Flatbed Cider Co. released two craft hard ciders — Crisp Apple Cider and Pear Cider — made from apples and pears sourced in the Northwest. Flatbed ferments its hard ciders from local, whole-pressed apples and limits the branch-to-bottle time in order to minimize oxidation and maximize its bright, rustic apple character, the company says. A drier taste profile, Flatbed Crisp Apple Cider is all-natural, with no added sugar or artificial ingredients and is naturally gluten free, according to the company. Jonagold apples picked at their peak to deliver the balance and acidity, while Red Delicious apples provide tannin structure, it adds. Golden Delicious apples add a rustic apple character with a twist of subtle sweetness, and heirloom varietals, like Newtown Pippins, and Gravensteins are hand-selected from batch-to-batch to add Northwest charm to the blend, the company says. Flatbed's Pear Cider features Northwest-grown Bartlett pears for a burst of crisp, sparkling refreshment with a clean finish, according to the company. Both varieties are available at restaurants and retailers throughout Washington and Oregon and are packaged in six-packs of 12-ounce bottles, which retail for $10.99. Flatbed Cider is distributed throughout Washington and Oregon by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

Flatbed Crisp Apple Cider and Pear Cider
Flatbed Cider Co., Milton-Freewater, Ore.
Telephone: 844/286-4666
Internet: www.flatbedcider.com
Distribution: Select markets