Beer of the Week: Finnriver Bloom and Blush Ciders

This week, Newport Avenue Market’s Beer of the Week is blossoming into something beautifully different.

From Tuesday, August 25 through Monday, August 31, Robert and the Brew Crew are featuring two sparkling ciders from Finnriver Farm & Cidery: Bloom and Blush.

Both ciders begin with organic Washington apples. Finnriver then pairs them with organic berries to create two colorful, fruit-forward expressions. Bloom brings together crisp apples and sweet blueberries. Meanwhile, Blush combines tart apples with black currants.

Together, they offer two lovely ways to taste the changing seasons of the Pacific Northwest.

Meet Finnriver Farm & Cidery

Finnriver is an organic farm, orchard, and craft cidery in Washington’s Chimacum Valley. Located on the north Olympic Peninsula, the farm grows, sources, and ferments organic apples and pears.

The Finnriver team approaches cider as an expression of place. Sun, soil, rain, blossoms, fruit, and changing seasons all influence the story inside each can.

That connection to the land makes Finnriver a natural fit for Newport Avenue Market. We love introducing our community to thoughtful producers who care deeply about their ingredients and the places they call home.

Finnriver Bloom is a semi-dry sparkling cider made with organic Washington apples and organic blueberries. It offers a bright, fruity experience with a beautiful purple hue.

Finnriver ferments high-acid apples on the farm and then infuses the cider with sweet blueberries. As a result, Bloom balances crisp apple character with fragrant berry notes.

Look for aromas of berries and apple blossoms, followed by citrus, blueberry, and a delicate fruit finish. The bubbles keep each sip lively, while the semi-dry profile gives the fruit room to shine.

Bloom contains 6.5% alcohol by volume. It is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys a fruit-forward cider that still tastes crisp and balanced.

Serve it chilled alongside creamy cheese, fruit, roasted chicken, or a summer salad. It also works beautifully as an easy patio pour.

Finnriver Blush offers the drier side of this week’s pairing. It combines tart organic Washington apples with organic black currants.

The black currants give the cider depth, berry aroma, and a lovely pink color. At the same time, the high-acid apples keep it crisp and light.

Blush opens with a brief floral note. Then, sweet berry aromas lead into a dry finish with a kiss of black currant. Finnriver drew inspiration from the classic French Kir cocktail, which traditionally pairs black currant with wine.

Blush also contains 6.5% alcohol by volume. Its dry, sparkling character makes it a refreshing alternative to sweeter fruit ciders.

Try it with brunch, soft cheese, grilled vegetables, seafood, or a savory picnic spread. Rosé drinkers may find this cider especially inviting.

Why Robert Recommends This Pair

Robert chose Bloom and Blush because they show how much range cider can have.

Both begin with organic Washington apples and finish with sparkling berry character. However, they offer two distinct experiences. Bloom is semi-dry, juicy, and blueberry-forward. In contrast, Blush is dry, light, and touched with tart black currant.

That contrast makes them especially fun to taste side by side. You can compare the sweetness, acidity, aromas, and finish while discovering which style suits you best.

The pair also offers an approachable introduction to farmcrafted cider. Beer drinkers, cider fans, and sparkling wine lovers can all find something to appreciate here.

Most importantly, these ciders reflect the ingredients and agricultural character of the Pacific Northwest. That combination of craftsmanship, place, and deliciousness always catches Robert’s attention.

How Newport’s Beer of the Week Works

Every Tuesday, Robert and the Brew Crew choose a featured beer or cider worth discovering. Sometimes they select a longtime favorite. Other times, they introduce something unexpected from a producer farther afield.

From August 25 through August 31, purchases of Finnriver Bloom and Blush count toward Newport’s Beer of the Week reward.

Simply scan your registered FoodeFlash Card when you check out. Once you spend $50 on featured Beer of the Week selections, you will earn $10 in Moolah.

Moolah works like in-store cash toward a future Newport Avenue Market purchase. In other words, we reward you for stepping outside your comfort zone and discovering something delicious.

If you do not have a FoodeFlash Card yet, ask an employee-owner or visit Customer Service. We will help you get started.

Which Finnriver Cider Will You Choose?

Choose Bloom if you enjoy a semi-dry cider with blueberry flavor, bright acidity, and a delicate fruity finish.

Choose Blush if you prefer a dry, crisp cider with floral aromas and a tart touch of black currant.

Better yet, take home both and create your own side-by-side tasting.

Find Finnriver Bloom and Blush in Newport Avenue Market’s beer and cider department from Tuesday, August 25 through Monday, August 31. Ask Robert or another member of the Brew Crew if you need help choosing.

Please enjoy responsibly. You must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol. Featured ciders are available while supplies last.