Hard-Pressed: Juice Worth the Squeeze

by | Aug 17, 2015

By Erin James

From the farm to the glass, these apple growers provide premium juice—some available on grocery store shelves and others aimed specifically for the production of hard cider. Taste-test this variety, with fermentation or immediate ingestion as the end result.

Ryan’s Juice/Hood River Juice Company || The trailblazer of apple juice in Oregon’s Hood River Valley, Ryan’s sells fresh juice, raw or pasteurized, to the eager and ambitious cider maker as well as to the consumer. Try the new Opal Apple Cider, a crisp and flavorsome juice of the proprietary variety from partner First Fruits of Washington.

Tree Top || Since 1960, this grower-owned cooperative in Washington’s Yakima Valley has been selling juices straight to stores and to savvy producers. They offer it all, from heritage-style fermenting juice and finishing-style juice concentrate to juice boxes and applesauce.

Fruit Smart || Another Yakima Valley leader of fruit juice concentrates, Fruit Smart has upped its game as the demand for quality concentrates has grown. These all-natural cold-pressed juices, along with purees, concentrates and blends, build the base for ciders across the continent.

BSG CraftBrewing || For the commercial cider maker, Minnesota-based BSG offers their Select CiderBase, a bold apple juice base made from Northwest fruit. Once juiced, the cider is aged with a proprietary process developed in tandem with the specific cider maker client.

Milne Fruit || Also located in the Yakima Valley, Milne Fruit Products has been creating all-natural fruit juices, concentrates and purees since 1956. A one-stop-shop, cider makers can buy base and fruit juice-infusions from the same source.

Knouse Foods || Pennsylvania’s grower-owned orchard cooperative is most famous for their Musselman’s apple juice seen on shelves of groceries nationwide, along with sister brand Lucky Leaf. Musselman’s trends high on homebrew cider maker’s websites for store brands to use as a cider base.

what’s new

Week of Events

Follow US

get the latest

SIGN UP FOR THE CIDERCRAFT NEWSLETTER.

By subscribing online, you are opting in to receive our CIDERCRAFT Insider e-newsletter— with the latest coverage in the cider beverage scene, product reviews, libation destinations, events + more.

Pin It on Pinterest

CIDERCRAFT
New Release from @starcutciders Toucana is here—crafted with real guava juice for a kick of Caribbean flavor, balanced with crisp apple and a semi-dry finish. Naturally gluten-free, with no added sugar—just real fruit and real flavor. 🍏✨

Now pouring at the Pub and Pull Barn—and hitting shelves soon in Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan!
We’re total suckers for love…and a good cider!

Share this with your cider sweetheart today and Happy Valentine’s Day from Cidercraft! ❤️

 #ciderlove
We’ve got major FOMO over here and wish we could be there too! If you’re in Chicago sipping, mingling, and geeking out over all things cider, show us your adventures! Tag us on your posts so we can reshare in our stories—let’s see all the fun we are missing.

CIDERCON is on now! (February 4-7) head to @ciderconference and @PickCider for more details!

#cidercon2025 #ciderfan #pickcider
🍑
🍑 Say hello to pure bliss! Introducing Avid Cider Company's newest seasonal delight: Peach Lychee cider!

Get ready to indulge in the irresistible sweetness of juicy peaches, perfectly paired with the aromatic notes of lychee and white tea. It’s a refreshing mix that will transport your taste buds to paradise!

Discover your new favorite sip at @avidcidercompany and let us know your first impressions! Have you tried it yet? Let us know in the comments!

#NWtoTheCore #CraftCider #CiderLoversUnite
Now is the perfect time to cozy up with @TwoKFarms signature mulled cider recipe!

Ingredients:

🍻 6-Pack Two K Farms Harrison Cider
🤎 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
🧹 3 Cinnamon Sticks
🌳 4 Whole Cloves

Optional: Sprinkle of Nutmeg / Cardamom / All Spice

Directions:

Warm everything together, keeping it covered, and never heating it to more than a low simmer. Letting the cider mull for a few hours will result in a more intense spice flavor and aroma. When ready to serve, garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Do you have any special tips for making your cider extra cozy? Share them with us! Have you tried this recipe or something similar? We'd love to hear your thoughts and see your photos! 🍎✨

#SpicedCider #MulledCider #TwoKFarms
undefined
New Release from @starcutciders Toucana is here—crafted with real guava juice for a kick of Caribbean flavor, balanced with crisp apple and a semi-dry finish. Naturally gluten-free, with no added sugar—just real fruit and real flavor. 🍏✨

Now pouring at the Pub and Pull Barn—and hitting shelves soon in Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan!
undefined
Share This
Complete your gift to make an impact
Donate