At Western Cider, the journey from orchard to glass is a labor of love guided by a simple principle: “You only get good cider if you start with good apples.” For Michael Billingsley, co-owner, this mantra is more than just words—it's a way of life. Tucked into the awe-inspiring landscape of Missoula, Montana, Western Cider is not just a cidery; it's a testament to the artistry of cider-making.
“You only get good cider if you start with good apples.”
Rooted in Tradition
The journey unfolds just south of Missoula at Billingsley Cider Orchard in the picturesque Bitterroot Valley, where 50+ varieties of apples are grown on more than 5,000+ trees. Drawing inspiration from French cidre orchards, Spanish sidra orchards and English cider orchards, Billingsley Cider Orchard is deeply rooted in Western Montana's apple-growing legacy. “The Bitterroot Valley used to grow more apples than anyone west of the Mississippi,” remarked Billingsley.
Perfecting the Craft
Among his orchard's treasures are heirloom McIntosh apples, meticulously cultivated on gnarled 80-year-old trees, yielding ciders that clinched Western Cider “Best In Show” at the 2017 Portland International Cider Competition. Renowned for its vivid apple aromatics and tannic finish, the gold-medal-winning McIntosh cider is a must-try, each sip an homage to Montana's rich apple-growing heritage and the dedication infused into every bottle. “We can grow an apple better than anyone,” Billingsley said, proudly. The Bitterroot Valley's short, intense summer growing season and cold fall nights give the apples a unique character, transforming even familiar varieties into charged, complex flavors. Billingsley asserts that “The quality of fruit in the Bitterroot Valley is as good as anywhere else in the world.”
Harvesting Humble Fruit
From planting to picking, tending to these trees is a careful craft and soulful pursuit. As the seasons unfold, Billingsley navigates the challenges of spring disease, the threat of fire blight and the looming frost of autumn. Each harvest is more than a mere gathering of fruit—it's a celebration of triumph over adversity. For Billingsley, “To hold a harvested cider apple is to hold the raw materials of flavor...of the past and future combined” all in one humble fruit.
“The quality of fruit in the Bitterroot Valley is as good as anywhere else in the world.”
Crafting an Unforgettable Montana Experience
Located on the banks of the Clark Fork River in Missoula, Western Cider's tasting room exudes a laid-back vibe that welcomes cider enthusiasts and curious adventurers alike. With a rotating cast of one-off ciders and flagship staples from their 50 varieties of apples, including rare cultivars sourced from neighboring orchards, Western Cider offers a taste of the Bitterroot Valley's terroir with every pour. From easygoing classics to esoteric blends, there's a cider to suit every palate. Billingsley says visitors are guaranteed to fall in love with at least one of his ciders. “Have a flight, taste through our ciders and then tell me you're not a cider drinker.” (For those who can't make it to Missoula, Western Cider can be found in cans, bottles and on draft throughout Montana.)
Community Vibes
Western Cider is more than just a cidery—it's a hub of creativity and community. With regular fundraisers, live music and events that embody the communal spirit of Missoula, Western Cider invites visitors to experience the vibrant culture of Montana firsthand. Whether enjoying a tasting board and curated cheese plate in the riverside cider garden or perched on the patio overlooking the rugged mountains and 50 cider apple trees (demonstrating some of what they grow in our Bitterroot Valley orchard), guests are treated to a sensory journey that celebrates the rich heritage of Montana's cider-making tradition.
Raise a Glass
At Western Cider, every day is a celebration of Montana's natural bounty and the spirit of adventure that defines the West. From orchard to glass, each cider tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the untamed beauty of this wild place. So, raise a glass and toast to the magic of Montana at Western Cider—where every sip is an invitation to savor the essence of Glacier Country and experience the spirit of the West. Cheers!
“We are plain-speaking cider weirdos who can hang with the nerdiest of cider nerds and the gnarliest of dive bar flies. As a company, Western Cider aspires to create an institution of great cider, good times and a life worth living in this far-flung region of the American West.”
— Michael Billingsley, Co-Owner, Western Cider
