Flatbed Cider Co. Launches in Washington State and Oregon with Line of Premium Northwest Craft Ciders

Milton-Freewater, Ore.

Beginning in January, consumers will be able to enjoy an all-new craft cider made from the apples that made the Northwest famous around the world. Flatbed Cider Co. (www.flatbedcider.com) has launched its brand with two offerings, a Crisp Apple Cider and a Pear Cider available at restaurants and retailers throughout Washington State and Oregon.

While various hard ciders have been produced in the U.S. since the repeal of prohibition, the Northwest has recently become the epicenter of a craft cider revolution. Since 2012, cider’s popularity has grown more than 60 percent each year, with the strongest growth happening in Washington State and Oregon . Flatbed ferments its hard ciders from local, whole-pressed apples—rather than the apple juice concentrate used by many brands—and limits the time from branch to bottle to minimize oxidation and maximize Flatbed’s bright, rustic apple character.

Flatbed’s Crisp Apple Cider has a drier taste profile than most widely-available ciders in the U.S. Flatbed Crisp Apple Cider is all-natural, with no added sugar or artificial ingredients and is naturally gluten-free. Jonagold apples picked at their peak deliver the balance and acidity behind Flatbed’s exceptionally bright taste while Red Delicious apples provide tannin structure. Golden Delicious apples add a rustic apple character with a twist of subtle sweetness. And, heirloom varietals like Newtown Pippins and Gravensteins—which are hand-selected from batch-to-batch—add bucolic Northwest charm to the blend. Thanks to its bright acidity and drier flavor profile, Flatbed’s Crisp Apple Cider pairs with nearly anything that comes from the sea, farm or food cart. The Crisp Apple Cider is currently available in a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles with an SRP of $10.99.

Flatbed’s Pear Cider features Northwest-grown Bartlett pears for a burst of crisp, sparkling refreshment with a clean finish. Naturally sweeter than its Crisp Apple cousin (but not too sweet), Flatbed Pear Cider is the perfect choice for taming spicy foods and classing up a donut. The Pear Cider is currently available in a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles with an SRP of $10.99.

The brand’s craft approach creates a unique, uncommonly balanced cider style. Flatbed uses Champagne yeast, which allows the fruit to shine and delivers a clean finish. The brand’s taglines, “Northwest of Normal” and “Flannel Up and Enjoy,” pay homage to the Northwest’s tenacious spirit and plucky independence.

Flatbed Cider is distributed throughout Washington and Oregon by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. To learn more, visit www.flatbedcider.com.

ABOUT FLATBED CIDER: The Northwest stokes our passion to create exceptional ciders. And, since the best apples in America, arguably the world, come from the Northwest, it makes sense that it carries our local stamp. Flatbed Ciders are made with local apples picked at their peak and pressed into a mixture that’s equal parts crisp and refreshing. A cider that’s truly Northwest of normal. No artificial ingredients, no sugar added, no shenanigans. Flannel up and enjoy! For more information, visit www.flatbedcider.com. Follow Flatbed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flatbedcider and on Twitter at @FlatbedCider. #NWofNormal

Source: Beer Institute, TTB and Commerce Department 2014.

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For further information:
Christina Starr, Communications Manager
425.415.3727
christina.starr@smwe.com