Portland Cider Co. Partners with Blue Star Donuts for the Return of Blueberry Bourbon Basil Cider

Portland Cider Co. returns with a new look for its Blueberry Bourbon Basil cider for the winter season ahead. Once again, the Clackamas based cider maker partners with Portland’s Blue Star Donuts on this cider that will see packaging in 12 oz cans for the first time, in addition to 19.2 oz cans and on draft.

Blueberry Bourbon Basil cider is inspired by Blue Star Donuts’ sweet and colorful Blueberry Bourbon Basil donut that combines fresh sweet blueberries and fragrant basil with a touch of local bourbon for a hint of caramel depth. Like the donut, Portland Cider Co.’s Blueberry Bourbon Basil features a blend of bright blueberries, fresh herbal basil and deep rich bourbon notes from oak aging that sits at 6% ABV.

“COVID-19 has made this the most challenging time ever for small, locally-owned businesses, and the mandated shutdowns have made it incredibly difficult to launch a new product,” said Helen Lewis, Portland Cider Co. sales director, in a statement. “This is one more reason we’re thrilled to collaborate with Blue Star Donuts; by supporting each other and cross promoting our cider and their donuts, our hope is to strengthen the message of supporting small, independently-owned Portland businesses this holiday season.”

Blueberry Bourbon Basil is made with Blueberries, Sweet Basil, and five apple varieties – Fuji apples, Pink Lady apples, Gala apples, Honeycrisp apples, Golden delicious apples. This combined with the bourbon barrel brings forth tasting notes of oak, vanilla, blueberry and a touch of basil.

Released earlier this year in 19.2 oz cans as part the cidery’s Small Batch Series, Blueberry Bourbon Basil returns this winter. Thanks to the cider’s reception, Portland Cider Co. is making the popular seasonal release more widely available this year, expanding the cider’s packing to six-pack 12 oz. cans in addition to single 19.2 oz. cans and draft kegs.

Portland Cider Co. and Blue Star Donuts have collaborated several times over the years, including for various events  and for the launch of cidermosas at Blue Star Donut locations. Blue Star Donuts has used Portland Cider Co.’s award-winning flagship Kinda Dry cider in its hard cider apple fritter since 2013.

“Partnering with Portland Cider has been fun from day one!” said Katie Poppe, Blue Star Donuts CEO and owner, in a statement. “We value their collaboration and friendship over the years, and we’re completely in love with this sippable version of one of our favorite donuts.”

Portland Cider Co. suggests pairing its Blueberry Bourbon Basil with Blue Star Donuts, Gouda Cheese, Cured Meats, Chocolate, Toasted hazelnuts, Cobbler, or Blueberry muffins.

Portland Cider Co.’s Blueberry Bourbon Basil is available through April and can be purchased at Portland Cider Co.’s two taprooms. This year, you can also find it at Blue Star Donuts Mississippi and Division locations for walk-ups, pre-orders and deliveries through Caviar and DoorDash. It can also be found at select retailers in Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho, and Northern California. Learn more at Portlandcider.com/blueberrybourbonbasil.