Finding outlets for cyder

Sometimes finding outlets for cyder as a small scale producer is difficult. With no economies of scale it is hard to compete with the larger players in the industry. Many samll scale producers of cyder or beer are also unwilling or unable to deal with supermarkets who are notoriously ruthless in their dealings. Specialist off licences are few and far between. So when someone like Real Beer Box want to take your produce it can be as real lift. This could well be the future for the growing number of small scale producers denied access to public in their local tied pubs. Good on you chaps!

Herefordshire Cyder at Checkley Brook

Big Apple Autumntime event in Much Marcle

Had a great day out at the Big Apple Autumntime event in Much Marcle identified a couple of apple trees. Firstly as white Norman above.
The second was a tree I reclaimed from an overgrown hedge, it was a Yarlington Mill, great for blending with the other trees in the orchard!



Herefordshire Cyder at Checkley Brook

Checkley Brook Cyder to appears on ITV's Countrywise

Many thanks to the Countrywise team from ITV who came out to do some filming at our Cyder orchard. The weather was very good allowing for some lovely shots in the burgeoning orchard. We should be on a show going out in December. We will let you know nearer the date. Managed to make 800 litres of cyder too that weekend. Took a sample to the Crown Inn Woolhope, a great food and cyder pub. Let's hope they take it!

Herefordshire Cyder at Checkley Brook

Apple day in Cambridge

Apple day in Cambridge today. 60 gallons of juice pressed for cider round at Phil and Jane Corrigan's. All the fruit is collected locally which would otherwise have rotted on the ground. This event's has been going for a few years now and could easily outgrow it setting in Phil and Jane's back garden. A great day for the kids, with fresh as can be apple juice to drink and last year's cider for the parents. There ar lots of these events springing up now. Could these be considered part of Camerons big society? ;-)

Herefordshire Cyder at Checkley Brook

The History and Virtues of Cyder republished

Nearly thirty years ago my father R.K. French wrote a book 'The History and Virtues of Cyder'. This book has inspired many cyder makers over the years. Written when cyder was possibly at it's lowest ebb, the book is a plea for the return to real cyder as opposed to 'white cider' - the carbonated chemical soup the bain of many a fifteen year old getting drunk on a park bench. Well from my generation anyway. Anyway this awesome book has been republished. Buy it! Please.

http://bit.ly/aRQfoG

Herefordshire Cyder at Checkley Brook