Christopher J (CJ) Powell is owner and head cider maker at Misfit Island Cider Company, and his wife Anna is managing their new tasting room in downtown Langley. The tasting room, located in the Langley Village, opened in May of this year. It is located across from Ultra House and Tonic Juice and Remedy. The Misfit Cider location is kid- and dog-friendly. In addition to the variety of cider products, snacks as well as non-alcoholic beverage options are available.
CJ had the desire to make dry cider ever since he returned from a DJ gig in London years ago and found that US cider is traditionally sweet, and that there is a misconception that all American’s just drink sweet cider (so much so, that imported European cider will get sugar added before shipping to the US). While in London, CJ learned that each country in Europe has its own style of cider-making.
Cider flavors vary widely because the kind of apples used and the way that yeast is applied to the mix makes for hundreds, if not thousands, of different cider flavors. He says, “The hard cider in England really appealed to me because it’s dry and delicious.” When C.J. couldn’t get his favorite English cider anymore, he started experimenting with cider making. Now, 10 years later, the Misfit Island Cider products are being discovered and purchased by an increasing number of cider fans.
CJ is originally from Port Orchard, Washington, and after some travels, he and Anna are now living on an 8-acre site that includes their home, an orchard, and the cidery. CJ is still doing a lot of the work at the cidery while telecommuting to an IT job. Anna’s goal this year is to quit her on-line job to devote herself to managing the tasting room full time. Their cider business has grown substantially, and they now have three employees.
When asked about why he became a cider maker, CJ says, “I wanted people to know that there is more than just sweet cider out there, and to show the range and depth that dry cider can provide.”
His education for becoming a maker of hard cider came from reading lots of materials and experimenting with countless batches. He says, “I never knew anyone in the industry, but I had my own ideas and a vision of what I wanted to do, and I knew what I liked.” He did extensive reading and practicing to learn the skills needed to make hard apple cider, and he has done considerable experimenting with the blends of apples and amounts of yeast. He notes that his cider is special, as are all dry ciders, because of the blends he uses and the yeast varieties which accounts for 40 – 50% of the flavor.
At their home they currently have planted over 80 apple trees that represent 10 different English and French cider varieties. In response to the increasing demand for Misfit Island Cider, the company has doubled its production from last year at their property in Langley.
In addition to purchasing Misfit Cider directly from their tasting room, you can find an assortment of their products at The Star Store, the Bayview Farmer’s Market, the Greenbank Farm, Penn Cove Brewery in Freeland, Thirsty Crab Brewery, by the glass at Double Bluff Brewing, and at the Wharf Dog Paddle Company in Coupeville.
They are also collaborating with some local Whidbey businesses including Mukilteo Coffee Roasters for their Coffee Lover cider, and Mutiny Bay Blues for their Island Blues blueberry cider. They are open to doing more local collaborations.
Misfit Cider is selling 16.9 ounce bottles of their ciders for $10 to $12, logo cap growlers, glass pours and growler fills of whatever styles he has on tap. They will deliver cider anywhere on the south end of Whidbey if you email or contact CJ through his website, or they can mail anywhere in the state. The “Mug Club” membership is $75 for an annual fee that includes a 20 ounce pour for the price of a 16 ounce pour, 10% off all purchases and a free Birthday cider pour.
Sunday Listening Sessions offer a featured record every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. There is a Happy Hour every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. when all drinks are $1 off.
Current hours: Tuesday, 3:00–8:00 p.m.; Wednesday & Thursday, 2:00–6:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 12:00–8:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00–6:00 p.m.; and at the Bayview Farmer’s Market 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. April through mid-October.
For more information about Misfit Island Cider Company, visit the website: https://www.misfitislandcidercompany.com/
