At Cockeyed Cider in their mill and brewery in deepest, darkest Devon, they make both traditional and contemporary cider. They are passionate about using traditional cider apples to create their 100% juice craft cider and they also get excited about experimenting with other apple varieties and ingredients they have scrumped from the Devon hedgerows. All this means you can get cockeyed responsibly, naturally! They pride themselves on using ancient methods to make contemporary drinks and, having started quite humbly some years ago, their crafty cider is now being enjoyed across the land. Monkey Mango – a brand new invention and flavour!
Farmer Jim’s are a traditional cider maker producing top quality ciders on their west country farm. Jim has been making cider for many years. “I have fond memories of helping my father and grandfather at apple harvesting time – from when I was young I used to climb the trees and shake the branches for the fruit to fall and then be gathered. We progressed to ladders and sticks, which we still use to this day, although most apple harvesting is mechanised now.” A medium dry,rich deep copper cider full of flavour and strength.
Dorset Nectar is an orchard farm run as a family business by Oliver, Penny and their 5 children. As well as producing award winning artisan cider and natural apple cider vinegar they have pastured hens roaming between the apple trees in the orchard producing free range organic eggs. The sun ripened apples are whole crushed and pressed at the orchard’s cider barn near Bridport, then patiently nurtured to create a smooth, delicious cider that is fruity in taste and bursting with flavour. To retain the crisp and fresh character of the cider, nearing the end of fermentation, they rack their ciders into new barrels, ensuring a wealth of flavour. Natural, wild yeasts are used to craft these unique ciders and the apples are grown without pesticides; the cider is certified Organic, using no sulphites.
Since the age of fifteen, Angus Whitehead has been making the most of the fruits of his garden. Guided by recipes handed down through generations, many experiments were created using all sorts of soft and hard fruit – the airing cupboard was never the same again! The hobby grew for a few more years until it was time to think seriously about the future. Small-scale production developed with a local cider company but within a short time Angus saw the potential growth opportunities and in 2003 he decided to go it alone. Midnight Special is a medium dry perry using a unique blend of fresh dessert and perry pears, and contains no added sugar, preservatives or flavouring.
