Award-Winning BC Cider | Merridale Wins 3 Northwest Cider Cup Medals

Published On: July 4, 2026|Categories: Awards, Craft Cider|1.8 min read|

Merridale Cidery & Distillery is celebrating another milestone after earning three medals at the 2026 Northwest Cider Cup, one of North America’s premier cider competitions. The awards recognize the quality and craftsmanship behind our award-winning BC cider, made from apples grown and crafted on our family farm in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.

Competing alongside some of the best cideries across the Pacific Northwest, Merridale was recognized with:

🥇 Gold – Scrumpy (Wood/Oaked Cider)
🥈 Silver – Mo’Moro (Botanical Hopped Cider)
🥉 Bronze – Cowichan Dry (Low-Tannin Dry Cider)

The Northwest Cider Cup is judged through a rigorous blind tasting process by certified cider judges and industry professionals. This year’s competition featured 236 entries from across the Pacific Northwest, with only the top-scoring ciders receiving medals.

“Our orchard has always been at the heart of everything we do,” said the Merridale team. “These awards are a reflection of the dedication, curiosity, and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle we produce. We’re honoured to have our ciders recognized alongside so many outstanding producers.”

A special congratulations goes to Jeff, our Lead Cider Maker, whose passion and attention to detail continue to shape Merridale’s cider program. We’d also like to recognize our entire production team. From harvesting apples in the orchard to fermentation, blending, bottling, and every step in between, these awards belong to everyone who helps bring Merridale cider from orchard to glass.

Taste Our Award-Winning BC Cider

Whether you’re visiting us in the Cowichan Valley, picking up a bottle from your local retailer, or ordering online, now is the perfect time to discover our award-winning ciders.

Gold Medal

Scrumpy – A rich, barrel-aged cider that showcases the complexity and character developed through oak aging.

Silver Medal

Mo’Moro – A refreshing hopped cider that balances bright apple flavours with aromatic hops.

Bronze Medal

Cowichan Dry – Our signature dry cider, crafted from BC apples with a crisp, clean finish that has become a favourite among dry cider lovers.

We’re incredibly grateful to our customers, community, and everyone who supports local craft cider. Your enthusiasm allows us to continue pushing the boundaries of what BC cider can be.

Read the full list of winners from the 2026 Northwest Cider Cup:
https://nwcidercup.com/awards.php