Portland, Oregon, a city synonymous with culinary innovation and craft beverages, recently hosted another exciting chapter in its ever-evolving story: Oregon Cider Week. Amidst a buzzing calendar of events dedicated to celebrating the region’s burgeoning cider scene, a fresh face made its highly anticipated debut. I had the immense pleasure of immersing myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the release party for Alter Ego Cider, a brand-new artisanal producer, hosted at the stunning Coopers Hall in Southeast Portland. This article takes you on a journey through the delightful world of Alter Ego Cider and offers an in-depth look at the architectural marvel and gastronomic haven that is Coopers Hall. Prepare to discover the next big names in Northwest cider and dining.
The Pacific Northwest has long been celebrated for its lush apple orchards and innovative spirit, making it a natural cradle for the craft cider movement. Oregon Cider Week stands as a testament to this rich heritage, showcasing the diversity and quality of ciders produced in the region. It’s a time when cider enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike can explore new flavors, meet passionate makers, and deepen their appreciation for this delightful fermented apple beverage. This particular event, however, carried an extra layer of excitement: the unveiling of Alter Ego Cider, poised to make a significant mark on the landscape.
Alter Ego Cider: A New Force in Oregon Craft Cider
Alter Ego Cider represents a captivating new venture, conceived and launched this very year, bringing fresh perspectives and deep expertise to the Oregon cider community. This exciting company is the result of a powerful collaboration, blending the extensive talents of Anne Hubatch, a highly acclaimed winemaker behind Helioterra Wines, Whoa Nelly Wines, and Guild Winemakers, with the formidable skills of winemakers and seasoned cider producers Nate Wall and Kris Wall. This synergy of talent, particularly Anne’s remarkable track record across multiple successful wine labels, ensures that Alter Ego Cider benefits from a profound understanding of fermentation, balance, and flavor development right from its inception.
Nate Wall, in particular, brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to Alter Ego. Beyond his established career as a winemaker, he has dedicated three years to producing cider for one of the Northwest’s largest and most respected cider producers. This unique blend of traditional winemaking finesse and hands-on, large-scale cider production experience positions Alter Ego Cider to craft beverages that are both sophisticated and approachable. The launch event itself was imbued with a particularly heartwarming personal touch, as it serendipitously coincided with the second birthday of Nate and Kris Wall’s daughter. This confluence of a professional milestone with a joyous family celebration underscored the authentic, community-oriented spirit that often characterizes the best local businesses, a sentiment I wholeheartedly endorse and celebrate.
[Pictured from left: Anne Hubatch, Nate Wall, Kris Wall, the dynamic team driving Alter Ego Cider]
What truly sets Alter Ego Cider apart is its commitment to small-batch production, a philosophy deeply rooted in the nuanced world of winemaking. This meticulous approach allows the team to focus on quality, character, and consistency, treating each batch with the care and precision typically reserved for fine wines. The result is a collection of ciders that possess remarkable depth, intricate layers of flavor, and an undeniable elegance. The combined expertise of these seasoned winemakers ensures that every bottle reflects an understanding of terroir, fermentation dynamics, and the delicate balance required to create truly exceptional beverages. This artisanal ethos is what cider lovers increasingly seek: a product crafted with passion and expertise, offering a unique drinking experience that transcends the ordinary.
A Tale of Two Ciders: The Brute and the Seasonal Raspberry
At their inaugural release, Alter Ego Cider introduced two distinct offerings, each showcasing a different facet of their cider-making philosophy. The first is “The Brute,” a quintessential classic cider meticulously crafted from a blend of seven distinct varieties of apples sourced directly from the fertile orchards of the Pacific Northwest. This region’s unique climate and soil contribute to apples with complex flavor profiles, providing an ideal foundation for a sophisticated cider. The second is their delightful seasonal offering, a vibrant raspberry cider that promises a fresh, fruit-forward experience.
