When you think of the apple industry, you probably think of orchards filled with plump fruit that’s destined to become pies, crumbles, and sauces. But there’s another side to the apple business in British Columbia, and it’s one that’s been growing rapidly in recent years: the apple cider industry.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the growth of BC’s apple cider industry, explore some of the factors driving its popularity, and highlight some of the key players in the local cider scene.
Why is Apple Cider So Popular in BC?
There are a few reasons why apple cider has become such a beloved beverage in British Columbia. For one, the province has a long history of apple cultivation, with orchards dating back to the early days of European settlement. This means that there’s a steady supply of high-quality apples that are perfect for cider-making.
Additionally, the province’s climate is well-suited to apple cultivation, with mild temperatures and plenty of rainfall creating ideal growing conditions. These factors have helped to make BC one of the top apple-growing regions in the country.
Finally, there’s the taste. British Columbians love the crisp, refreshing taste of apple cider, and appreciate the fact that it’s a more natural alternative to sugary soft drinks.
The Growth of the BC Cider Industry
Over the past decade, the apple cider industry in British Columbia has experienced explosive growth. According to the BC Cider Association, the number of cideries in the province has increased from just a handful in 2012 to over 50 in 2021.
This growth has been fueled by a few key factors. For one, the rise of the craft beverage movement has led many consumers to seek out more unique and locally-produced options. Additionally, there’s been a growing interest in healthier beverages that are lower in sugar and calories than traditional soft drinks.
Another factor driving the growth of the BC cider industry is the emergence of new cider varieties that appeal to a wider range of tastes. While traditional cider is typically made from a blend of apples and has a crisp, slightly tart flavor, many cideries are now experimenting with different fruit combinations, such as adding berries or pears, or aging their ciders in oak barrels to create more complex flavor profiles.
Finally, there’s the fact that cider is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a mixer in cocktails. This has helped to broaden its appeal beyond just cider enthusiasts.
Key Players in the BC Cider Scene
- Orchard Hill Estate Cidery: Located in the Okanagan Valley, Orchard Hill Estate Cidery is known for its award-winning ciders made using traditional methods and locally-grown apples. Their Red Roof Cider, made using dessert apples, is a particularly unique and popular offering.
- Left Field Cider Co.: Based in Mamette Lake, Left Field Cider Co. uses organic apples from their own orchard to create a range of ciders using both modern and traditional fermentation techniques. Their Big Dry Cider is a favorite among cider enthusiasts.
- Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse: This cidery, located on Vancouver Island, is known for its sustainably-grown apples and commitment to environmental stewardship. Their Bramble Bubbly Cider, made with blackberries and raspberries, is a popular choice.
- Faustino Estate Cidery: Based in the Similkameen Valley, Faustino Estate Cidery creates ciders using both traditional and modern fermentation techniques. Their sparkling ciders, made using the Charmat method, are particularly noteworthy.
- Dominion Cider Co.: Based in Summerland, Dominion Cider Co. uses locally-grown heritage apples to create their small-batch ciders. Their Heritage Dry Cider is a fan favorite.
- Howling Moon Craft Cider: Located in the Comox Valley, Howling Moon Craft Cider offers a range of creative ciders that incorporate ingredients like lavender and hops. Their Cider Spritz, made with soda water and a splash of elderflower cordial, is a refreshing summer sipper.
- Nomad Cider: This cidery, based in Kelowna, focuses on using locally-grown and organic apples to create their ciders. Their Blackberry Sage Cider is a standout, with a subtle sweetness and herbal notes.
- Twin Island Cider: Located on Salt Spring Island, Twin Island Cider offers a range of ciders made using traditional methods and locally-sourced apples. Their Dry Hopped Cider, made with Cascade and Centennial hops, is a must-try for beer lovers.
- Windfall Cider: Based in East Vancouver, Windfall Cider offers a variety of ciders that blend local and imported apples. Their Russet Cider, made using only Russet apples, has a complex flavor profile with notes of honey and spice.
- Orchard & The Sea: Located in the Cowichan Valley, Orchard & The Sea is a small-batch cidery that specializes in wild-fermented ciders. Their Salal Cider, made using foraged Salal berries, has a unique flavor profile that’s both tart and sweet.
Final Thoughts
The apple cider industry in British Columbia is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth, driven by a range of factors including local apple cultivation, consumer interest in craft beverages, and a growing demand for healthier drink options. With so many cideries now operating in the province, there’s never been a better time to explore the unique and varied offerings of the BC cider scene.
