Two Merridale Ciders Take Home 2026 Growlie Awards

We have something to celebrate in the cidery!

The results are in for The Growler’s 2026 Craft Beer & Cider Readers’ Choice Awards, better known as the Growlies, and two Merridale ciders have earned a spot among some of the best craft ciders in British Columbia.

Cowichan Dry took 2nd place for Best New World Cider, while Apple Pie took 3rd place for Best Specialty Cider.

What makes this one particularly special is that the Growlies are chosen by the people actually drinking B.C. craft cider.

So before anything else, thank you to everyone who voted for Merridale.

Cowichan Dry: 2nd Place, Best New World Cider

Bright, crisp and refreshingly dry, Cowichan Dry is one of those ciders that really represents what we do at Merridale.

Made from a blend of English and French cider apples, it balances fresh fruit character and sharpness with a dry finish and just a touch of tannin.

It’s straightforward, refreshing and unmistakably cider.

Explore Cowichan Dry →

Apple Pie: 3rd Place, Best Specialty Cider

Then there’s Apple Pie, our cider for anyone who thinks fall should come in a glass.

Local apples are slowly fermented before being infused with cinnamon extract that we make right here on the farm using our own craft spirits. The result is a semi-sweet cider filled with apple, cinnamon and warm spice.

Basically, everything we love about apple pie, with bubbles.

And with harvest just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better.

Explore Apple Pie Cider →

A Big Thank You to Jeff

Of course, cider doesn’t make itself.

Behind every tank, bottle and can is our Master Cider Maker, Jeff, and a lot of work most people never get to see.

Jeff spends his days working with the fruit, fermentation and all the tiny decisions along the way that turn apples into the cider you eventually get to enjoy.

These two awards recognize very different ciders, but both come from the same commitment to the craft.

So, a very big thank you to Jeff. We’re incredibly lucky to have you behind the cider.

Owner Jan Docherty puts it best:

“There’s something pretty special about having people choose your cider. We’ve been growing apples and making cider here for a long time, but we never take that recognition for granted. Jeff puts an incredible amount of care into what goes into every bottle, and I’m so proud to see that work recognized. Thank you to everyone who voted, and more importantly, everyone who keeps drinking and supporting craft cider made right here in the Cowichan Valley.”

Jan Docherty, Owner, Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Thank You for Choosing B.C. Craft Cider

Awards are lovely, but knowing that people are choosing the cider we make here on our farm means even more.

To everyone who voted, visited Merridale, ordered a pint, brought home a bottle or can, introduced a friend to our cider or simply continued to support B.C. craft cider, thank you.

And Jeff, these ones are for you.

Cheers to another harvest. 🍎

See All the 2026 Growlie Winners

There are plenty of great B.C. breweries and cideries on this year’s list.

Read the full 2026 Growlie Awards results →