Thirteen years of raising a glass for the NW cider community
June 26, 2026 (Portland, OR) — The Northwest Cider Association announces the winners of the 2026 Northwest Cider Cup Awards, the region’s most prestigious cider competition. Now in its 13th year, the event has earned its place among North America’s most rigorous and respected cider judging programs.
Accepting commercial entries from Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and British Columbia, the range of ciders and perries competing this year reflects the depth and diversity of Pacific Northwest cider culture. Each entry is evaluated by trained industry professionals on appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel — with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded to the best in every category. This year’s winners were celebrated at Holocene in Portland, Oregon on Thursday, June 25th.
2026 Best of Awards
Best of Show: 2 Towns Ciderhouse (OR) 15th Anniversary (Low-Tannin Ciders Dry)
Best of Show Runner Up: Heartland Ciderworks (OR) The Little Rose (Specialty Low Alcohol/Alcohol Removed)
New Cidery of the Year: Abandoned Orchards (WA)
Large Cidery of the Year: 2 Towns Ciderhouse (OR)
Medium Cidery of the Year: Bauman’s Cider Company (OR)
Small Cidery of the Year: RAW Cider Co. (OR)
A full list of winners is available in the Winner’s Guide: https://www.nwcider.com/northwest-cider-cup/winners/.
By the numbers
236 entries submitted, only 25% of ciders entered won
60 medals were awarded in 19 categories to 51 cideries
Winners: 25 from Washington, 31 from Oregon, and 4 from British Columbia
The 236 entries reflect what cidermakers across the region are seeing in consumer demand — a real-time snapshot of what will be in glasses across the Northwest. This year’s trends include:
- Low-alcohol ciders continue to rise. The Low Alcohol and Alcohol Removed category (4.5% ABV and below) keeps growing — and this is the first year two low-ABV ciders won medals outside of the Specialty Low Alcohol/Alcohol Removed Category.
- New cideries are entering the market. Nine new cideries competed this year, all having opened throughout the Northwest since April 2025. That growth mirrors cider’s broader momentum across the craft beverage industry: According to a study done by market research firm Circana, cider is growing more than eight times faster than beer in the Pacific Northwest. That same study found that Oregon, Washington, and Idaho account for 24.8% of all U.S. cider sales, while these three states represent just 4.2% of the U.S. population.
- Beyond fruit-forward: emerging styles are making their mark. While ciders with fruit additions remain a leading category by volume, standout trends are emerging in what rises to the top:
- Red-fleshed apples had a spotlight moment this year. Their naturally striking color produces a red hue without any added fruit flavors.
- Low-Tannin Ciders claimed the top prize for the first time. Dry and approachable, these ciders are made with everyday eating apples rather than cider-specific varieties — the most common non-fruited style, and now, finally, a Cider Cup winner.
- Single-varietal ciders surged, with 30% more entries than in previous years. Much like wine drinkers seeking out specific grape varieties, cider drinkers are gravitating toward individual apple varieties — Kingston Black, Golden Russet, and others gaining real momentum.
About Northwest Cider Association
For more than 15 years, the Northwest Cider Association (NWCA) has brought cideries and cider lovers together to learn, experience and enjoy the Northwest cider culture. Representing more than 300 cider professionals throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia, the group is dedicated to supporting, promoting and growing its thriving industry. For more information, visit NWCider.com and follow @nwcider on social media.