Without a doubt, “The Brute” emerged as my personal favorite, a sentiment echoed by many attendees during my informal survey at the event. This cider strikes a perfect balance: it’s light and refreshingly crisp, yet remarkably smooth and devoid of any harshness. Imagine a golden afternoon, lounging on a sun-drenched patio, engrossed in your favorite book – be it a gripping novel or, in my case, the latest issue of Cooking Light magazine – with a cool, invigorating glass of The Brute in hand. Its elegant simplicity makes it an ideal companion for warm summer days, perfect for pairing with light salads, grilled chicken, or simply enjoying on its own. The blend of seven apple varieties creates a nuanced flavor profile that is both familiar and intriguing, a testament to the careful selection and blending by the Alter Ego team.
My expectations for the raspberry cider were admittedly conventional, anticipating the overt sweetness often characteristic of berry-infused ciders and beers. However, Alter Ego Cider delivered a truly pleasant surprise. The raspberry cider was beautifully balanced, offering a genuine fruit essence without succumbing to excessive sugar. This delicate equilibrium is precisely what sets it apart, appealing to those, like myself, who often shy away from berry-flavored beverages due to their typical cloying sweetness. It presented as a lighter, more refined expression of a fruit cider, allowing the natural tartness and aromatic qualities of the raspberries to shine through, harmonizing gracefully with the apple base. This innovative approach to a seasonal favorite demonstrates Alter Ego’s commitment to crafting ciders that challenge expectations and cater to a broader palate.
Currently, you can savor Alter Ego Ciders at Coopers Hall in Southeast Portland, where they are available both by the glass and in kegs, offering a fantastic opportunity to bring these exceptional ciders to your next summer gathering or private event. The exciting news for wider distribution is that these ciders are slated to be bottled by the end of this year, promising greater accessibility to a broader audience of cider aficionados. This bottling will be a significant step, allowing Alter Ego Cider to reach beyond local taps and into homes and establishments across the region, further solidifying their presence in the thriving craft beverage market.
Coopers Hall: A Portland Landmark of Wine and Cuisine
Transitioning from the exquisite ciders, let us now delve into the equally impressive venue that hosted this memorable release: Coopers Hall. This groundbreaking winery and taproom, which first opened its doors in late April of this year, is an architectural and experiential marvel. Spanning an expansive 8,000 square feet, Coopers Hall is more than just a place to enjoy a drink; it’s a destination, a meticulously designed space that captivates from the moment you step inside. Its sheer scale and thoughtful design exude an undeniable sense of awe and comfort, making it a true jewel in Portland’s vibrant culinary and beverage scene. It’s a space so inviting, one might even be tempted to inquire about residency – truly a testament to its charm!
After indulging in the initial tastings of Alter Ego Ciders in the sophisticated upstairs loft of Coopers Hall, my friend H and I were drawn downstairs to the main dining area, eager to extend our evening with a delicious dinner. The transition from the more intimate tasting space to the grand dining hall was seamless, revealing the venue’s versatility. Coopers Hall boasts an extensive and thoughtfully curated wine list, a natural extension of its identity as a working winery. Beyond the wines, their taproom selection is equally impressive, featuring a rotating array of excellent beers and, of course, the standout Alter Ego Cider. So impressed was I with The Brute that I enthusiastically ordered a full glass to accompany my meal, a testament to its compelling flavor and perfect suitability for pairing with food.
The Menu at Coopers Hall: A Culinary Revelation
That image, dear readers, is no optical illusion or clever photography trick; it is indeed a generously poured, truly huge glass brimming with the delectable Alter Ego Brute Cider. Every sip was a pure delight, underscoring the quality of this nascent cider brand. But beyond the beverages, Coopers Hall’s menu offers equally compelling reasons to visit. And then, there’s one particular item that warrants its own spotlight: The Coopers Hall burger.
Allow me to elaborate, with all the emphasis it deserves: THIS. IS. THE. BURGER. OF. ALL. BURGERS. My esteemed dining companion, H, was so profoundly impressed that she declared it might just be the finest burger she had ever tasted. Our enthusiasm was so infectious that we relayed this high praise to our server no fewer than six, possibly even seven, times throughout the evening. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience that sparked genuine culinary awe.
