Western Cider

Imagine a place where gardening traditions meet modern craft artistry—that is Western Cider. Located in the picturesque city of Missoula, this craft cidery has become the true heart of the local culture. Here, on the banks of the Clark Fork River in the USA, unique beverages are created using apples from their own orchards, where rare heirloom varieties are grown.

This is not just a bar, but a spacious tasting room with a welcoming atmosphere. The interior is anchored by a long oak bar, and the windows offer views of a cozy garden. Interestingly, the building was formerly occupied by a tannery, but since 2017, it has been transformed into a stylish space for connoisseurs of quality cider.

One of the main highlights is the establishment's own garden, which is home to 50 apple trees. This is a living demonstration of the diversity of fruit used in production. Western Cider embodies the spirit of Montana, offering guests not only an excellent product but also the chance to become part of a friendly community.

For those planning a visit to Western Cider, it is helpful to have up-to-date contact information on hand. The establishment is active on social media, where you can follow event announcements and the release of new seasonal varieties.

The main adventure here begins with the tasting menu, which includes 12 different varieties of cider on tap. Be sure to try the signature Poor Farmer or the famous Whiskey Peach. For those who want to experience a wider palette of flavors, special tasting sets—"flights"—are offered, allowing you to compare several types of cider at once.

During the warmer months, from May to October, life is in full swing in the river garden. Here, you can not only enjoy panoramic views of the mountain ranges but also grab a bite to eat: food trucks featuring a variety of street food from local farmers are regularly stationed at the entrance. It's the perfect place for relaxed outdoor leisure.

If you're interested in going "behind the scenes," the cidery offers weekly production tours. Additionally, the event calendar is full of activities: from live concerts and game nights to Sunday brunches with original cider-based cocktails. For creative minds, workshops and themed evenings are organized periodically.

The establishment is located in the central part of the city at 501 N California Street. Thanks to its location on the scenic banks of the Clark Fork River, the cidery has become an easily recognizable landmark for both locals and visitors alike. There are several ways to get here.

For drivers, using GPS navigation is the easiest way. If you prefer public transport, Missoula's city bus network provides convenient access to the downtown areas. You can also always use taxi or ride-sharing services; the trip from the city center will take only a few minutes.

Travelers arriving from afar should note that Missoula International Airport is located approximately 10 kilometers from the venue. It's easy to reach the city center and the cidery itself from the airport via shuttle or rental car.

The history of this place began in 2012 when project co-founder Michael Billingsley planted the first 2,500 apple trees of rare and heirloom varieties in the Bitterroot Valley. This decision was driven by a desire to revive traditions, as this valley was once one of the largest apple-growing centers in the entire Western USA. Today, the orchard has grown to 5,000 trees representing more than 50 different varieties, inspired by the best traditions of France, Spain, and England.

The tasting room building itself also has an interesting biography. Before cider began being poured here, the premises served as a tannery, and later as an auto repair shop. In April 2017, the space was transformed, opening its doors to visitors in a completely new capacity while maintaining its industrial charm.

Today, Western Cider is not just a commercial enterprise, but an important part of the region's cultural fabric. It combines respect for Montana's agricultural past with modern craft production trends, creating a unique atmosphere of generational continuity.

For a standard introduction to the cidery's selection, 1.5–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is plenty of time to leisurely order a tasting flight, enjoy your drinks in the garden, and take in the venue's interior.

If you plan to join a production tour, participate in a themed evening, or simply want to spend a long evening with friends listening to live music, it's worth setting aside 3–4 hours or even the entire evening for your visit.

The cidery is open daily, offering convenient visiting hours for both weekdays and weekends. Monday–Friday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Please note that the schedule may change on holidays or during private events. It's recommended to check the venue's official website for the most up-to-date information before visiting.

Missoula offers many interesting locations to visit before or after your cider tasting. A stroll through the surroundings will allow you to better experience the city's historical and cultural atmosphere.