2 Towns Ciderhouse

2 Towns Ciderhouse, also referred to as 2 Towns, was launched in 2010 by three Oregonians — Lee Larsen, a graduate in finance from Oregon State University, Dave Takush, a fermentation science graduate from the same school, and graphic designer Aaron Sarnoff-Wood, a graduate of the University of Oregon.[1]

Sarnoff-Wood initially wanted to start a brewpub and contacted his friend Larsen, who shared a love for home brewing, to discuss the idea. However, high projected startup costs made this idea impractical, and the concept was abandoned.[2]

The pair became interested in the fermentation of apple cider to create hard cider.[1] A test batch was made to be served in 2009 at Larsen's brother's wedding,[3] which proved extremely popular with guests — and the trio launched a commercial enterprise specializing in the beverage.[1]

2 Towns Ciderhouse was launched in 2010 from a 1,000 square foot space in the Eastgate Business Center,[4] located between Corvallis and Albany, Oregon.[5] Despite the firm's location between the cities of Corvallis and Albany, the brand name was actually a reference to the college towns of Corvallis and Eugene, from which the three founding partners hailed.[3]

The company sold approximately 100 cases a month during its first year of operations.[6]

Fermentation tanks and aging barrels at the 2 Towns Ciderhouse brewing facility.

In 2012, the company moved to a 10,000-square-foot space in the same industrial park from which the company was launched.[5] 2 Towns has production contracts with several orchards and launched its own orchard in 2012.[6]

The first two varieties released commercially by 2 Towns Ciderhouse were "Incider", a semi-sweet beverage, and "Bad Apple".[3][5]

Other specialty varieties are made, however, including a pear cider-based beverage and other creations using a range of additive flavoring ingredients, such as cinnamon,[3] and ginger.[5]

In addition to its year-round product line, 2 Towns makes specialized seasonal varieties and sometimes makes use of barrel-aging techniques associated with the making of wine and liquor.[5]

2 Towns products are distributed in 22-ounce bottles,[3] 12-ounce cans, and kegs.[5] The company's total production for 2013 was estimated at 4,500 barrels (140,000 gallons).[5]

In 2014, 2 Towns signed on as an official sponsor of the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer.[7] According to the terms of the deal, 2 Towns products would be available from multiple taps at all Timbers games and at other sporting events at Providence Park in Portland, including soccer games of the Portland Thorns FC.[7]

• Gold medal, 2014 US Open Beer Championship[8]