cider’s products are handcrafted with all natural ingredients and never made from concentrate. Offering year round ciders available in 16-ounce cans, as well as a selection of seasonal and limited edition ciders in 22-ounce bottles, Seattle Cider Company offers a cider for every palate. Currently, the in-demand, naturally gluten-free ciders are available in Washington, Oregon, Illinois and Alaska.

“Craft ciders such as those offered by Seattle Cider Company are changing the way people think about cider,” said Phil Benvenuto, VP of Sales and Marketing at KEG 1, LLC. “They’re putting out some really innovative things, and we are excited about introducing their ciders to Austin and the surrounding market. Industry predications expect cider to soon claim 3 to 5 percent of overall beer sales in the US and with cider like this, we can see why.”

Upon launch in Austin with KEG 1, Seattle Cider Co. products will be available at select restaurants, bars and retail stores. Available in 16-ounce cans, 22-ounce bottles and on draft, initial Seattle Cider Co. offerings will include:

Dry: One of the driest ciders on the market, the golden glow of the unique cider lends way to notes of lilac, blood orange and green apple on the nose. Pleasantly acidic, flavors of nectarine, under ripe peach and tart cherry hit the palate with no residual sweetness. 0 brix, 6.5% ABV, 16-ounce can.

Semi-Sweet: A light, crisp cider with just a touch of sweetness, this cider is honey in color with notes of bergamot orange, lemon and apple. A refreshing cider, it reveals hints of citrus and cinnamon on the palate. 3 brix, 6.5% ABV, 16-ounce can.

Pumpkin Spice: This semi-sweet cider is copper in color and perfect for cooler weather as the cidery’s fall seasonal. Fermented with pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, it offers hints of the season's favorite spices followed by just a touch of pumpkin. 3 brix, 6.9% ABV, 22-ounce bottle.

Three Pepper: A small-batch, limited-edition cider, the Three Pepper features an aroma of fresh, green jalapeños. Paired with a unique flavor profile, it combines the taste of poblano, habanero and jalapeño peppers, giving this cider a kick followed by a subtly sweet finish. 3.2 brix, 6.9% ABV, 22-ounce bottle.

Seattle Cider Co. products can be found in stores and on tap throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Illinois, and soon Austin, with growing list of locations available at seattlecidercompany.com. Austin launch events are scheduled for November 17, 18 and 19, with additional event details coming soon. For more information about Seattle Cider, Austin launch events and more, follow Seattle Cider Company on Facebook, Twitter (@seattleciderco) and Instagram (@seattleciderco).

...

Not your standard cider. Seattle Cider Company is the city’s first cidery since prohibition, bringing true craft cider back to Seattle. Bridging the gap between wine and beer with flavorful, small-batch cider, Seattle Cider’s initial offerings – Dry and Semi-Sweet – break the mold of overly sweet cider, bringing the natural flavors of Washington apples to the forefront. Naturally gluten free and made from a custom blend of fresh pressed, locally grown apples, Seattle Cider’s products are handcrafted with all natural ingredients and never from concentrate, successfully distinguishing themselves from the mass market cider found in stores today. For more information, visit seattlecidercompany.com, or follow Seattle Cider Company on Facebook and Twitter (@seattleciderco).
About KEG 1

KEG 1 Central Texas is the proud distributor of many quality beers in the Austin metro area. With a diverse portfolio of brands that includes domestic, import, and numerous local and national craft offerings, KEG 1 strives to be the leader in delivering both quality products and exceptional service to every customer. ‘Like’ KEG 1 on Facebook at Facebook.com/KEG1CentralTexas and follow KEG 1 on Twitter at @KEG1centraltx.