Northwest Cider Summit

Very disappointed with this experience. There were a handful of good ciders, the rest I dumped out after tasting.

GREAT EVENT FOR HARD CIDER
This is not your average apple juice. I’ve always considered hard cider as an «adult» version of apple juice.
The Northwest Cider Summit is pretty much a laid back event for those who enjoy «Artisanal Ciders from around the world». This years event (2^nd annual) was held on June 21 – 22, 2013 at Elizabeth Carruthers Park. Pretty much near the South Waterfront (near OHSU and the 5 Freeway). This event is a bit small compared to the other beer fests that are around in Portland (PDX), which wasn’t too bad at all.
What I enjoyed trying! (and recommend!)
*2 Town’s — Rhubarbarian (Rhubarb & Apple Cider) 6.9% ABV
*Farmhouse Cider’s — Constitution
*Red Tank Cider Co.‘s — Happy
*Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery’s — Samuel Smith’s Organic Cider
FYI =
–Tastings are 1 – 2 tickets (most places are 1 ticket)
–Tickets $ 25 (advance online) or $ 30 (cash at door)
–Admission includes 8 drink tickets
–Additional tickets on sale $ 2 per ticket
–Free re-​admission as long as you have your tasting glass AND wristband
–Replacement glasses $ 5
–Limited food vendors available
–Dog friendly!
–Cider Summit concept originated in Seattle, WA and they also have events in Chicago, IL
–Parking is limited
If you like your alcohol sweet or you are fond of «adult applejuice,» you MUST check this event out!
Unilocal 2013 100+ Reviews Challenge (going for 200!) — Review #135

The 2^nd iteration of this new yearly festival has now completed. I’m thrilled we finally have an annual cider festival since it brings some much needed variety and contrast to the several beer fests that dominate the PDX calendar.
Here is my breakdown of the pros & cons:
+ Over 60 ciders to taste, most cost only 1 ticket, a couple places were even offering multiple tastes for only 1 ticket
+ The owners/​cidermakers were on hand to give in-​depth information about each drink; this is a welcome change compared to random volunteer pourers.
+ Decent sized venue for the number of people that arrived
+ Reentry was allowed as long as you still had your glass and bracelet
+ A few options were available to get discounted tickets
— It was only Friday and Saturday; why not open on Sunday? If you only had 2 days to do the festival, wouldn’t Sat & Sun be more available for most people to attend?
— It’s more expensive than any other PDX alcohol fest I’ve seen. Most of the beer fests are $ 15 – 25 entry with $ 1 taste tickets/​tokens (some even have free entry like the N.A. Organic Brewers Fest), but this one was $ 30 (though $ 5 discount if purchased online, and Designated Drivers could enter for $ 5) with $ 2 tasting tickets. I’ve heard that on average cider is more expensive to make than beer, but is it really DOUBLE the price for a taste ticket?
— The amount of shaded/​covered area was slightly insufficient for the number of people, and if they have any plans for increasing the number of attendees, I really think they should consider finding a larger park/​venue.
— They really seemed to be lacking in good food options. I noticed a couple stands, but really, we’re in the mecca of portable food. Would it be that hard to bring in 5+ food carts for a little variety?
So yeah, given it’s only their second year I’m definitely willing to give them a pass most of those areas of improvement. I’m glad they’re here (even though they’re not a local operation), and I hope that each year they continually get better!

Think of this as a much smaller version of any Portland Beer Festival! There are over 60 ciders to choose from. It’s a mix of the regulars you expect to see such as Bushwackers, Anthem, Woodchuck ect. And some newer varieties of local ciders with a small distribution and ciders that haven’t hit the Portland Market quite yet! Love that the event was dog friendly! Beervana is providing free transportation this year but its not well organized! I tried to catch it and waited for 30 minutes. I was told I’d just missed them even though I’d been standing in front of bushwhackers for 20. Apparently the Beervana vehicle doesn’t actually pull up to the stop so it’s easy to miss. Also would have appreciated a little more selection of food! Definitely going back tomorrow to taste many more! 8 tasting tickets come with admission! You can buy more for $ 2 each. You get a glass tasting glass with admission as well. Really looking forward to watching this event grow teach year!