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How much cider is in your cider?

0 26th June 2019

Food labelling has to be very strict, in that the manufacturers have to declare the order of food that is in the item. For allergy, and health reasons being the main factors.

So why can drinks manufacturers create an alcoholic drink and call it a ‘cider’?

When I saw this post on Dowding’s Cider Blog. it got me thinking. It’s only a matter of time before consumers and legislation demands better labelling for cider. Right?

Did you know that the legal minimum apple juice content to qualify as a cider is only 35%?

One of our most popular posts on real cider is Ciders not recognised as being Real.
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British Cider Championships results from Bath & West 2019

0 17th June 2019

Already the biggest cider competition in the UK, the “British Cider Championships” took place at the Royal Bath & West Show.

With entrants from across the country, from producers large and small, the competition was tough.

A man who makes cider in his garden shed in West Pennard has scooped a top prize at the Bath and West Show.

Britain’s best cider and perry revealed at Reading Beer Festival

Off 17th May 2019

Mayfayre’s Cider and Cleeve Orchard’s Perry win the titles.

CAMRA has announced the best Cider and Perry in Britain to be Mayfayre’s Cider (Herefordshire) and Cleeve Orchard’s Perry (Ross-on-Wye). The winners were revealed at the Reading Beer and Cider Festival, home of the National Cider and Perry Championships.

Innovative New Willow Woodchip Trial To Tackle Apple Scab In Orchards Launched

Off 17th February 2019

Farmers are investigating willow woodchip mulch as an effective method of tackling apple scab in a new field lab with Innovative Farmers.

The farmer-led field lab is trialling willow mulch in commercial orchards and will be carrying out a cost benefit analysis of this non-chemical control approach, following initial research by the University of Reading into the pharmaceutical qualities of willow.

A range of growers, including members of the National Association of Cider Makers and small holders, are taking part in the AHDB sponsored field lab that was launched at an event last week with Sheppy’s Cider.

Ciders for Christmas

Off 20th December 2018

So heres our review of this years favourite ciders to enjoy over the festive season.

All guaranteed to give you that warm glow from the inside –

Pouring draught cider at Heck’s in Somerset

Red Streak, Perry’s – A medium single variety lightly sparkling cider, from the Somerset Redstreak cider apple. A rich fruity taste, and interesting dark red colour, definately sets this cider apart from the rest. 6.0% ABV.

Small Independent Cider Makers (SICA)

Off 23rd November 2018

Good news for all small cider makers, in the form of a new association in the UK, which is working with the EU and our government on cider duty.

The Small Independent Cider Makers (SICA).

First of all they have arrived at a definition of craft cider. Second they have worked with the EU to give cider a separate definition under the tax law. The net effect is that it is hoped more people will start making cider (much as has happened in the real ale area where tax relief has kicked off many new breweries) and also encourage producers to make the next steps in expanding their business.

SICA will ensure cider drinkers will be enjoying the real thing. Ie: pressed, fermented apple or perry juice. If you are looking for cider that meets these requirements look out for the badge, if you are a craft cider maker become a member.

SICA’S 90% minimum juice standard

We believe that cider and perry should be made from fresh juice, not from concentrate. We are the first association of cidermakers to offers a National Quality Mark of there being at least 90% fresh apple juice in ciders and at least 90% fresh pear juice in perries. This translates into the highest quality drinks with a fascinating range and depth of flavours.