The milkman has been part of American culture starting in Vermont in 1785. Even today, Smith Brother’s Farm will gladly deliver milk and more to your front porch. But have you ever heard of the cider man?
Let me introduce you to Erik Madrid, co-owner with his wife Storie Madrid, of Press Then Press, an online Cider Shop. Erik would be glad to be your cider man and deliver your online purchases from their offerings of 500 varieties of fine cider. This is not the sweet apple cider we enjoy in the fall, or kids juice boxes. This is cider with a kick, with alcohol (abv) running less than wine, typically ranging from 4.5-6%. The ciders can be described with tasting notes and profiles and potentially unexpected bouquets. They can be described as dry, semi-dry, sweet, bittersweet, bitter sharp and sharp. Fine cider is best served between 55-60° F.
Storie and Erik got serious about cider after serving Westcott Bay Cider from San Juan Island at their 2012 wedding. Following their wedding, they received many requests for sources for this cider. They thoroughly educated themselves in all things cider, achieving the status of Pommelier. A friend started the online store, Press Then Press, and they took over the operation when he moved out of state. I asked Eric about the meaning of the name, Press Then Press. He explained that first the apples are pressed to make the cider, then the buyer presses the press button to purchase from the online store. Get it? In 2023 Press Then Press was recognized by the American Cider Association as Cider Retailer of the year. Congratulations! They have the largest selection of fine cider available online and besides local home delivery, they do ship to other locations.
With home delivery, I asked about concerns of porch pirates stealing delivered cider. Erik explained that he must verify the purchaser is 21 and older, so they coordinate delivery when someone is home. Theft has not been an issue. Also, if you wish, it is possible to pick up cider purchases from Makeda & Mingus coffee shop, 153 78th Street, on Phinney Ridge. To anyone interested in tastings of ciders, a pop-up tasting is held every 3rd Sunday from 4-8pm at Watershed Pub & Kitchen, 10104 3rd Ave NE, in the Thornton Creek area near the Thornton Place Theatres at Northgate. Erik delivers to Wallingford on a regular basis, and the company has a warehouse in Wallingford. As their company grows, a brick-and-mortar location may be in their future.
Press Then Press also has a philanthropic side, donating a percentage of sales as a sponsor for City Fruit, a non-profit that stewards and harvests urban fruit trees to support sustainable and equitable access to fruit throughout the Seattle community.
Internationally, fine cider is far more recognized and requested than in the United States. The Basque country of Spain, Herefordshire of England, and Normandy, France are renown fine cider producing regions. Prohibition played a part in squelching the fine cider business in the United States, but it on the rise. You can help support the industry here in Seattle. Looking at their website I see great gift ideas and many interesting ciders to choose from and try. If you would like to add some sparkle and variety to your menu, check out pressthenpress.com and buy from the wide variety of fine ciders they offer. Again, that is pressthenpress.com.