New on the Cider Scene: La Familia Cider

La Familia Hard Cider, Oregon’s newest cider company and first Latino-owned cidery, has officially joined the craft beverage community. La Familia debuted three ciders at an official “Launch & Cinco de Mayo Party” at Portland Cider House in Southeast Portland.

The ciders—Tamarindo (Tamarind) at 6.9% ABV, Jamaica (Hibiscus) at 6.9% ABV and Manzana (Apple) at 4.5% ABV—are inspired by the traditional Mexican Aquas Frescas of the childhood of husband and wife team Jose and Shani Gonzalez. The duo based their ciders on the recipes of Jose’s mother, a first generation Mexican immigrant to the United States.

“We thank God for the opportunity to share, with our whole community, the flavors my family and I grew up with. They are based on my mother’s recipes, but are a combination of the US craft beverage movement and Mexican heritage,” says Jose Gonzalez, La Familia co-founder. “Our cider contains no artificial flavors and uses only 100% Northwest apple juice from the Yakima Valley.”

La Familia Cider has been available for just a few short weeks and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. You can find La Familia ciders at many Salem retailers, including several Mexican restaurants. Soon you will see their bottles at seven Safeways throughout the state. La Familia hopes to tie together the craft beverage movement with Mexican cuisine.

“We are excited to offer La Familia. It’s the first craft drink we have carried; it is selling great and customers are asking for it!” said Carlos Pineda, owner of the Keizer-based El Patron Mexican Restaurant.

In tribute to their family ties and community, La Familia will donate a portion of its profits to help local families with their immigration fees.

“We are going to do everything we can to help keep families together,” says Jose Gonzalez. “It’s incredibly important to our mission and heritage for us to support in any way we can.”

Maletis Beverage, based in Portland, Oregon, will be distributing all three cider varieties on behalf of La Familia Cider. Tamarindo (Tamarind), Jamaica (Hibiscus) and Manzana (Apple) are all available in 500ml bottles and draft kegs.

  • Photo: La Familia
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