Double Mountain Brewery doesn’t just brew beer, but also crafts a variety of ciders, and recently the company announced its seasonal cider lineup for 2024. Seven ciders are featured, three of which are new this year (and Double Mountain sent me a bottle of the new Harrison to sample).

The brewery focuses on distinctive apple varietals and Old World styles of cider across its offerings, and most of the ciders are on the dry side. The Harrison cider sent to me, for instance, has only 0.09% residual sugar; it’s also fairly strong with 8% ABV.

Here’s the full press release with each cider listed:

Double Mountain is delighted to present its highly anticipated seasonal cider lineup, featuring an eclectic selection of handcrafted hard ciders that celebrate the magic of Hood River Valley’s local fruit. This year, three varietal-specific apple hard ciders—Ashmead, Harrison, and Foxwhelp—join an already impressive lineup, offering consumers a unique and authentic taste of the region’s orchard bounty.

Crafted with a commitment to authenticity, Double Mountain’s ciders are never back sweetened, allowing the natural flavors of the apples and pears to speak for themselves, just as nature intended. Each cider in the lineup embodies the essence of Hood River Valley’s terroir, providing a sensorial journey through the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

Ashmead cider, featuring the enigmatic Ashmead Kernel apple, offers a tantalizing blend of sweetness, body, acidity, and tannins, reflecting the apple’s unique flavor profile and centuries-old heritage. Foxwhelp cider, sourced from a local orchard near the cidery, captivates with its musky aroma and wild amount of tannins, creating a truly distinctive drinking experience that cider enthusiasts are sure to appreciate. Harrison cider pays homage to one of the most beloved cider apples of the 18th century, offering a taste of history with its delicious flavor and historical significance.

In addition to these varietal-specific ciders, Double Mountain is please to reintroduce some familiar ciders, including Estate Cider, Perry Pear Cider, Maybelline Cider, and Kingston Cider. From the tannin-rich complexity of Estate Cider to the delicate sweetness of Perry Pear Cider, each offering represents a unique expression of Hood River Valley’s orchard heritage.

The highlight of the lineup is the Estate Cider, crafted with fruit from Swihart Orchards, which has become a cherished destination for the Double Mountain team’s staff campouts. Owner and Brewmaster Matt Swihart shares his passion for traditional cidermaking, stating, “Up at our orchard, we grow the old world cider apples from America, England, and France—apples known as sharps, bittersharps, and bittersweets in the cider world. They bring complexity to cider, and the local microflora commingle in the fermentation to provide glorious aromas of the Hood River Valley.”

The Perry Pear Cider, made from local pears, celebrates the Hood River Valley’s reputation for producing some of the finest pears in the world. Maybelline Cider, a delightful blend of apple and pear, offers a complex and fruit-forward experience, transitioning from a dry beginning to an off-dry citrus delight, with a lingering tannic finish. The Kingston Cider, made exclusively with Kingston Black apples, represents the pinnacle of cidermaking excellence. Known as one of the best single varieties for cider, Kingston Black apples fall into the bitter sharp category, excelling in both standalone and blended cider creations.

“Our expanded seasonal cider lineup showcases the diversity and quality of Hood River Valley’s fruit, from traditional cider apples to exceptional pears,” says Matt Swihart, Owner and Brewmaster of Double Mountain. “With each sip, consumers can experience the true essence of our region, from the orchards to their glass.”

ESTATE HEIRLOOM
Hard Cider
6.9% ABV | .09% Residual Sugar
Delicate aromas of spring apple blossoms accompanied by complex citrus notes and an earthy finish. Our Estate cider is crafted with old world cider apples grown at our Double Mountain home- Swihart Orchards in Hood River.

ASHMEAD *NEW*
Hard Cider
7.3% ABV | 1.0% Residual Sugar
Discover the enigmatic allure of our Ashmead Kernel Cider, a distinctive apple variety with a mysterious yet familiar flavor. The rounded start transitions to a dry finish, leaving behind lingering notes of spice, tannins, and ripe apple.

PERRY
Pear Hard Cider
6.2% ABV | 2.1% Residual Sugar
Light aromas of honey, pear drops, and green apple that end in a delicately sweet, gracefully tart and crisp cider. This 100% pear hard cider is a blend composed wholly of Hood River Valley’s favorite pear varieties.

FOXWHELP *NEW*
Hard Cider
6.2% ABV | .09% Residual Sugar
Foxwhelp reigns as a venerable cider apple, with roots reaching back to the 1600s. Diverging from commonplace varieties, this bittersweet apple boast elevated tannins and acidity. The cider is richly textured, with a crisp dry finish.

HARRISON *NEW*
Hard Cider
8% ABV | .09% Residual Sugar
Aromas of dry orange blossom and sprightly honeydew. The Harrison apple, grown specifically for cider, was once thought lost. We are proud to bring this delightful apple back to the spotlight here in The Hood River Valley.

KINGSTON
Hard Cider
6.9% ABV | .09% Residual Sugar
Native to the United Kingdom, the Kingston Black apple has a deep purple red skin and an amazing balance of tannins, acid and sugar. Grown in the Hood River Valley, this cider is tart and dry, with just a touch of ‘UK funk’.

MAYBELLINE
Apple & Pear Cider
6.9% ABV | 1.8% Residual Sugar
Notes of peach cobbler that quickly transitions into a citrus aromatic delight, ending in an easy, off-dry finish. Every sip of this fun and complex Hood River Valley apple and pear blend is just a bit different than the last.

Double Mountain Seasonal Ciders are now available for purchase in 500ml refillable bottles and on tap at all Double Mountain Taprooms and throughout the Northwest. Join us as we raise a glass to the Hood River Valley!