… launched Herb’s Cider in 2017. Today, the head cider maker is Chris Weir, who has worked for Finnriver Cidery and Port Townsend Brewing Co.
THE COMPANY If you’re looking for a beverage with ethics, Herb’s Cider is the drink for you. From production and packaging to caring for their employees, Tim and Shama refuse to cut corners. Herb’s Cider is a Certified B-Corporation, meaning it meets “the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.” They buy everything they can locally. Their kegs, which most cideries get from China, come from America. Even their glassware, stickers, and wooden tap-handles are made in Bellingham. “We try to keep economic development here as much as possible,” Shama says. When it comes to their fruit and yeast, everything is from the Pacific Northwest. “The farthest down we go is northern Oregon for things like pear, that we can’t get here.” The couple’s ardent values are inspired by their daughter. “We wanted our daughter to grow up in a familybased business so she understood hard work… what it means to go from the beginning all the way to as far as you can take it,” Shama says.
THE TASTING ROOM You can find Herb’s Cider at local retailers including Elizabeth Station, Haggen, Community Food Co-op, and dozens of Bellingham restaurants. You can also visit the company’s downtown tasting room, which opened fall of 2018. Drop into the cozy space for a flight of delicious ciders ranging in taste from extra dry to sweet and juicy, or enjoy a pint of a special tap exclusive. Primus fans will appreciate the ciders’ musical names — Single Stroke, Triplet, Mezzo-Forte — as well as local music every Sunday. 1228 Bay St., Bellingham 360.933.1922 | herbscider.com 62
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