Schilling Cider House is a boundary-pushing, orchard-driven cidery rooted in the Pacific Northwest, founded with the belief that cider deserves the same depth, respect, and creative freedom as great wine or beer. Based in Seattle, Washington, Schilling was founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Colin Schilling and Allison Schilling, who set out to redefine what modern American cider could be, bold, expressive, and uncompromisingly fruit-forward, while remaining deeply connected to traditional cidermaking principles.
From the beginning, Schilling’s focus has been on apples, real apples, grown with intention. The cidery works closely with a network of orchard partners across Washington and the greater Northwest, sourcing a wide range of cider-specific and culinary apple varieties. These apples are pressed fresh, never from concentrate, and fermented with care to preserve their natural acidity, aromatics, and texture. The result is a portfolio of ciders that range from clean and crushable to complex, structured, and cellar-worthy, all unified by a sense of purity and balance.
Schilling is particularly known for its adventurous spirit and willingness to explore new expressions of cider. In addition to classic dry and semi-dry styles, the cidery produces vibrant fruited ciders, barrel-aged releases, botanical-infused blends, and low- to no-alcohol options, always with a clear point of view. Their fruit-forward ciders, often featuring locally grown berries, stone fruit, hops, or herbs, are crafted to feel fresh and intentional rather than sweet or artificial, making them approachable without sacrificing integrity.
A defining element of Schilling Cider House is its immersive taproom experience. Located in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, the cider house is designed as a welcoming, communal space where curiosity is encouraged. With an expansive tap list that often includes 20+ rotating ciders, guests can explore the full spectrum of Schilling’s creativity, from experimental small-batch releases to beloved flagships. The taproom has become a hub for cider education, tastings, and community gatherings, helping demystify cider and invite drinkers of all backgrounds into the category.
Schilling has also earned a reputation for inclusivity and innovation beyond the glass. The cidery has been a vocal advocate for expanding the definition of cider, championing diverse voices in the beverage industry, and creating products that meet modern drinkers where they are, whether that’s through gluten-free offerings, alcohol-free ciders, or globally inspired flavor profiles. Their branding, events, and collaborations reflect a playful but thoughtful approach that keeps cider culturally relevant and exciting.
Today, Schilling Cider House stands as one of the most influential producers in American cider, bridging tradition and modernity with confidence. It is a producer driven by curiosity, hospitality, and a genuine love for apples, offering ciders that are expressive, versatile, and unmistakably of the Northwest. Whether poured fresh from the tap or cracked open from a can, Schilling’s ciders invite exploration, and remind drinkers just how dynamic cider can be.
