Locust Cider Now Pouring in Woodinville

Joining an ever-expanding small-batch booze scene in Woodinville is Locust Cider, which opened its tasting room this past weekend.

The cidery is owned and run by Jason Spears, for years an avid cider homebrewer after discovering a gluten sensitivity, and his brother Patrick. The two have been churning out test batches and perfecting their recipes in the cidery, steps away from the tasting room.

So far they've crafted two lovely, white wine-like ciders: Original Dry and Green Tea, both smooth and drinkable and with very little apple-y funk. The name and the drinkable nature of the cider are nods to the brothers' Texas childhood, to a pastime of sitting on the back porch with a cold drink listening to an orchestra of locusts and cicadas.

They're offering these two on tap, along with a seasonal Summer Berry, now, at their tasting room, which is currently experimenting with its hours as the brothers balance brewing and pouring. They're also planning to can their flagship ciders and bottle special releases, like an upcoming aged cider that will clock a 10% ABV and end up in 750-ml bottles. For the latest open hours, check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Locust has been going over extremely well in a few taprooms and bars, with kegs running empty almost as soon as they're hooked up to the taps. Elliott Bay Brewing, The Hop and Hound, 192, Ballard Beer Company, and Mammoth have been on the list of customers.

Apart from occasional weekend hours, Locust will also hold a grand opening party in mid-June, once the kinks are worked out.

Locust Cider. 19151 144th Avenue NE, Woodinville.