COBBLE HILL – Craft cider and beer are one of the hottest segments of the alcohol industry over the last few years. In response to this growing interest in craft, pubs and restaurants have engaged in tap takeovers. For consumers, it creates a fun experience.
For companies, it’s an excellent way to illustrate the diversity, and skill of the “makers”. Merridale Ciderworks and Distillery has joined this innovative marketing approach and joined forces with St. Augustine’s in Vancouver to showcase what will be North America’s largest cider tap takeover on July 18th.
When St. Augustine’s first approached merridale for the takeover, merridale had 8 main stay ciders and recipes for 6 other limited releases. With 14 ciders available, it would have been the largest cider tap takeover in Canada. However a couple of months earlier, Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider (Portland Oregon) threw out a good natured challenge to beat his 20 tap takeover making it the largest one in North America.
Owner and cidermaker Rick Pipes said, “As the regions oldest craft cider maker, merridale had to accept the challenge. We now have 22 different ciders ranging from dry and tannic, to off-dry, to semi-sweet, and from 6 to 13% ABV.” Sales manager Jason Child added, “We will be on-site at St. Augustine’s on July 18th to answer questions about craft cider. We appreciate the opportunity St. Augustine’s has given us.”
Merridale has been operating since 1990 winning a variety of awards over the years. Most recently merridale received 2 of only 12 medals awarded at the Canadian brewing awards for merri berri and Scrumpy, while the distillery was an award winner at the Vancouver International Spirits Competition for the Copper Gin.
Situated on a cider apple orchard in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, merridale farms, ferments, distills, and sells products from their farm. Growing heritage cider apples from England and France on their farm has created the perfect palette of tastes to stimulate unique full-bodied blends for their cidery and distillery. Merridale’s farm is open for tours, tastings, lunch, and events 7 days a week throughout the year.
