CLACKAMAS, Ore. — September 5, 2024 — Portland Cider Co. is offering a second likelihood for the realm’s undesirable fruit tree bounties. The ninth annual Fruit Ahead Drive collects and presses donated edible-quality apples and pears from neighborhoods throughout the Portland Metro Space, utilizing the ensuing juice to supply its annual Group Cider—and for the primary time this yr, a special-edition brandy made by 503 Distilling. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of those merchandise will likely be donated to Preventing Fairly, a Portland-based nonprofit that helps girls battling most cancers really feel robust and exquisite.
Each Saturday in September, Portland Cider Co. will settle for bushels (40 kilos or extra) of undesirable and fallen apples and pears at its Clackamas Taproom at 8925 SE Jannsen Rd, Bldg. F. Drop-off hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. solely. For each bushel of edible high quality apples or pears, donors will obtain a voucher for a pint of the ensuing “Group Cider” as soon as launched this fall, redeemable at any of Portland Cider Co.’s taprooms.
“It’s onerous to imagine we’ve been doing this for practically a decade now!” stated Jeff Parrish, co-owner at Portland Cider Co. “We’re glad that we are able to carry our buddies at 503 Distilling in on the enjoyable this yr, and we are able to’t wait to pattern the brandy that they make from the apples and pears we accumulate.”
Because the apple and pear donations roll in, Portland Cider will share the bounty with 503 Distilling, which is able to craft the brand-new 503 Group Brandy at its southeast Portland distillery. It’s anticipated to be out there in Fall 2026 at choose liquor shops throughout the Portland Metro market.
“We’re glad to be working with Portland Cider so as to add a brand new product to their Fruit Ahead Drive this yr,” stated Rusty Caldwell, co-owner of 503 Distilling. “The quantity of brandy we’re capable of make will rely totally on what number of donations Portland Cider receives. So inform your family and friends to collect up these apples and pears and get them to the cidery—it’ll be value it!”
In 2023, Portland Cider collected practically 40,000 kilos of apples and pears throughout its Fruit Ahead Drive. Its nine-year donation whole to native nonprofits because of Group Cider gross sales exceeds $60,000. Portland Cider attributes this system’s lasting success to its many advantages, together with eradicating undesirable fruit from the waste stream, offering the neighborhood with cider and brandy made out of their very own yard apples and pears, and elevating funds for a neighborhood nonprofit group, like Preventing Fairly.
“Preventing Fairly was based by a Portland girl who is aware of first-hand that there’s energy in feeling stunning and robust whereas combating breast most cancers,” stated Lynda Parrish, co-owner at Portland Cider Co. “One in eight girls within the U.S. will develop breast most cancers of their lives. Everyone knows somebody who’s been affected, and Preventing Fairly is right here to help girls as they navigate the illness. Additionally they assist join them with sources of all types. We’re proud to assist increase funds for them this yr.”
Portland Cider Co. asks that every one donated fruit is of edible high quality; the corporate won’t settle for rotten or moldy fruit. Ugly fruit, nonetheless, is welcome, together with apples or pears with cracks, scarring, indentations, dimples, scabs, holes or brown spots. Use of disposable bins or containers is very really helpful.
The ninth annual Group Cider will likely be launched later this fall, and will likely be out there on draft at Portland Cider’s taprooms. The inaugural run of 503 Group Brandy will likely be out there within the autumn of 2026, at choose Portland-area liquor shops whereas provides final.
Be taught extra at PortlandCider.com/drive.
