Apr 28, 2017
Brewers and cider makers from across the globe gathered at London’s Guildhall on 26th April for the unveiling of the Championship winners in the International Brewing & Cider Awards 2017. Trophies were awarded to nine brewers and one cider maker from three continents, with all bar one winning a championship for the first time.
In a reflection of the truly global nature of this competition, the Champion Cider went to Zeffer, from New Zealand, for their Cidre Demi Sec. In total, medals were handed out to 13 different countries, demonstrating the standard of cider making all around the world. The UK was represented by Sheppy’s, winning Silver for their Iwood Cider and Hogan’s winning Gold for their Killer Sharp cider. Greatest success went to Aston Manor who picked up a Silver and Gold medal for their Knights Malvern Gold and Knight’s Malvern Oak, respectively.
The cider category almost doubled in terms of number of entries, with six cider judges spending three days assessing the ciders, selecting the winners through a consensus approach. Ruth Evans, director of competition organisers BFBI, said, “The fact that our entries this year were up once again, with participation from producers and brand owners around the world, shows the respect that the Awards command in the international cider community.”
Apr 28, 2017
The Cider world is currently bursting with activity, as NACM members gear for the summer ahead. Here’s a roundup of the latest news.
Merrydown launches its new Crisp Apple cider to complement a new branding for its Vintage Cider.
Aspall releases its new 4.5% Aspall Cyder to the world, and in a first fo the company will be released in can.
After a year of waiting, Sheppy’s spectacular Apple Bay restaurant and bar finally opens to the public.
Cornish Orchards tap into the trend for 330ml cans with the releases of the 3 of their brands in this format
Old Mout, the New Zealand inspired cider from Heineken, receives £5 million support for the On Trade
Bristol shows its love for Thatchers with these top 10 facts
Mar 24, 2017
So it’s official: its spring! Time to dust off the shorts, sandals and summery dresses. Well, maybe not quite yet but it won’t be far away. The world is cider is similarly bright and bustling with activity. Here’s the latest in case you’ve missed out.
Family cider maker, Sheppy’s, is nearing the completion of its Apple Bay restaurant, where cider takes centre stage and is set to be presented as the perfect accompaniment to its menu.
The opportunity for a cider lover’s dream job is available with the growing Cornish Orchards cider makers.
A 46 year old bottle of Pomagne has made its way home after Bulmers put in the top bid at auction, and all in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.
Mar 23, 2017
Somerset cidermaker Thatchers is introducing two new canned ciders as part of a rejuvenation of its traditional craft cider range. The range, which comprises cans, bag-in-box, and draught ciders, has been given the name Stan’s, in honour of second generation cidermaker, Stan Thatcher.
Two new, gently sparkling ciders, packaged in 330ml cans, are named Leaf Twister and Barrel Roller.
Leaf Twister (5.0% abv) is a softly-rounded and medium-dry cider crafted with local bittersweet apples including Somerset Redstreak and Dabinett, reliving the joy of Stan’s orchards. Light gold in colour, Leaf Twister has a delicate fruity-floral aroma with a hint of spice.
Barrel Roller (6.0%), which recreates one of Stan’s traditional cider recipes, uses local bittersweet apples including Tremlett’s Bitter and Dabinett to craft a robust, smooth, cloudy cider. Golden-straw coloured, Barrel Roller is high in smooth tannin fullness.
Three of Thatchers best loved traditional ciders are included in the Stan’s range in both bag-in-box and draught formats for the on-trade:
Trad. (6.0%) is Stan’s traditional cider. Mellow from the time it spends in our oak vats, naturally hazy from the bittersweet apples carefully chosen for the blend, and full on flavour thanks to controlled fermentation.
Cheddar Valley (6.0%), with its distinctive orange hues, this smooth, robust, naturally cloudy cider is a Somerset tradition. For those who like their oak-aged cider medium dry, our cidermakers choose apples including Tremlett’s Bitter for its tannins, while Dabinett brings a rich, full body.
Big Apple (5.0%) is crafted from vintage bittersweet apples including Tremlett’s, Dabinett and Somerset Redstreak. Thatchers Big Apple is a traditional cider full of flavour and big on personality. Medium dry, this still cider bursts with apple flavours and has a depth of character that only comes from generations of experience.
Stan, grandfather to Martin Thatcher, grew up on Myrtle Farm in Somerset, and was a true artisan cidermaker. But what he loved most was sharing a pint or two of his lovingly crafted cider with his friends and customers in his cider shop.
Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cidermaker say, “I’m sure my Grandfather would be very proud to have his name on this range. He was a true artisan cidermaker and many of the skills and traditions we still hold dear today originated with him.
“He was also a pioneer, and it’s therefore fitting that we are introducing our first two canned trad ciders in his name. These are two great tasting bittersweet ciders that have been made with Stan very much in mind, using the skills and craftsmanship that he made sure to pass down through the family.”
Martin continues, “Apple cider is still the most dominant flavour within the category in both the on-trade and off-trade, and craft continues to attract much attention. Thatchers is all about the apple, and this range is demonstrating not only our belief in this very special fruit, but also the craft credentials that come from a long line of cidermakers here at Myrtle Farm.”
Mar 23, 2017
An exciting, new event has been announced by the European Cider & Fruit Wine Association (AICV). Across the 6th and 7th September this year will be the inaugural Global Cider Forum. This symposium, over 2 days, will bring together cider making expertise from all around the world to discuss the latest news and opportunities for this global drinks success story.
About 120 participants from all over the world are expected to attend – producers, suppliers, from research and sales – to compare notes on the market situation in the various countries, legal regulations, new trends and topics such as the supply of raw materials.
The event will take place in Frankfurt am Main. With its international airport, the ICE train station and the autobahn network this city does not only provide the ideal transportation infrastructure but it has always been a stronghold of cider culture as well.
Only a few days later, on September 11, the world’s leading fair for beverage technology, drinktec 2017, will open in Munich. As it is only a comfortable three hour train ride away it can be combined easily with a visit to the Global Cider Forum.
For more information please visit: www.global-cider-forum.com
