tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27234297662180833942024-02-19T05:32:05.241-08:00Rockingham Forest CiderA place to journal our cidermaking yearUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger499125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-59294725307229513852020-10-26T07:28:00.002-07:002020-10-26T07:28:48.849-07:00The Fall & Rise of a Bramley's Seedling<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwV3eDFvAhjCO9ZgTTqAir2sx262c_Or0biGCMeRlSJ42pgVvGHhcpLn5QOWCuGiJVfDiE36lZP8Pnzamd1RBci1VbVl7_VcrceSV8NiVGDloyC1lF_NH6df9cSxYqjIKd0-voIRNR8ukq/w300-h400/IMG_0777.jpg" width="300" /></div></div><p>When we first viewed the property that would eventually become our home, it really was love at first sight. What was slightly amusing about that first viewing though, and has become something of a running joke between us, was that when we discussed the property in the pub later, mulling over the pros and cons as you do, I could only really remember the garden with any clarity, and the small overgrown orchard at the top in particular. <i>"So what did you think of the kitchen then?"... "Kitchen!... err, what kitchen was that? What about that nice little orchard though..."</i></p><p>This will have come as no great surprise to Karen, I've never been much of a home bird, and of course the prospect of serious cidermaking and a bit of space for an orchard were at the forefront (as well as most of the foreback and sides) of my mind at the time. This place came with a stone walled ciderhouse (aka the garage) and a ready-made orchard, who needed a kitchen!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__kjqZs57u2px_fnA63yAD1nDBWIKxrBsz2fJ5yqaYArDkIpJ2DobrBOqx4kdxjzrWY4vH5jJkYBv1-_wBOgIraMClI4-K2GFHJ8KmGG9-GL2gku-xeoQ2aU5_rAQAVDxoVVxSJACDB9N/s1000/IMG_1035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__kjqZs57u2px_fnA63yAD1nDBWIKxrBsz2fJ5yqaYArDkIpJ2DobrBOqx4kdxjzrWY4vH5jJkYBv1-_wBOgIraMClI4-K2GFHJ8KmGG9-GL2gku-xeoQ2aU5_rAQAVDxoVVxSJACDB9N/w512-h385/IMG_1035.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p>Back then, almost all of our neighbours had similar plantings, mostly cooking apples, <b>Bramley's Seedling</b> as far as I could tell. Remnants of what would have been a much lager orchard associated with the nearby 'Big House' and the workers cottages that served it. Ours was more of a mixed-bag, a true cottage garden orchard with pear, dessert and cooking varieties, covering all bases which was often the case when householders actually relied on their home grown crop for cooking and preserving. Sadly most of these trees, and the orchard in general, had seen far better days. Even a cursory examination of the trees revealed too much rot and bad pruning, a legacy of old age and more recent horticultural neglect. In fact most of the fruit had a disappointing tendency to rot on the tree before reaching anything like full ripeness. I did consider leaving things as they were, to decay naturally for the benefit of wildlife, but this was a long-term project and the orchard had to be of some benefit to us too. We decided to re-plant the orchard with new stock grafted with varieties that would be useful to us. So a weekend of heavy chainsaw action ensued...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf1LGlWcSiMuKCT8H6MQ9PBkFptdycGB_uhYgcDSNynSOeJAYB9AabbwZtGd5WnS23bsfDzzVbfOn1LdzREqSYVy84hmAv9i-sVT5zovajZL6MHdNJUjD9y0layUiAi9oyUtR9xHFgtMG/s1000/IMG_1156.