For Immediate Release
April 12, 2017

SALT LAKE CITY – Mountain West Hard Cider today announced the launch of its new Desolation Prickly Pear Hard Cider in honor of Southern Utah’s iconic Desolation Canyon, available beginning this Saturday, April 15.

In an effort to help protect and defend the Utah’s red rock wilderness, Mountain West will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bottle of Desolation Cider to The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA).  Desolation Canyon is well known for its whitewater rapids, spanning 83 remote miles of Utah’s Green River, and its spectacular public wild lands.

“Given the near constant controversy over public lands in Utah, the importance of protecting and preserving those resources is more crucial than ever,” said Jennifer Carleton, co-owner of Mountain West Hard Cider. “SUWA’s conservation efforts impact not only those who call Utah home, but also the over 4 million visitors to Utah’s great wilderness areas. We wanted to do our part to support the very canyons that inspire our ciders.”

“We are thrilled to be involved with Desolation and Mountain West Hard Cider”, said Karin Duncker, associate director of SUWA. “Desolation Canyon encompasses some of the most beautiful and pristine wild public lands in southern Utah. The support of Jennifer, Jeff, and the great Mountain West Hard Cider team helps us bring our message to an even broader audience. Plus, I’ve tasted it, and Desolation is terrific!”

The addition of prickly pear fruit to the cider during fermentation imparts subtle flavors of melon and a delicate citrus finish, along with giving the 6.9 percent ABV cider its slight rosy color. Prickly pear juice, also known as the ‘cactus apple’ was chosen for Desolation Hard Cider because the prickly pear plant is common to deserts throughout the southwest.

Desolation joins Ruby, 7-Mile and Cottonwood, rounding out the four ciders that will be available from Mountain West Hard Cider year-round. You can find Desolation Hard Cider at Mountain West Hard Cider’s tasting room and production facility located at 425 N 400 W, in Salt Lake City, and at select bars and restaurants throughout the state.

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ABOUT MOUNTAIN WEST HARD CIDER
Mountain West Hard Cider Company, proud member of Utah’s Own, sources only the finest local ingredients from the Mountain West region to craft every day, seasonal, and artisan hard apple ciders. Mountain West is owned and operated by Jennifer and Jeff Carleton.  They share a passion for the community, locally-owned business, and obviously: good times with good friends. Relying on award-winning years of experience from their cider maker, Joel Goodwillie, the three of them are ready to show people that The West isn’t just for beer anymore. Mountain West Hard Cider is proud to call Utah home.

ABOUT SOUTHERN UTAH WILDERNESS ALLIANCE
The mission of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance is the preservation of the outstanding wilderness at the heart of the Colorado Plateau, and the management of these lands in their natural state for the benefit of all Americans.  For more information, visit www.suwa.org.