We’ve been out and about to see what some of our members and regional association cider makers have to say about how they work with the environment, making the most of past heritage and modern technology.
See the main video here and find out more about the work of the NACM too. We’ll be sharing short videos on social too, so please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Leading the way in the craft cider category, Sheppy’s are launching their new Low Alcohol Classic Cider at Imbibe Live! on stand E41 from 2-3 July 2018. The low alcohol sector is booming. Sales grew by nearly 30% last year and the sector is set to be worth £300 million within ten years and will account for 5% of the beer and cider market. With only 0.5% ABV, this traditional, classic cider remains true to Sheppy’s cider making heritage and methods with a lower alcohol content to meet today’s changing consumer lifestyle choice.
Keeping it real
A beautifully light and crisp low alcohol cider with a refreshing apple taste. Sheppy’s Low Alcohol Classic Cider has all the same flavour profile of their traditional cider, but with less alcohol. It is made with a carefully selected blend of Somerset’s finest traditional and dessert cider apples – and is just as enjoyable as Sheppy’s award winning Classic Draught Cider.
Bang on trend
With over three million Brits interested in taking part in ‘Dry January’ this year, it’s no secret that millennials are thinking more about what they put in their bodies. They are drinking less in terms of quantity and more in terms of quality. Discerning drinkers want to know where their food and drink is from, what’s in it, how it’s made and the heritage and provenance of a brand. Sheppy’s real cider meets these needs. Each of Sheppy’s cider variants are made by the Master of Cider himself, David Sheppy, using methods, knowledge and expertise handed down over six generations.
David Sheppy comments: “We spotted the growing trend for low alcohol as consumers’ lifestyle choices are changing. People like to enjoy a drink or two but are looking for options with lower alcohol – that still taste great and are made well. Our new cider offers all our craft credentials; flavour and excellent quality, with a lower ABV. I have spent a lot of time perfecting this recipe to ensure that it stays true to our traditional craft cider roots. The team are thrilled with the result and are looking forward to sharing it with visitors at Imbibe Live!”
Real cider takes time. 200 years
Real cider, real knowledge and real heritage. Today, sixth generation Master of Cider, David Sheppy, is at the helm of this 200-year-old family business. His passion, knowledge and expertise are behind every drop of Sheppy’s cider. With over 90 acres of organic cider orchard, some of which are over 100 years old, the Sheppy’s cider farm is where David grows 30 varieties of the finest Somerset cider apples. He continues to champion the same traditional methods, using rare crafting skills to produce the Sheppy’s range of award winning and world class premium ciders.
The Royal Cornwall Show 2018 was a highly anticipated year for Cornish Cider Makers as it marked the introduction of the first Cider Championships in 200 years where Cornish Orchards Dry Cider was recognised as the Gold Winner within the ‘Open Dry Class’.
The Cider Championships, which were held at the Cornish Cider Bar ‘The Dreckly Inn’, was the first cider competition held at the Royal Cornwall Show in 200 years. Committee member, Cornish Orchards Founder, Andy Atkinson and Customer Care Manager Amanda Stone have worked for several months with the team at the Dreckly Inn on planning and orchestrating the new Cornish Cider Bar ready for the show.
With the glorious weather, the bar was a huge draw during the show. There were around 50 types of cider from around the UK available for visitors to sample alongside this year’s Cider Championships which were entered prior to the event and judged on the first day of the show.
There were eight classes in total that were open to enter for both hobbyists and professional cider makers. Cornish Orchards Dry Cider was awarded Gold for the ‘Open Dry Class’.
Judges on the day included Cider Consultant Bob Chaplin, Chris Coles from Green Valley Cyder Ltd, and Padstow’s very own Celebrity Chef, Paul Ainsworth. Prince Charles even enjoyed a visit to The Dreckly Inn to taste a variety of the ciders that were being judged.
This was an important year for Cornish Cider Makers as Cornwall’s rich heritage and long-held tradition in cider making has once again come to the forefront of the industry showcasing the quality in our products and craft.
The Morning Advertiser’s Drinks Editor Nicholas Robinson talks to our chief executive, Fenella Tyler and chair, Helen Thomas, about the sector trends and the future for the industry – read the full interview here:
