COMPARATIVE LIT ESSAY:
A matchup of two of Washington state’s most successful modern cider houses, both of whom are attempting to put their twist on the pineapple cider, each trying to add a complementary sweet element to elevate the pineapple to the next level. One does this with passion fruit, the other with agave. Passport is full of flavor, tangy and a little tart, and really bright on the tongue. It is fruit forward and oh so fresh. It just feels like you’re in an exotic locale with fresh squeezed tropical juice and a nice breeze. I want to get a little drink umbrella for it and pretend I don’t have to grade three more papers tonight. The Pineapple Agave is dryer and more subtle. There is some pineapple coming through with a fair amount of acidity, but it is definitely less flavorful. It is a very good cider that I would be happy to have any day, but it just does not compete. Unless you strongly prefer your ciders dry, you should give Passport a try if you have a choice.