Blog

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you apples, you’re in business. The fermentation of 1 of your 5 a day leads to a beverage that has been at the forefront of the UK brewing scene for millennia. The UK consumes more cider per capita than any other country in the world and for good reason. Cider is an incredibly versatile product and when paired with perry and other such fruits, becomes one of the most sought after alcoholic drinks in the world. We showcase the best from our local cider breweries, to the UK’s most loved cider brands, to the world’s most unusual, a combination that we have become renowned for. History The origins behind cider are difficult to pinpoint, although the Roman invasion...

Sheppy’s Cider | Q&A Originally Posted on Jun 14, 2017 Our latest Q&A sees us talking to David Sheppy, the sixth generation Master of Cider in the Sheppy Family. Sheppy’s Cider has been at Bradford-on-Tone since the family moved there in 1917. 200 years on they continue to champion the same methods used generations ago; using their traditional crafting skills with the very best of modern technology. Who are you and what do you do?   We are high quality traditional family cider makers with a history spanning two centuries. We are also farmers, farming traditional Longhorn cattle and we are open to the public, offering guided tours together with a shop, restaurant, cafe and bar. How did you get into this...

SXOLLIE Cider | Q&A Originally Posted on Apr 05, 2017 Are you curious to know about the people behind the beers you buy? Or perhaps you want to know what inspires brewers to brew and beer bloggers to blog? Our “Q&A” posts are a light hearted way of getting to know people working in, and connected to, the beer and alcohol industry. This week sees us talking to Laura from SXOLLIE Cider, who are based in Cape Town, South Africa. Who are you and what do you do?   I am Laura Clacey, I am “The Fixer” at SXOLLIE cider. It’s just Karol and I in the business, so that means that between the two of us we pretty much do EVERYTHING! When did your love affair with cider begin? ...

The Lyme Bay Winery | Q&A Originally Posted on Mar 10, 2017 Nestled in Devon’s picturesque Axe Valley is The Lyme Bay Winery, a small West Country company that produces delicious wines, ciders, meads and liqueurs.  Inspired by traditional recipes, they push the boundaries and use the most up to date production techniques and employ some of the country’s most talented wine making and brewing experts to produce their award winning range. Who are you and what do you do?   I am James Lambert and I have the best job in the world as Managing Director of the Lyme Bay Winery. We make unique, high-quality drinks from cider to English wines, and many other categories between. Many of our drinks are recognised...

Celtic Marches | Q&A Originally Posted on Feb 01, 2017 Our latest Q&A sees us taking a look at Celtic Marches, a Herefordshire cider producer based in Bishops Frome which is run by brother and sister, Susan Vaughan and Robert Hancocks. The distillery has recently been awarded PGI. Protected Geographical Indicator, authenticating that their ciders are genuine Herefordshire ciders, made from Herefordshire apples. Fruit and hops have been grown on the farm for over 100 years, with their farming roots going back into mid wales and the Welsh borders. Celtic Marches draws on that heritage and history to produce their quality ciders on the family farm. Who are you and what do you do?   I am Susan Vaughan, a director...

Dunkertons Cider Co | Q&A Origianlly Posted on Aug 02, 2017 Dunkertons Cider Co has been making organic cider and perry for over 35 years. They work in harmony with the environment and have been awarded Soil Association certification status for all of their ciders and perry, as well as for their orchards. Their drinks are made with pure pressed juice from organic fruit harvested in their own orchards or from the organic orchards of local farms. Who are you and what is your role?   Jeremy Benson, AKA Bean Benson. I’m Managing Director of the Dunkertons Cider Co. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about what you do    I oversee the whole business supported by a very small and commit...