2 Towns Prickly Paradise 6Pk

2 Towns Prickly Paradise 6Pk is a hard cider made from Pacific Northwest apples and prickly pear cactus fruit, available in a six-pack of 12 oz cans at 5.3% ABV. Produced by 2 Towns Ciderhouse — named 2024 Cidermaker of the Year at both GLINTCAP and the Great American Beer Festival — this seasonal expression stands out for its commitment to real fruit and zero added sugar, concentrates, or artificial flavors.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.3%  |  Origin: Oregon, USA  |  Style: Fruit Cider  |  Producer: 2 Towns Ciderhouse

Production & Heritage

2 Towns Ciderhouse operates between Corvallis and Albany in Oregon's Willamette Valley, a region rich in apple orchards and craft beverage culture. Prickly Paradise is slow-fermented at cold temperatures, a deliberate approach designed to preserve the delicate aromatics and natural character of both the Northwest apples and the nopal fruit (prickly pear cactus). True to the ciderhouse's philosophy, no sugar, concentrates, or artificial flavors are introduced at any stage — the fruit drives everything in the glass.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe melon and citrus lead the way, followed by notes of fresh apple and a faint earthy quality from the prickly pear. The aromatics are gentle and inviting, hinting at the fruit-forward character to come.

Taste: The palate opens with lush prickly pear flavor that mingles with crisp Northwest apple. At mid-palate, a soft earthiness and melon-like richness develop, balanced by mild tartness. The sweetness is restrained — just enough to support the fruit without tipping into cloying territory.

Finish: Dry and smooth, with lingering hints of subtle pear and mild fruit that fade cleanly. The finish is refreshingly short, encouraging another sip.

How to Drink Prickly Paradise

Serve well-chilled, straight from the can or poured into a tulip glass to capture the melon and citrus aromatics. This cider is sessionable at 5.3% and works as a standalone refresher. For a Cider Margarita, swap out the beer component in a Beergarita — the prickly pear and lime are natural partners. In a Cider Paloma, Prickly Paradise adds earthy melon notes that echo the grapefruit soda beautifully. It also makes a vibrant Cider Spritz — combine with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime for a lighter, low-ABV option.

Best For

• Warm-weather gatherings where a lighter, fruit-driven alternative to beer is welcome
• Introducing cider-curious drinkers to the category with an approachable, flavorful expression
• Pairing with outdoor barbecues, tacos, or Southwestern-inspired menus
• Gifting to fans of craft cider or anyone drawn to prickly pear flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Prickly Paradise taste like? Prickly Paradise delivers lush prickly pear and crisp apple flavors balanced by a soft earthiness and melon-like richness. It finishes dry and smooth with just enough sweetness to complement the fruit without overwhelming it.

How does Prickly Paradise compare to Incline Cider Prickly Pear? Both are Pacific Northwest ciders featuring prickly pear, but Incline blends in additional tropical juices like pineapple, passion fruit, and mango for a more fruit-salad character. Prickly Paradise takes a more focused approach, pairing prickly pear directly with Northwest apple and relying on cold fermentation rather than added flavors.

Is Prickly Paradise good for cider beginners? Yes — at 5.3% ABV with a clean, fruit-forward profile and restrained sweetness, it is approachable without being overly sweet, making it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring craft cider.

Where is Prickly Paradise made? Prickly Paradise is produced by 2 Towns Ciderhouse, located between Corvallis and Albany in Oregon's Willamette Valley. The ciderhouse sources Pacific Northwest apples and uses cold fermentation methods at its Oregon facility.

What foods pair well with Prickly Paradise? Fish tacos work well, as the cider's tartness and fruit cut through richness. Grilled shrimp with lime echoes the citrus aromatics. A fresh watermelon and feta salad mirrors the melon notes. Carnitas or pulled pork benefit from the cider's dry finish, and mild goat cheese complements the prickly pear's earthy quality.

What sizes does Prickly Paradise come in? This listing is a six-pack of 12 oz cans, which is the standard retail format for 2 Towns seasonal and year-round ciders.

Is Prickly Paradise worth the price? Prickly Paradise positions as a mid-range craft cider that justifies its price through real-fruit ingredients, no added sugar or concentrates, and cold fermentation — hallmarks of a producer recognized as 2024 Cidermaker of the Year at two major competitions.

Why Prickly Paradise?

This cider comes from a ciderhouse that earned Cidermaker of the Year honors at both GLINTCAP and the Great American Beer Festival in 2024, a rare double recognition that signals consistency across a full lineup. Prickly Paradise applies that same production rigor — slow cold fermentation, real prickly pear cactus fruit, zero added sugar or artificial flavors — to a style that lesser producers often shortcut with concentrates and sweeteners. The result is a cider where the nopal fruit actually tastes like nopal fruit: earthy, melon-rich, and distinctive against a backdrop of clean Northwest apple. In a crowded flavored-cider market, that kind of ingredient integrity is increasingly rare.