Portland Cider Takes Top Prize in International Competition
Bringing home the first Championship Trophy for the United States in the Classic Cider Category
CLACKAMAS, Ore. — May 2, 2024 — Portland Cider Company’s Original Gold Cider took home the top award at this year’s International Brewing and Cider Awards held in Manchester and London, United Kingdom. Original Gold, the company’s most-awarded cider, earned its 12th gold medal at this year’s competition, then received the best-in-class trophy at the awards ceremony. This is the first time in the competition’s 136-year history that a U.S. cidery has brought home this trophy.
“Of course we aspire to our cider being among the best in the world. But I admit, I was speechless when I heard that our peers awarded us the top honor at the competition,” said Portland Cider co-founder Jeff Parrish. “The judges are all active cidermakers from around the world. It’s a huge honor to be recognized like this by our own peers in the industry, and humbling to share this award with such a long line of excellent cidermakers.”
A three-day judging process to decide the medal winners took place in March 2024 at Depot Mayfield in Manchester, United Kingdom, and comprised 38 working professionals in the brewing and cidermaking industries from across the globe. The trophies were awarded at what organizers refer to as “the industry’s ‘Oscars’’' in a ceremony on May 1 in London. Of the 115 beer and cider medals, just 13 were awarded trophies—one in each class. Original Gold competed in the classic cider category.
In addition to Original Gold’s accolades, Portland Cider Company’s own English Pub Cider earned a silver medal at the competition. Bauman’s Cider and 2 Towns Cider brought multiple medals back to Oregon, as well.
“I’m so proud that our company was able to shine during the competition, and I think it’s a triumph for Oregon ciders overall,” said Lynda Parrish, co-founder of Portland Cider. “For three Oregon cideries to bring home medals from my home country, the birthplace of cider, speaks volumes about how strong our local cider industry is. It feels very full-circle to me.”
Original Gold, English Pub Cider, and all of Portland Cider’s creations can be found at retailers throughout the West using the Cider Finder on the company’s website.
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About Portland Cider Company
Portland Cider Company was founded in 2013 to bring hand-crafted, award-winning cider to the Northwest. The company recognizes Portland and her bold spirit as the inspiration behind their innovative ciders, and promises the cleanest, tastiest, and most enjoyable cider-drinking experience the city has to offer. Portland Cider has three taproom locations in the Portland metro area, where they encourage all to visit, sample, and expect more from the cider they drink. Visit PortlandCider.com and @portlandcider on social media.