TASTING PANEL

The Seattle Cider Awards could not be possible without the essential and valued contributions of our distinguished group of professionals. Our tasting panel consists of highly-experienced bar, spirits, and mixology experts and craftspeople that have earned industry-wide recognition and popular consumer appeal.

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HIGHEST INTEGRITY

THOROUGH EVALUATION

Our thorough evaluation is of the highest integrity and our thoughtful process provides both our tasting panel and entries the best environment for tasting.

  • CHRIS ARORA
    Lead Sommelier, John Howie Steak
  • JEAN-CLAUDE BEC
    Winemaker, Woodhouse Family / Le Bec Fin
  • JOEL BUTLER
    Master of Wine / World of Wine.com
  • CHRISTOPHER CHAN
    Advanced Sommelier, Happy Hour Radio
  • DR. GREGORY CHAN
    Vice-Echanson – La Chaine des Rotisseurs
  • JEFF COX
    Wine Director, PCC Markets
  • NANCY CROSIER
    Founder, VinoSocial.wine
  • CHIP CROTEAU
    Wine Director, Ray’s Boathouse
  • REGGIE DAIGNEAULT
    Wine Educator – ReggieWine.com
  • SHELLY FITZGERALD
    Wine Educator, Columbia Winery
  • JEFF FOURNIER
    WA State Wine Buyer, Esquin Wine & Spirits
  • D. MARIA HALSTEAD
    Wine Marketing, NW Wine Academy
  • ROY HERSH
    ForTheLoveofPort.com
  • TRACEY LaPIERRE
    Enologist, Seattle Wine Lab
  • GREG LILL
    Co-Founder, DeLille Cellars
  • TIM O’BRIEN
    Beverage Director, Salty’s Seafood Grills
  • SUSAN PLUNKETT
    Wine Team, Grocery Outlet
  • LENNY REDE
    Wine Buyer, New Seasons Market Mercer Island, WA
  • SERENA ROBERGE-GORDON
    President, Puget Sound Wine Growers
  • ED RYDBECK
    Co-Founder, Seattle Enological Society
  • AUBREY TERRAZAS
    Advanced Sommelier – OMVino.com, San Francisco, CA
  • OLE THOMPSON
    Advanced Sommelier, Seattle, WA
  • TIFFANY TOBEY
    Wine Director / Sommelier, Hilton Hotel – Dallas, TX
  • ELI TRAVERSE
    Advanced Sommelier, Avennia Wines
  • MINA WILLIAMS
    Certified Sommelier / Blanc et Rouge Wine / NW Stir

RECEIVED, REVIEWED & CONFIRMED

CIDER ENTRIES

Our process is a single-blind tasting and evaluation process meaning panelists are aware of intended style, fruit composition, and residual sugar components. The awards give include: Best of Class, Double Gold, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Grand Award of Excellence.

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