The Coopers Hall burger is a masterclass in flavor and texture, priced at an incredible $10. It features succulent Alicante-braised onions, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, creamy Muenster cheese, and a luscious aioli, all nestled within a perfectly toasted poppy seed bun. For a mere $2 extra, you have the option to add bacon – a rhetorical question, as my friend H so aptly put it: “Is that a rhetorical question? That’s a rhetorical question, right?” Indeed, for bacon enthusiasts, this addition is not just an option, but a delightful imperative. My friends, with their shared passion for bacon (perhaps even exceeding my own), truly understand the finer points of burger enhancement.
What truly elevates this burger to legendary status are the Alicante wine-braised onions. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, they impart a profound sweetness and an incredible depth of flavor that marries beautifully with the savory patty and rich Muenster. Each bite is a harmonious symphony of sweet, savory, and umami notes, creating an unforgettable culinary moment. I implore you to try this magnificent burger on your next visit to Coopers Hall. After you’ve savored its perfection, please do return and share your thoughts in the comments section below. I am genuinely eager to hear your impressions and whether it lives up to its well-deserved hype!
The Visionaries Behind Coopers Hall
Coopers Hall is more than just a restaurant and winery; it’s a testament to collaborative vision, brought to life through a dynamic partnership of industry luminaries. This powerhouse team includes Phil Kramer and Robert Karmin of AlexEli Vineyards, Joel Gunderson of the acclaimed Restaurant St Jack, Robert Sacks and Dave Schrott of A&R Development, and Kurt Huffman of the influential ChefStable restaurant group. This collective expertise spans winemaking, hospitality, development, and culinary arts, creating a foundation for an establishment that is both innovative and flawlessly executed.
The taproom experience at Coopers Hall is further enhanced by its exceptional culinary offerings, particularly the rotisserie cooked meats and an array of savory sides, expertly crafted by Roscoe Roberson, formerly the talented sous chef at Racion. This commitment to high-quality, approachable cuisine complements the extensive beverage program, ensuring a holistic and satisfying dining experience for every guest. The ambiance, the incredible food, and the superb drinks all converge to create a truly gorgeous and happy place, a vibrant hub where friends, families, and food lovers can gather and revel. As an added bonus, for those who wish to extend their Coopers Hall experience, they thoughtfully offer 750ml bottles of their exquisite wines to go, allowing patrons to savor the taste of this unique establishment long after their visit.
Visit Coopers Hall: Location and Contact
For an unforgettable experience in Portland’s vibrant SE industrial district, make your way to Coopers Hall.
404 SE 6th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214 (Get Directions & Map)
(503) 719-7000
Oregon Cider Week: A Celebration of Craft Cider
The Alter Ego Ciders release event was an integral and highly anticipated part of the Northwest Cider Association’s third annual Oregon Cider Week. This eagerly awaited celebration, which ran from June 20 through June 29, transformed the city into a haven for cider lovers. During this exciting period, Portland played host to a multitude of special events, including exclusive cider tasting sessions, expertly curated menus featuring the finest Northwest ciders, and engaging opportunities to learn directly from the makers. These events serve to highlight the incredible diversity and innovation within the regional cider industry, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft.
If you’re as passionate about discovering new cider experiences as I am, you might recall my previous recap of St. Honore Boulangerie’s exquisite special cider cocktails and cider pastries, which offered another delicious dimension to Oregon Cider Week. For those who wish to explore the full spectrum of events and discover all that this incredible week has to offer, a comprehensive lineup of Oregon Cider Week events is readily available online. It’s an indispensable resource for planning your journey through Portland’s thriving cider scene, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the unique tastings, pairings, or educational opportunities that make this annual celebration so special. Oregon Cider Week is truly a must-attend for anyone interested in the rich flavors and vibrant culture of craft cider.
In conclusion, the launch of Alter Ego Cider at Coopers Hall during Oregon Cider Week was a triumph, signaling the arrival of a promising new producer and reaffirming Portland’s status as a premier destination for craft beverages and exceptional dining. From the nuanced flavors of The Brute to the legendary Coopers Hall burger, every element of this experience was a testament to quality and passion. I encourage you to seek out Alter Ego Ciders and experience the unparalleled hospitality and culinary excellence of Coopers Hall. Dive into the world of Oregon cider – you won’t be disappointed!