The outskirts of Port Townsend, Washington are not necessarily top of mind when considering traditional European cider-country breakfasts, or traditional cider at all for that matter. Top of mind or not, the folks at Alpenfire Cider, out of Port Townsend, invited cider makers, cider enthusiasts and the cider- curious to their orchard this August, in celebration of summer cider day.
The setting was quintessential – a sprawling orchard, vibrant vegetable garden and inviting grounds drew breakfast-goers into the spirit of the cidery. Accented by a perfectly warm summer morning, breakfast guests settled in slowly, joining the communal picnic after enjoying a stroll in the sunny orchard. Alpenfire’s owners provided a Ploughman’s Style breakfast, similar to what one might find in traditional cider country. The food was plentiful, homegrown, and a perfect compliment to the seemingly infinite selection of pomosas (orange juice and cider). Featured menu items included hearty bread, soft cheeses, cured meats and pickled eggs. Freshly baked biscuits topped with gravy or jam, fresh fruits, grilled tomatoes, and, of course, cider baked beans completed the spread. As you might imagine, breakfast in a sunny apple orchard, accompanied by craft-cider and fresh pressed orange juice is a perfect Sunday-morning experience in itself. Even with all the glorious sensory experiences (aka eating and drinking) the real gem of Alpenfire’s Cider Breakfast in the Orchard was the abundant sense of inclusion and encouragement within the Northwest cider-making community.
The Northwest is quickly becoming a hub of traditional cider-making – there are 30 cideries in Washington State alone. As a cider-drinking newbie, I was keen to take in the cider-scene, seeing what I could glean from a few hours with the makers of the fermented goodness. Learn I did, but not in the ‘I-am-the-cider-master’ way I half expected. I was fortunate enough to listen in on genuine conversations about cider-making secrets, tips, trials and tribulations. People were genuinely excited about the collective effort to produce traditional cider and change the game in North American cider making.
Aside from the warm-fuzzy feeling collective effort and community sparks, the northwest is in an exciting position to work cider-making magic. The craft craze is clearly a rising tide that will lift all cider making boats. I, like many craft beer fans, considered cider a sickly-sweet beer alternative – reserved for rare occasions when I wanted dessert (or a headache) instead of a drink. Clearly, I was wrong. I shudder when I think about how much great cider my ignorance cost me. The challenge (or opportunity) for northwest cider makers is combating that beer-loving ignorance with cidercation (cider + education), cider events, and, of course, fabulous cider. Opinions about ciders place in society have to change in order to keep the cider-culture alive and well, and the effort to inform will be a collective one.
The cider breakfast provided an opportunity for us cider-curious novices to mingle with greats of northwest cider making lore. I met folks who had been crafting the stuff for years, enjoying huge success as makers. Those cider-makers of legend broke their fast and offered wisdom to cider makers just starting out on their journey, making cider happen in their tiny, city apartments. Kids played in the orchard, pickled eggs were appraised, and genuine connection seemed to be made over glasses of cider.
Interested in trying some of the northwest finest cider? The Northwest Cider Association is a good place to start – cider-themed events are happening all the time. Washington Cider Week kicks off on September 10th – I’d hazard a guess that one of the many fine cider-makers would gladly chat with you about their craft. If you’re looking to recreate the picturesque-orchard scene, don’t miss next years Summer Cider Day (er, weekend) in Port Townsend.
Thank you to The Northwest Cider Association and Alpenfire Cider for providing these tasty treats for me to sample. All opinions expressed are my own.
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