Nestled in the heart of Langley Village, just across from Ultra House and Tonic Juice and Remedy, a new tasting room is redefining how Whidbey Island sips its cider. Misfit Island Cider Company, founded and helmed by Christopher J. (CJ) Powell, has made the leap from humble farmers market booths to a full-time storefront, bringing a crisp and creative take on hard cider to downtown Langley.
The new tasting room, opened in May, is a reflection of CJ and his wife Anna’s shared dream. It’s a family-friendly, dog-welcoming space offering not only a rotating lineup of craft ciders, but also snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, ensuring there's something for everyone. While CJ focuses on the cidermaking side, Anna now manages the tasting room — and hopes to soon step away from her online job to devote herself fully to their growing business.
CJ’s journey into cider began over a decade ago, following a DJ gig in London that turned into a flavor epiphany. “The hard cider in England really appealed to me because it’s dry and delicious,” he says. Upon returning to the States, he was disappointed to find the domestic cider scene dominated by sugary options — a misconception that still lingers about what American cider must be. That inspired him to start experimenting.
Armed with curiosity, a discerning palate, and an autodidactic approach, CJ dove into cider making without any formal training or insider connections. He read extensively, tested batch after batch, and began developing his own unique style. His focus on dry ciders, often using European cider apple varieties and carefully selected yeasts (which he notes account for 40–50% of a cider's flavor), sets Misfit Island apart in a crowded market.
“There's a depth and complexity to dry cider that many people have never experienced,” CJ explains. “I wanted to show that cider could be more than sweet — that it could have character.”
Today, the cidery operates on an 8-acre property in Langley, which is also home to CJ and Anna. The land hosts more than 80 apple trees representing ten different English and French cider apple varieties — a sign of their commitment to terroir and tradition. Production has doubled in the past year, reflecting the surge in demand for their product across Whidbey Island and beyond.
On top of that they recently won 3 awards at the Seattle Cider Awards, 2 golds, and a silver.
- Heritage Series – Harrison Apple – American Dry Cider - Gold Medal
- Mountains are calling – Dry English cider – Gold Medal
- Fhloston Paradise – Red Fleshed Apples – Modern Cider – Silver Medal
All three of these ciders are available in bottles and on draft at the downtown Langley tasting room.
What started as a passion project to replicate the dry ciders CJ loved overseas has evolved into a flourishing business — one built on craftsmanship, community, and a willingness to stand apart from the sweet norm. For locals and visitors alike, Misfit Island Cider Company offers a refreshing taste of something different — and undeniably Whidbey.
Tasting Room Hours:
- Thursday: 1:00–6:00 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00–8:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 1:00–6:00 p.m.
- Also at - Bayview Farmers Market (April–mid-October): Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Visit: www.misfitislandcidercompany.com
Location: Langley Village, across from Ultra House and Tonic Juice and Remedy
