Amidst the lush landscapes of Kelowna, a new artisanal wave is rising – the craft cider revolution.
The Art of Cider Making in Kelowna
Kelowna’s craft cider scene is a harmonious blend of tradition and modern flair. Here, the cider making process is an art form, deeply rooted in the rich soils of the Okanagan Valley. Each cidery in this region takes great pride in creating beverages that reflect the area's unique terroir. Local apples, pears, and cherries, nurtured under the Okanagan sun, are the stars of these concoctions, bringing forth ciders that are as varied as they are flavourful. This section of the craft beverage industry in Kelowna is not just about producing cider; it's about creating a sensory experience that echoes the essence of the valley.
BC Tree Fruits Cider - A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
BC Tree Fruits Cider, a name synonymous with innovation in Kelowna's cider landscape, takes the forefront in showcasing how traditional methods can merge with creative flair. Their acclaimed Broken Ladder series exemplifies this, featuring blends like Plum-Basil, Rosé, Apples, and Apples & Hops. Each sip reveals the dedication to quality and the use of handpicked fruits from their orchards, ensuring a pure, refreshing drink devoid of added water or artificial flavours. The Broken Ladder series maintains the natural integrity of their fruits while exploring bold, new flavour profiles.
Soma Cider - Small Batch Craftsmanship
In the realm of small-batch production, Soma Cider is a leader of handcrafted excellence. From their family farm, they bring forth a traditional, dry cider that resonates with the simplicity and purity of the craft. Their Oak Aged Apple Cider, aged with select American Oak, is a narrative of history and sophistication. The dryness, coupled with vanilla notes, speaks of age-old brewing and vintner techniques, refined over centuries. Soma's ciders are a celebration of the local orchards and the community spirit of the Okanagan Valley.
Upside Cider - Kelowna's First Organic Cider
Venturing into the organic realm, Upside Cider introduces a fresh perspective to Kelowna's cider scene. With creations such as the Peach Bourbon Cider, Upside Cider is a leader in innovative flavours throughout the Okanagan. As Kelowna's first organic cidery, they bring a unique blend of sustainability and purity to their craft. The high-quality juice-grade apples used in their ciders come from their own Certified Organic Farm, resulting in a clean and fresh taste that requires minimal additions. This commitment to organic practices extends beyond their orchards, encompassing their entire operation, from production to packaging.
Innovative Cider Varieties in Kelowna
Kelowna's cideries are a playground for flavour innovation. BC Tree Fruits Cider’s a rotating seasonal selection, including Pear Ginger, Pink Lady, Cherry Peppercorn, and Dad Bod, are prime examples of this creativity. Each variety offers a unique taste experience, from the tangy sweetness of Pink Lady to the bold spice of Cherry Peppercorn. These ciders are more than just drinks; they are a palette of flavours, each telling a different story about the fruits and craftsmanship of the Okanagan Valley.
The Tasting Experience
The cider tasting experience in Kelowna is as diverse as the ciders themselves. Each cidery offers a unique ambiance, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of cider. From rustic tasting rooms to elegant patios, these spaces invite guests to savour the innovative blends that Kelowna has to offer. The Kelowna cider trail offers an exploration into the world of craft ciders, each with its own distinctive character and charm.
