Schilling Seasonal Cider 6Pk

Schilling Seasonal Cider 6Pk is a rotating six-pack series of craft hard ciders from Seattle's Schilling Cider, with ABV varying by seasonal release (typically around 6–7%). As a multi-medal winner at the 2025 U.S. Open Cider Championship, Schilling brings serious craft credentials to each limited release in this lineup.

Quick Facts: ABV: Varies by release (~6–7%)  |  Origin: Seattle, Washington  |  Style: Rotating Seasonal Series  |  Producer: Schilling Cider (est. 2013)

Production & Heritage

Schilling Cider was founded in 2013 in Seattle, Washington, and has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest's most recognized cider producers. All Schilling ciders begin with 100% fresh-pressed apples, blending Pacific Northwest varieties with European heirloom bittersharp apples — a combination that adds natural tannin structure and deeper complexity. The seasonal series uses Schilling's signature "low and slow" fermentation process, conducted at cooler temperatures over an extended period to preserve fresh fruit aromatics and produce more layered, apple-forward results. Hand-selected yeast strains and locally sourced seasonal ingredients round out each release, making every batch distinct.

Tasting Notes

Because this is a rotating seasonal series, specific flavors shift with each release. Past offerings have included chai-spiced, grapefruit, strawberry-rhubarb, and tropical fruit expressions. The following general profile reflects Schilling's house style across seasonal releases:

Aroma: A fresh-pressed apple core carries through every release, with seasonal fruit or spice additions layered on top. Expect bright, clean aromatics that lean fruity rather than funky.

Taste: The entry is typically crisp and apple-forward, owing to the bittersharp European apple blend. Mid-palate introduces the featured seasonal ingredient — whether citrus, stone fruit, berry, or baking spice — balanced by moderate acidity and gentle tannins. Sweetness ranges from dry to semi-sweet depending on the specific release.

Finish: Clean and refreshing, with fruit character that lingers without excessive sweetness. The slow fermentation tends to leave a rounded, smooth close rather than a sharp or thin one.

How to Drink Schilling Seasonal Cider

Serve chilled, straight from the can or poured into a pint glass to release aromatics. Fruit-forward seasonal releases also work well over ice on warm days. For cocktail use, try a Cider Shandy by mixing half-and-half with a wheat beer for a lighter session drink; a Cider Mule with ginger beer and fresh lime, where Schilling's apple base adds depth the ginger alone can't provide; or a Cider Spritz topped with sparkling water and a citrus twist for an easy low-ABV aperitif.

Best For

• Casual backyard gatherings where variety keeps things interesting
• Introducing craft cider to friends who primarily drink beer
• Seasonal tasting alongside cheese and charcuterie boards
• Stocking a mixed cooler for outdoor events and picnics

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Schilling Seasonal Cider taste like? Each release differs, but the house style centers on a crisp, fresh-pressed apple base with balanced acidity and the featured seasonal ingredient — past examples include chai spice, grapefruit, and strawberry-rhubarb — ranging from dry to semi-sweet.

How does Schilling Seasonal Cider compare to Seattle Cider Company? Both are Seattle-based craft producers using Pacific Northwest apples, but Schilling's "low and slow" cool-temperature fermentation and its blend of PNW and European bittersharp apples tend to produce a slightly more tannic, complex profile than Seattle Cider Company's generally fruit-forward, approachable style.

Is Schilling Seasonal Cider good for beginners? Yes — the seasonal series is designed to be accessible and fruit-driven, making it an excellent entry point for anyone curious about craft cider beyond mainstream brands.

Where is Schilling Seasonal Cider made? Schilling Cider is handcrafted in Seattle, Washington, using apples sourced from the Pacific Northwest blended with European heirloom bittersharp varieties.

What foods pair well with Schilling Seasonal Cider? Sharp cheddar or aged gouda complement the apple-forward base; grilled pork or chicken echoes the fruit sweetness; fresh salads with vinaigrette mirror the acidity; spiced seasonal releases pair well with roasted root vegetables; and lighter berry-driven releases match soft cheeses like brie or camembert.

What sizes does Schilling Seasonal Cider come in? The seasonal series is commonly available as a six-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for Schilling's rotating releases.

Is Schilling Seasonal Cider worth the price? Schilling positions as a premium craft cider made with 100% fresh-pressed apples and a specialized slow-fermentation process, placing it above mass-market ciders in both quality and price tier — strong value for the craft cider category.

Why Schilling Seasonal Cider?

Schilling Cider has built its reputation on a production approach most large cider makers skip: slow, cool-temperature fermentation of 100% fresh-pressed apples, blended across Pacific Northwest and European heirloom bittersharp varieties. That process is the foundation of every seasonal release, giving each batch a structured, tannic backbone that distinguishes it from sweeter commodity ciders. The brand's medal haul at the 2025 U.S. Open Cider Championship — including Gold for Excelsior Imperial Passionfruit Pineapple and Gold for KIW Black Currant — confirms that Schilling's rotating seasonal approach delivers consistent quality across wildly different flavor profiles. For anyone who wants to explore what craft cider can be beyond a single static flavor, this six-pack is one of the more rewarding ways to do it.