–by Sam Gailey —
Libby Garcia proudly hosts BoatHouse Ciderworks
The inspiration behind Libby Garcia’s BoatHouse Ciderworks—located by the Orcas Island ferry landing—came from her grandparents’ boathouse in Obstruction Pass. After noticing her grandparents’ trees were growing lush with apples, Libby decided to make hard cider in the cool of their boathouse. Those very same batches went on to win the 2015 Orcas Ciderfest Homebrew contest, and thus, the idea to open the BoatHouse CiderWorks began to percolate in Libby’s mind.
With the help of Captain Jim Kruse, Libby opened the doors to the BoatHouse CiderWorks in July of 2017. Libby, who was raised by two scientist parents, strives to use only local, unsprayed apples for all various ciders. Additionally, Libby purchases only local and regional organic fruit like blackberries, plums and cranberries to flavor all her hard ciders.
The bar overlooking the ferry landing at BoatHouse Ciderworks
Libby boasts a green ethic in running her enterprise, utilizing recycled bottles, offering the yeast slurry from the bottom of the cider batches to local bakers, and giving the apple mash from the pressing process to local farmers for compost purposes.
The selection of craft ciders offered at the BoatHouse CiderWorks is extremely wide and has something for everyone. Ranging from sweet, dry, traditional, and non-alcoholic. Libby’s flagship beverages include Commodore’s Pick, Smooth Sailing and Gingered Hard Cider—the very same recipe that won at Orcas Island Ciderfest. Also offered according to the season are the Nootka Rose in Cider, Plums in Cider, Wild Nettle Tonic, Asian Pear Cyser, and many more. For those who want to nibble on some snacks while enjoying a craft cider, there is organic popcorn, crackers and local cheeses, and organic hummus with chips.
Libby loves her cozy spot located at 65 Orcas Road, right across the street from the Orcas Hotel, and is thrilled to be a member of our community. With the holidays upon us, one can find many wonderful gifts to purchase at the BoatHouse CiderWorks—what better way to say happy holidays, than with a nice bottle of craft cider.
You can learn more about Libby and her ciders at www.bhcider.com.
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The Ginger Cider at BoatHouse CiderWorks is holiday festive in a bottle! The location and ambiance that Libby and Jim have put together for the CiderWorks has Orcas Island locals stamped all over it. Fantastic job you two!
HURRAH for the wonderful cider Libby produces.
Thanks to you Sam, and Sandy, and Eleanor for the kind words. And to all the folks that we have served our ciders, both before and after we opened, cheers and a happy new year!