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.

No sugar in REAL cider, avoid the fake stuff

Off 1st May 2014

A Study by The Telegraph finds a single pint of cider contains almost as much sugar as the World Health Organisation recommends should be an average person’s daily limit.

Heres the link to the Telegraph article.

Ciders that are in this report are syrup or concentrated sugar made on a industrial scale like Strongbow, Magners or Bulmers. Readers of this blog already know these are not recognised as real ciders, as they contain very little, or no apple juice at all.

Following conversation on our Facebook Real Cider group – Mathew Veasey of Nook’s Cider Yard points out the following:

According to Andrew Lea, the sugar content of *absolutely dry* and *totally & fully fermented* full-juice cider is as follows:
Sucrose nil
Glucose nil to trace <0.1%
Fructose nil to trace <0.1%
Sorbitol 0.4 – 0.8%
Xylose ca 0.05%

“The balance of Glucose and Fructose and the exact amounts remaining will depend somewhat on the yeast strain and how glucophilic or fructophilic it is.”

Keep Calm and Drink ‘REAL’ Cider

– ie: Cider containing 100% juice

London cider pub of the year

3 Comments 23rd October 2009

The Wenlock Arms has been awarded CAMRA’s London Cider Pub of the Year .

This pub is a real drinkers pub, nothing too posh, just proper well kept beer and more importantly cider.

Ian White, CAMRA’s London Cider and Perry Coordinator, said the pub has a continual commitment to cider.

He added: “Cider has been making a real comeback of late but the real stuff is still difficult to find. Most pubs only sell keg cider. The Wenlock has stocked real cider for over a decade and this award is given in reflection of this.”

The Wenlock Arms, London

The pub, in Wenlock Street, Angel, also runs an annual beer and cider festival in conjunction with the local North London Branch of CAMRA during a cider and perry month in October. This gives locals a chance to taste something different and see why CAMRA is making such a fuss about the real stuff.

The Wenlock Arms is a traditional corner pub, which takes its name from the defunct Wenlock Brewery that was once nearby. It’s also famous for its doorstop sandwiches that help soak up its cider and its extensive range of real ales.

When I visited they were recovering from a 3 day beer festival where they had 3 real ciders on. The cellar man said that had ‘gone down well’, and also ‘that there were 15 people waiting outside at opening time!’. Both good signs that real cider is getting the attention is rightly deserves, putting cider firmly on the map in the capital. Bringing attention to the producers and enjoyment of a traditionally crafted drink.

On a normal day you will find Thatchers Gold Cider and maybe a barrel left over from a festival (which I did). There is no food apart from sandwiches and pasties, a good sign that it’s all about the drinking.

Congratulations to all the staff on the Wenlock!

View our list of Cider pubs in London, or Google map of London pubs.