We don’t need to wait for the 20th, and who knows what that silly groundhog was thinking. Spring has definitely arrived early this year in the Northwest and we’re loving all that sunshine and unseasonable warmth. Seattle Cider Company has noticed too, and are very excited to announce their new Spring Seasonal release: Basil Mint Cider.

Made with an amazing 118 pounds of fresh basil and mint in each batch, Seattle Cider Co’s Basil Mint cider replaces their popular Gin Botanical, which was previously their Spring Seasonal but, due to it’s popularity, is now available year round.

Here is the full press release from Seattle Cider Company :

SEATTLE (March 12, 2015) – As the weather in Seattle takes an early turn toward spring, Seattle Cider Company is thrilled to announce the release of its new spring seasonal, Basil Mint. Available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft, this light, refreshing, and slightly tart cider is made with an impressive 118 pounds of fresh basil and mint per batch, making it the perfect accompaniment to the change in season. “We continue to try and push the boundaries of cider, offering unexpected flavors, real ingredients and limited sweetness,” said Brent Miles, head cidermaker at Seattle Cider Company. “Basil Mint does just that. Starting with an aroma and initial flavor of basil, this cider finishes tart and fresh with a hint of mint. It’s unlike any cider we’ve ever had.” Offering 6.9 ABV and just 1.8 Brix, Seattle Cider Company’s new seasonal begins with a base of 100 percent fresh pressed Washington apples, accompanied by 59 pounds of fresh basil and 59 pounds of fresh mint, muddled and ground at local raw juice provider Strawberry Moon Juice. The freshly muddled basil and mint is then added directly in with the cider during fermentation, creating an off- dry cider that starts savory and floral, perfectly complemented by a tart, clean finish. Basil Mint replaces the popular Gin Botanical, now available year round, as the cidery’s spring seasonal. This delicious cider can be found on shelves and on draft throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Illinois, Wisconsin, Austin and parts of Idaho now through the end of May. It joins the growing cidery’s two year round ciders – Dry and Semi Sweet, available in 16-ounce cans – and two limited ciders, Three Pepper and Gin Botanical, available in 22-ounce bottles. 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 100 percent fresh pressed Washington apples, Seattle Cider Company products are handcrafted with real ingredients, never from concentrate and free from artificial flavorings. For more information, 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 and across the country. Bridging the gap between wine and beer with flavorful, small-batch cider, Seattle Cider’s 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’s products are handcrafted with all natural ingredients and never from concentrate, successfully distinguishing themselves from the mass market cider found in stores today. Available in 16-ounce cans and 22-ounce bottles, Seattle Cider products are available at retailers and bottle shops throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin and Austin, TX. Seattle Cider is also available on tap, with tastings, kegs and growler fills available at The Woods tasting room, located at 4700 Ohio Ave. S. in Seattle, open weekly Tuesday – Saturday. For more information, visit seattlecidercompany.com, or follow Seattle Cider Company on Facebook and Twitter (@seattleciderco).

Seattle Cider Co’s Basil Mint Cider is available on tap now at The Woods – the taproom Seattle Cider Company shares with their sister company, Two Beers Brewing Company (CBM Sponsor), and in 22oz bottles. Look for it as well in your local bottle shops in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Illinois, Wisconsin, Austin and parts of Idaho; available now through the end of May.

Drink responsibly and stay safe out there.