Seattle Cider Company seems to be quickly taking over the nation. Since they first launched back in 2012, they’ve continued to increase production and expand into new markets. Just this past February I told you about their expansion into Wisconsin (the 6th state, including Washington, to carry Seattle Cider Company ciders). Their ‘drier’, less-sweet ciders hold a growing appeal to those who find many other commercial ciders too sweet.

Now, Seattle Cider Company is set to expand into their 7th state: Minnesota. Their ciders should start appearing there on May 4th, along with a series of kickoff events planed throughout the week.

SEATTLE (April 14, 2015) – Seattle Cider Company and Wirtz Beverage Group are excited to announce a new partnership and the fast approaching launch of Seattle Cider’s unique selection of dry craft ciders in Minnesota. Becoming the ninth state to carry Seattle Cider Company since their August 2013 opening, Minnesota will enjoy the growing cidery’s entire year round and seasonal lineup statewide beginning May 4.

“Demand for dry, craft cider continues to grow throughout the country and we’re seeing an amazing response from the Midwest,” said Joel VandenBrink, founder of Seattle Cider Company. “Minnesota’s dedication to craft has always amazed us. It was a natural choice for our next state, as was partnering with Wirtz Beverage for the third time.”

Known for its handcrafted collection of dry, flavorful ciders – successfully bridging the gap between beer and wine – Seattle Cider Company offerings are made from 100 percent fresh-pressed Washington apples, gluten free and never from concentrate. Scheduled to be available in 16-ounce cans, 22-ounce bottles and on draft throughout Minnesota, initial Seattle Cider Co. offerings will include:

Dry: Dry and pleasantly acidic, flavors of nectarine and under ripe peach hit the palate with no residual sweetness. One of the driest ciders on the market. 0 brix, 6.5% ABV, 16-ounce can, draft.

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, draft.

Citrus (new!): This refreshing cider is complemented by a bold citrus flavor from grapefruit, lemon, and orange peel, balanced by a subtle medium-dry sweetness. 1.3 brix, 6.5% ABV, 16-ounce can, draft.

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, draft.

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, draft.

Basil Mint: 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, draft.

To celebrate its Minnesota launch, Seattle Cider Company will be hosting tastings and events throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul area the week of May 4. Events include:

Monday, May 4: Free cider sampling at Stinson Wine, Beer & Spirits, 4-6pm; tap takeover and tasting at Republic Seven Corners, 5-8pm

Tuesday, May 5: Free cider sampling at Elevated Wine, Beer & Spirits, 4-6pm; tap takeover and tasting at Happy Gnome, 5-8pm

Wednesday, May 6: Free cider sampling at South Lyndale liquors, 4-6pm; tap takeover and tasting at Town Hall Tap, 6-8pm

“Seattle Cider Company is just what this state has been waiting for and will be the perfect fit for a warm Minnesota summer,” added Corey Rung, craft beer brand manager for Wirtz Beverage Minnesota.

Additional ciders will become available in market as they are released throughout the year. Seattle Cider Co. products can currently be found in stores and on tap throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Illinois, Austin, Wisconsin, California and soon Minnesota with growing list of locations available at seattlecidercompany.com. For more information about Seattle Cider, Minnesota 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 city’s first cidery since Prohibition, bringing true craft cider back to Seattle and across the country. Bridging the gap between wine and beer with flavorful, small-batch cider, Seattle Cider Company’s year round and seasonal offerings 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 Company’s products are handcrafted with all natural ingredients and never from concentrate. Seattle Cider products are currently available throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Texas, California, Idaho, Illinois and Wisconsin. Visit our tasting room, The Woods, open weekly Tuesday – Sunday at 4700 Ohio Ave. S. in Seattle. For more information, visit seattlecidercompany.com, or follow Seattle Cider Company on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Wirtz Beverage Minnesota

Wirtz Beverage Minnesota 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 bringing innovation and opportunity to its valued customers and suppliers throughout Minnesota. 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 more than 2,500 employees.