MILWAUKEE, MADISON & SEATTLE – Becoming the sixth state to carry its products in just over a year, Seattle Cider Co. and Wirtz Beverage are pleased to announce a new partnership to bring Seattle Cider’s unique selection of craft ciders to Wisconsin. Known for its handcrafted collection of dry, flavorful ciders – successfully bridging the gap between beer and wine – Seattle Cider Company ciders are made from 100 percent fresh-pressed Washington apples, gluten free and never from concentrate. Available throughout the state beginning March 3, the growing cidery will offer its entire year round and seasonal lineup of products statewide.
“We’re excited to have Wisconsin be our next launch state and can’t wait to see the response,” said Joel VandenBrink, founder of Seattle Cider Company. “Wirtz’s dedication to craft aligns with our commitment to quality ciders featuring real ingredients. They understand our products and what consumers want, and can’t wait to see our products on shelves and on tap throughout the state.”
Upon launch in Wisconsin with Wirtz Beverage, Seattle Cider Co. products will be available at select restaurants, bars and retail stores statewide. 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 and under ripe peach 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 apricot on the palate. 2.6 brix, 6.5% ABV, 16-ounce can.
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.
Gin Botanical: Fermented with spent gin botanicals from Batch 206 Distillery, our Gin Botanical is a semi-dry cider showcasing lemon, orange rind, juniper, cucumber and verbena. Like the spirit that inspired it, this cider is complex, clean, aromatic and refreshing. 1.8 brix, 6.9% ABV, 22-ounce bottle.
Basil Mint (coming soon!): Fermented with fresh basil and mint, this off-dry cider starts savory and floral, complemented perfectly by a tart, clean finish. 1.8 brix, 6.9% ABV, 22-ounce bottle.
“As cider continues to grow in popularity, we were on the lookout for a cidery that broke the mold of overly sweet ciders, and Seattle Cider Company fit the bill, ” added Paul Nowak, Craft Beer & Cider Sales Manager for Wirtz Beverage Wisconsin. “Their dedication to true craft cider and customer satisfaction is something we admire and know cider drinkers of Wisconsin will appreciate.”
Additional ciders will become available in market as they are released throughout the year. Wisconsin launch events are scheduled for March 3, 4, and 5 in Milwaukee and Madison, with additional event details coming soon. Seattle Cider Co. products can be found in stores and on tap throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Illinois, Austin and soon Wisconsin, with growing list of locations available at seattlecidercompany.com. For more information about Seattle Cider, Wisconsin launch events and more, follow Seattle Cider Company on Facebook, Twitter (@seattleciderco) and Instagram (@seattleciderco).
About Seattle Cider Company
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 Wirtz Beverage Wisconsin
Wirtz Beverage Wisconsin is a statewide leader in the distribution of fine wine, spirits and beer brands. The company combines its time-honored tradition of execution excellence with a reputation for best-in-class service and brand building throughout Wisconsin. The company is a member of Wirtz Beverage Group, a leading wholesaler and broker with interests in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada and throughout Canada. A family-owned business, Wirtz Beverage Group has nearly $2 billion in annual sales and 2,500 employees.