This week is full of beverage news across Cascadia — from seltzer to beer and spirits. There’s a new hard seltzer brand in Bellingham, just in time for summer sippin’. Meanwhile, spring events and collaborative creations keep on coming. And in the spirits scene, local producers win world-class awards at an international competition.
Introducing Bellingham Seltzer Co.
Bellingham Cider is now producing hard seltzer under a new brand: Bellingham Seltzer Co. Also known as “b’seltz,” these easy drinkers are made from simple ingredients including filtered water, apple wine and real fruit. No added sugar or artificial sweeteners are used. Seltzers come in various flavors including mango, black cherry and pink lemonade.
At 4.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), these seltzers will be great for summer sipping. I tried the mango flavor and enjoyed its light, cider-like drinkability. I’m not sure it will replace my low-ABV “lawn mowing beers,” but I can imagine enjoying a few of these out on the water or at a backyard barbecue during the warmer months.
You’ll find Bellingham Seltzer in 12-ounce cans at the Community Food Co-op, Haggen and Fred Meyer stores in Bellingham.
Boundary Bay Spring Fling
Boundary Bay Brewery will host a Spring Fling celebration April 29 and 30. This two-day beer garden festival kicks off on Friday with tunes from Bottle of Smoke, the Devilies and India Glover. Saturday’s lineup includes Stone, Sue and Pals, Dumpster Joe, Champlin’s Pickle Diggers and Brittany Collins.
If you’re looking for something to do after attending the Farmers Market on Saturday, this is it. Boundary is located across the street from the market, and “after market” music will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Food — and of course, plenty of Boundary Bay beer — will be available for purchase. Tickets ($5) are required after 8 p.m. but you can pop in before that time on either day for free.
Recent Releases
Beach Cat Brewing released Inspector Skagit Cream Ale, a home-brewer collaboration beer, on Earth Day (Friday, April 22). This smooth, creamy brew is made with crystal hops and grain from Skagit Valley Malting. It’s available on tap at Beach Cat Brewing in Birch Bay.
Also released on Earth Day, Ragged & Right Pommeau is a collaborative effort between producers in Skagit and Whatcom counties. Ragged & Right (Farmstrong Brewing’s hard cider brand) used apple brandy distilled by Bellewood Distilling in Lynden to create this 19.4% ABV apple wine.
Ragged & Right blended the apple brandy with fresh Yarlington Mill and Jonagold apple juice before aging it in a former sherry/rye whiskey barrel for 16 months. “The result is a delicious apple wine that tastes of oak, sherry and whiskey with a lasting sweet and tannic apple juice finish that lingers on the palate,” its makers said. Ragged & Right Pommeau is available in 375ml bottles and 4-ounce pours at the Farmstrong taproom in Mount Vernon.
Spirits Scene
Three local spirits producers earned awards at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). The largest spirits competition in the world, SFWSC saw some 5,000 entrants this year. Medaling at this prestigious 22-year-old competition is a big deal — congrats to our local distillers and blenders!
Orcas Island Distillery earned Double Gold (for the second year in a row) for its West Island Whiskey in the American Single Malt Whiskey category. Additionally, its Ferry Dock Gin earned Gold in the genever-style gin category. Located in Eastsound, the Orcas Island Distillery tasting room is open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
Terramar Distillery in Edison earned Gold medals for their vodka and American Single Malt Whiskey. Stop by the Terramar Speakeasy Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays) to taste their spirits in classic cocktails.
Based in Ferndale, Doc Swinson’s earned Double Gold for their Exploratory Cask Series Kiona Cask Bourbon. Doc’s Exploratory Cask Series won Gold for two other versions as well: L’Esprit Bourbon and El Cuerpo Bourbon. Doc’s doesn’t have a tasting room, but you can find their bottles at several retailers locally including Haggen, Whole Foods and Bevmo.
Brandon Fralic’s Drink Cascadia column runs weekly on Wednesdays. Reach him at drinkcascadia@gmail.com.
