Acclaimed Oregon cidermakers Bauman’s Cider have announced the release of their newest harvest series and small batch ciders, representing a line of flavors that utilize a range of fermentation techniques to accentuate the unique characteristics of the apples. The harvest series showcases new labels on these premium ciders bottles that break out from Bauman’s traditional brand framework

Christine Walter, founder and head cider maker for Bauman’s Cider notes: “As we are creating a new cider, or tasting the end product, we have a vision for it, a feeling even. The opportunity to share that feeling with an artist and allow them to interpret it into a drawing or painting is an amazing kind of alchemy. I couldn’t be more excited about sharing this collaborative effort: apples turning into cider paired with a feeling turned into a piece of art. I feel so fortunate to have a platform for this!”

The most recent release, Reine des Pommes,  a.k.a. Queen of the Apples, is a blend of French bittersweet apples with lavish notes of nougat, tobacco, and caramel. Featuring label artwork fit for a queen by Beatrice Mandel (@beatrice.s.mandel), this cider is inspired by ciders we have enjoyed on trips to France, and is made with Reine des Pommes, Muscadet de Dieppe, Muscat de Lens, Michelin and Dabinett apples from Riverwood Orchards (@riverwood_orchardfarm).

Also newly released are two estate ciders employing different fermentation styles on the same exact juice from apples grown on our original homestead farm. The Estate Cider was fermented using white wine yeast: it is crisp and clean with just the right amount of acid and a punchy fruit-forward aroma. And to compare, our Estate Spontaneous was allowed to wild- ferment with only the naturally occurring yeasts present on and in the apples. It takes a little longer to ferment this way, but the result is a lovely nuanced cider we just can’t get enough of! The label art for both of these was created by Meridith Burchiel (@mrdthmrdth). 

Our newest single varietal release, Porter’s Perfection, features artwork depicting Baumans’ Grandkitten Ruth by Hannah Bartlett (@bartlett_hannah). The Porter’s Perfection is truly one of our favorite all around cider apples and is perfectly highlighted in this zingy, fruity nectar. Notes of lemons and a slight green olive brininess, held aloft on a cushion of well-integrated tannins that leave you thoughtful and unhurried.

Finally, we have released our brand new Co-Ferments, the Forbidden Fruit Series. The red is a co-ferment of traditional cider apples with Pinot Noir grape skins from our friends at Kristof Farms (@kristoffarms). It is a captivating, perfectly balanced, crisp and juicy expression of the Willamette Valley’s favorite grape. The white is a co-ferment of muscat grape skins from Paradis Vineyards (@paradisvineyards) with Brown Snout, Pitmaston Pineapple, and Kingston Black apples. It feels like the last few days of summer, surrounded by warm sun and wildflowers. These ciders also feature the illustrations of local artist Meridith Burchiel - keep an eye out for these beautiful bottles around town! 

About Bauman’s Cider Company

Bauman’s Cider Company was started in 2015 by Christine (Bauman) Walter on her family’s farm located in Gervais, Oregon. The Bauman family homesteaded in Oregon in 1895 and has been farming in the Willamette Valley ever since, and Christine’s great-grandfather Stephen Bauman was known to make hard cider in one of the old barns. While the original recipe has long been forgotten, Christine strives to make cider Stephen would have been proud of, using as many fruits and other ingredients from the farm, and other local farms, as possible in her ciders. Bauman’s Cider was named the medium sized Cidery of the Year at the prestigious Great Lakes International Cider Competition in 2021 and 2022, and has been recognized as one of the top cideries in the Northwest at the NW Cider Cup (formerly PICC) since 2019. 

Bauman’s Cider production and tasting is located at Bauman’s Farm & Garden (12989 Howell Prairie Rd NE, Gervais, OR 97026). Tours are available and keep an eye out for concerts and events in the Cider Garden this summer! For more information visit www.baumanscider.com.