The word pineapple in English was first recorded in 1398, when it was originally used to describe the reproductive organs of conifer trees (now termed pinecones). When European explorers discovered this tropical fruit, they called them pineapples (term first recorded in that sense in 1664) because of their resemblance to what is now known as the pinecone. The term pinecone was first recorded in 1694 and was used to replace the original meaning of pineapple. Historians believe that the pineapple originated in Brazil. It was imported to Europe later. It is also believed that Christopher Columbus and his crewmembers were probably the first few people from the European continent to have tasted the fruit. Members of European royal families soon developed a liking for it. It gradually became available to the rich, the noble and the elite. Popular wherever it landed, the pineapple was regarded as an exotic delicacy, even becoming a symbol of hospitality, as only the most generous of hosts presented their guests with a pineapple. James Dole did a lot to popularize the fruit and make it affordable with his pineapple plantations in Hawaii; his goal was to have the convenient canned pineapple in every grocery store in the country. Today, Peaks and Pints celebrates the pineapple in our in-house cider flight well call Peaks and Pints Monday Cider Flight: Pineapple.
Peaks and Pints Monday Cider Flight: Pineapple
Reverend Nat’s Viva La Pineapple
6% ABV, draft
When his North Portland neighbor begged him to take his backyard apples off his hand in 2004, Nat West began experimenting with fermentation, turning the small green apples into hard cider. His friends went nuts. West would go on to hold weekly free cider parties at his house, experimenting on his friends, which ended up at 50 or so people. In the summer of 2011, West launched Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider, most likely the only cidery in Portland. This cider is a blend of fermented fresh apple juice sourced from Eastern Washington and unfermented fresh pineapple juice. A touch of cinnamon, cloves and allspice is added. The spice and pineapple hit the nose and tongue with notes of green apples and pear. Delicious.
Slightly Furry Pineapp-Owl
6% ABV, can
In 2012, Aaron “Martinisoft” Kalin received a late wedding gift that slowly became a passion — a homebrewing starter kit complete with an easy-to-follow recipe for a wheat beer. He and Ray “SpORK” Araldi love to cook and bake, so homebrewing felt familiar. Not long into their homebrewing journey they discovered the world of brewing ciders and meads. They became legendary for bringing cider to furry conventions and parties. So, they opened Slightly Furry Beverage Company – a home for puns and bold flavors. It’s a world where they support and lift-up the furry, queer, and underrepresented communities that need a louder voice. Their Pineapp-Owl is made with fresh apple juice and fresh pineapple juice.
Avid Pineapple Mango
6% ABV, can
In 2013, Avid Cider Co. invaded the Bend, Oregon craft beer-crazed town with something different. Back then, they went by ATLAS and quickly gained recognition locally and regionally depicted by their major award display case. AVID became known as a semi-sweet cider company placing their craft between the dry and sweet market. They live and die by their “NW to the Core” slogan sourcing regional fruit pressed in Bend to create “core” ciders and seasonally inspired hits. Their Pineapple Mango cider is on the sweeter side with mango and pineapple complementing rather than overpowering the sweet apple notes.
Yonder Coulee
6.9% ABV, can
When the scents and colors of Mexico become pure flavor, it means you’re drinking Agua Fresca from Oaxaca. This popular Mexican drink can be made with a variety of ingredients such as fresh fruit, pineapple, horchata, and chili liqueur mixed with mezcal. Inspired by the mezcal cocktails of Oaxaca, Yonder Cider’s Coulee is infused with pineapple, lime, and a hint of cardamom for notes of juicy tropical fruit and bright citrus with hints of coconut, subtle spice, and a light tannin finish. Beach and tiny umbrella not included.
Fierce County Patio heater
7.2% ABV, bottle
John and Tolena Thorburn adore craft beer. For 15 years they traveled the world drinking it. But an oversaturated market led them to cider. Learning and enjoying the varying styles and flavors unique to each brewer and set of ingredients, the Thorburns applied that experience to years of homebrewing and cidermaking. In 2017, Fierce County Cider launched its first commercial operating space in a 97-square foot ciderhouse in Puyallup. They have since opened a taproom on South Hill. Their Patio Heater offers a little habanero heat and a pineapple kiss.
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