CHIMACUM, WASHINGTON – January 16, 2025 – Finnriver Farm & Cidery unveils its most ambitious creation yet: a 10-year aged Pommeau that marries centuries-old French tradition with Pacific Northwest craftsmanship. This collector-worthy spirit, released to mark Finnriver’s 15th anniversary, represents the pinnacle of apple-based beverages.
Pommeau, a coveted blend of fresh apple juice and apple brandy, traditionally requires two years of barrel aging to develop its signature complexity. Finnriver’s decade-long aging process—rare in American craft cider—has created an exceptional spirit that showcases intense depth and elegance.
“This Pommeau captures lightning in a bottle,” says Andrew Byers, Finnriver Co-owner. “We selected our most distinguished heirloom apples, including the prized Kingston Black and Dabinette varieties, then let time work its magic in the barrel. The result is simply extraordinary.”
Chris Weir, Finnriver’s Head Cidermaker, adds, “There’s no rushing Pommeau. The process is slow and deliberate, revealing layers of complexity and elegance over time as it ages into its own unique self. This release showcases our dedication to the craft and art of fermentation, which makes it a fitting tribute for celebrating Finnriver’s 15th Anniversary.”
The release is particularly significant as only a handful of American producers make Pommeau, making this 10-year version among the oldest and most mature examples produced in the United States. Each bottle represents a decade of patience and precision craftsmanship.
Finnriver’s journey with Pommeau began in 2012, inspired by the centuries-old French tradition of blending fresh apple juice with apple brandy and aging it in barrels. Co-founders Keith Kisler and Eric Jorgensen saw Pommeau as a symbol of patience, alchemy, and future possibilities amidst the chaos of starting a farm and cidery. Guided by cidermaker Chris Weir and mentor Drew Zimmerman, Finnriver crafted its first batch using Kingston Black, Yarlington Mill, and Dabinette apples. Zimmerman’s sage advice—a more candid version of “What goes in, is what comes out”—underscored the importance of selecting the right apples.
The result was a 2014 release that cemented Finnriver’s commitment to this remarkable craft and laid the groundwork for this 10 year release. One barrel was set aside in December of that
year and now, 10 years later, we’ve put that Pommeau in bottles tucked inside special keepsake wooden boxes.
Available exclusively to Finnriver Cider Club members, this limited-edition Pommeau stands as a testament to the cidery’s dedication to excellence. While most spirits are rushed to market, Finnriver’s decade-long commitment to aging this Pommeau reflects an uncompromising pursuit of quality.
To join the Finnriver Cider Club and have access to this historic release (and future special releases), go to https://www.finnriver.com/join-quarterly-club, or visit the cidery on Washington’s north Olympic Peninsula. Pre-orders will be available to “Swan” members beginning January 15th, 2025, and to “Crow” members on January 20th. While supplies last.
About Finnriver Farm & Cidery
Finnriver is an organic farm and orchard, certified B Corp and craft cidery located along a salmon stream on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington— the traditional and contemporary territories of the S’Klallam (Nəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm̕) and the Chemakum (Aqokúlo or Čə́məq̓ əm). For the past 15 years, Finnriver has cultivated connection through community events, sustainable farming, and award-winning ciders. Learn more at www.Finnriver.com and join the cider club to enjoy access to limited small-batch releases, like the 10 year Pommeau.
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