Q: Why are you capping the attendee number at 15?

As much as I'd like to add more $s to my megayacht someday jar, I want us all to enjoy a more intimate, small-ish class experience. That way we get to interact more, I can field more of your questions, and especially during the sensory evaluation/tasting segment we can trade notes more easily.

Q: So what ciders will we taste?

Nice try; it's a secret. But I promise the pours will offer a good little array of options, maybe something you've never tried before. Schilling's got a great lineup of both in-house and guest ciders: I'll make sure you're tasting good ones that'll make you appreciate the range in the ciderverse.

Question 1

Hey dude, $40 isn't cheap, especially these days. What do I get for this class?

Accepted Answer

Fair question! You'll get a curated cider flight with four 3-ounce pours, and a bevy of useful info and knowledge to make you more cider savvy. I'll teach you how to differentiate between cider styles and types, how to fine tune your palate, and give you PNW-focused, next (cider) adventure tips.

Question 2

Why should I take this class? All this stuff is out there online and in books.

Accepted Answer

Yup, sure is;  I suppose you could save cash, nerd out and use Chat GPT or Claude or some other AI/LLM  tool, but will that be as FUN?  Will you meet cool, like-minded people who also like and  are curious about cider? Will you learn a neat factoid or five you may not get from a prompt? Heck yeah...

Question 3

Why are you hosting this at Schilling's PDX Cider House? Why not somewhere else?

Accepted Answer

Well...Shilling's a great cider company; its owner, Colin Schilling and I talked about doing a class like this back when the new PDX Cider House opened last summer. It's time! Colin's a big supporter of cider education (and the industry generally). And who says I won't host another one elsewhere ;-)

Question 4

Do I I have to pay for my cider?

Accepted Answer

Nope! You'll get at least four 3 ounce pours that are part of a curated cider flight I'll put together for the class.

Question 5

Do I have to tip our servers? You?

Accepted Answer

Nope, not unless you want to (and we won't say no, but don't expect you to). After you register on Eventbrite, I promise we won't stick anything electronic in front of you that'll ask for 18%, 20%, or more.

Question 6

This is a 21+ event and I'm over 21. Are you still going to card me when I arrive?

Accepted Answer

I really like keeping my Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission Server's License, so well, if you look younger than 26, yeah, I'll probably card you JIK. Bring your id with you. Look on the bright side from someone that rarely gets carded anymore: embrace your youthful visage! It's a gift...

Question 7

Is there going to be any food served as part of the event?

Accepted Answer

For this class, no. I'd have to bump the price up and for now this is about getting an introduction into the world of cider and focusing on tasting. But but...Schilling has a great kitchen if you get hungry afterwards, and I WILL talk about a few things you can do to pair cider and food.

Question 8

Is there anything I should do or not do before or during the class?

Accepted Answer

That's a great question: I advise not wearing perfume or cologne to class; it'll make picking up cider aromas harder, maybe for  others too. I'd skip eating spicy foods or drinking  coffee or strong tea <1 hour beforehand to avoid scrambling your palate. Also, be nice, and ask lots of questions!

Question 9

Why are you capping the attendee number at 15?

Accepted Answer

As much as I'd like to add more $s to my megayacht someday jar, I want us all to enjoy a more intimate, small-ish class experience. That way we get to interact more, I can field more of your questions, and especially during the sensory evaluation/tasting segment we can trade notes more easily.

Question 10

So what ciders will we taste?

Accepted Answer

Nice try;  it's a secret. But I promise the pours will offer a good little array of options, maybe something you've never tried before. Schilling's got a great lineup of both in-house and guest ciders: I'll make sure you're tasting good ones that'll make you appreciate the range in the ciderverse.

Level Up Your Cider Savvy, Portland-Style

Lineup

Sean Connolly

Good to know

Location

Schilling Cider House & Gluten Free Kitchen

How do you want to get there?

Agenda

Good Housekeeping: Our Two Hour Tour, Format, Logistical Stuff

Introductions: Who Are You (Who Am I?) and What's Our Interest in Cider?

Introduction to Cider (and Perry)