Real cider is a long-established traditional drink which is produced naturally from apples and is neither carbonated or pasteurised. However real cider is in a similar situation to that which faced real ale some 30 years ago with the number of outlets for real cider is diminishing, even in the West Country. The situation with perry (which is made from pears) is even worse, as it is rarely available away from the farm gate. It is unfortunate that many of the most well known ciders in the UK are cold, fizzy keg products which have been produced artificially rather than naturally. It is well worth you tracking down some real ciders and perries and more and more people are discovering for themselves how deliciously mellow, aromatic and intoxicating the flavours of naturally produced real cider can be.
As a result of the difficulties facing real cider, CAMRA set up a cider and perry committee within CAMRA to inform consumers about the choice of real cider and perry available and to encourage the producers to continue production.
CAMRA is delighted to announce that Gwatkin's Yarlington Mill cider of Abbey Dore, Herefordshire, and Broadoak Perry of Clutton, Somerset, won Gold medals at CAMRA's National Cider and Perry Championships 2009, held at the Reading Beer and Cider Festival over the May bank holiday weekend.
The full results are:
Cider
GOLD - Gwatkin, Yarlington Mill (Abbey Dore,Herefordshire)
SILVER (Joint) - Orchards, Wye Cider (Brockweir, Gloucestershire)
SILVER (Joint) - Rosie's Triple D Cider (Llandegla, Denbighshire)
Perry
GOLD - Broadoak Perry (Clutton, Somerset)
SILVER - Seidr Dai Painted Lady Perry (Cardiff, Glamorgan)
BRONZE - Gwatkin Blakeney Red (Abbey Dore,Herefordshire)
See the full list of past winners
The competition for the Cider & Perry Pub of the Year is now underway. Nominations have closed for this year and the overall winner will be announced during October, CAMRA's Cider and Perry Month.
See the full list of past winners
Unlike real ale production, which can happen at any time of the year, real cider & perry can only be made when the fruit is ripe. October is a very active time for producers, especially for those who make only a small amount of cider. Harvest time for cider fruit is roughly from September to November and by October production is in full flow.
Find out how CAMRA celebrates cider and perry in October