The many definitions of Real Cider

• Cider is made by fermenting the juice of apples.
• 100% fermented apple juice, with nothing added and nothing taken away.
• Any bottled or draught cider that contains live yeast.
• Cider that has not been pasteurised, carbonated, or concentrated.
• Locally sourced apples, pressed and fermented using traditonal cider production methods.

Real cider is served normally still & often cloudy. Cheers!

Did you know?

• Cider varies in alcohol content from less than 3% ABV in French cidre, up to 8.5% ABV in traditional English ciders.
• All real cider is suitable for a vegan and wheat free diet.
• Most cider is produced from a ‘blend’ of different apples, you can also get ‘single’ variety ciders.

Each cider maker has their own blend of the hundreds of varieties of apples available, the source and ingredients are a closely guarded secret. Long established family producers have handed down the production process to their sons and daughters.

Just like beer, cider has its different flavours. Dry ciders are associated with Somerset, and Devon offering sweeter ciders. Though as cider is found in all corners of the UK its much harder to make such classifications.

Mass produced cider

Ciders makers that only produce industrial cider like strongbow or diamond white have not received a listing on this web site.

Instead of being made from all juice as a true cider would be, they’re made with a little bit of apple juice and a bunch of sugar-water. Mass produced cider sold in the UK is mostly made from imported apple concentrate,artificial colourings, sweeteners, and preservatives are added to make up for the apple character that isn’t there. The liquid is then filtered, pasteurised to kill the yeast, and kept and served under carbon dioxide pressure.

Champion the Real Cider movement!

I feel that this produces a drink although sometimes refreshing, have less flavour and character than real farmhouse cider. With consumers demanding higher quality in the food and drink industry I feel it’s time to champion the local producers who are carefully crafting natural real cider, using sustainable methods. By the producers carrying on this heritage means we can enjoy real cider whoever and wherever we live.

Further Links:
Wikipedia – Cider Information
CAMRA – About Cider