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf1LGlWcSiMuKCT8H6MQ9PBkFptdycGB_uhYgcDSNynSOeJAYB9AabbwZtGd5WnS23bsfDzzVbfOn1LdzREqSYVy84hmAv9i-sVT5zovajZL6MHdNJUjD9y0layUiAi9oyUtR9xHFgtMG/w383-h287/IMG_1156.jpg" width="383" /></a></div>As you can see in this photo, some of the trees were in the 'Autumn' (if not deep Winter) of their long lives. Completely hollowed-out with rot, unproductive, and sadly in no condition to restore through judicious pruning or top-working with new graft wood. The one exception was our own specimen of <b>Bramley's Seedling</b>. This tree was also showing signs of neglect, a slightly unconventional 'wishbone' shape to the main framework, and way too much upright and irritatingly out of reach growth. Nevertheless it was healthy, vigorous, and prone to carrying a decent enough crop of sound (and of course very useful) fruit. By the time Spring came around the following year, it also revealed itself as an absolute beauty of delicate pink blossom, a feature we've looked forward to with great anticipation every year since. This tree would most definitely be a keeper!<div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVssmT_LboboBfWiIQh30tjB-OUVgggdytSNmUtW12AaXxp-7b6qLrzIOh8MXr4Ftm0zLcEJnQN5S7F9Wt69m1I7YpL3U-kGS64JEAsNNZYFeUO4aeyHt0rw-iUHn47is4T1WwRrBqQbR/s1000/IMG_1371_edited.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVssmT_LboboBfWiIQh30tjB-OUVgggdytSNmUtW12AaXxp-7b6qLrzIOh8MXr4Ftm0zLcEJnQN5S7F9Wt69m1I7YpL3U-kGS64JEAsNNZYFeUO4aeyHt0rw-iUHn47is4T1WwRrBqQbR/w480-h640/IMG_1371_edited.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Over the years the orchard has developed, with new plantings of <b>Dabinett</b>, <b>Harry Masters' Jersey</b>, <b>Yarlington Mill</b> and others, but the big old <b>Bramley Apple</b> has always been the heart of the orchard. A sturdy old friend, beautiful in the Spring, reliably productive almost every Autumn, and the tree has benefitted hugely from a bit of long-overdue 'tlc'. Much of the best fruit was (inevitably) just out of reach for careful hand-picking, so the tree has had several quite serious pruning sessions to reduce congestion and height, and remove much of the unproductive upright growth. Meanwhile, almost all of the neighbouring fruit trees have now sadly gone. The old but attractive standard orchard that once spread across several gardens has all but disappeared. This, if anything, makes our own venerable Bramley Apple tree even more of a precious survivor to us.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebEMIpsD7arzrIDGZ-AXq-OEHRCHyh6KzijoIq03oWQIto3aEOYiZZaE6JokL07mRlvcLhha_P9V5rFTVCPX8PShrQ0qG3Jfqm7Nf0B8BmvI-Xq52-deuvqaeAeYOeyJz9nccDc9Yyu01/s1000/IMG_4922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="1000" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebEMIpsD7arzrIDGZ-AXq-OEHRCHyh6KzijoIq03oWQIto3aEOYiZZaE6JokL07mRlvcLhha_P9V5rFTVCPX8PShrQ0qG3Jfqm7Nf0B8BmvI-Xq52-deuvqaeAeYOeyJz9nccDc9Yyu01/w502-h244/IMG_4922.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2K0rRNoEh6OR1MCIbbIp_U7isi-vQV3Y85jJdk57R8t3Mxps8hMi8x8QDD6MRLfODkp1zi6HdSLgIQop1oB0b2Z6yDh7rmar9pSzsPVF13hNc6GonjZL72jxeW1QXaAEXPw2VI6qm16j/s1000/IMG_0979+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="1000" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2K0rRNoEh6OR1MCIbbIp_U7isi-vQV3Y85jJdk57R8t3Mxps8hMi8x8QDD6MRLfODkp1zi6HdSLgIQop1oB0b2Z6yDh7rmar9pSzsPVF13hNc6GonjZL72jxeW1QXaAEXPw2VI6qm16j/w502-h249/IMG_0979+%25282%2529.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa9prp6Y8PETECKg62IkzzzEyXf1dxI-0qn2bxXYud7KYBRWAjPQgYEyGEIrsWnovQV25_alZ3UloQFBBQC0KAe21LWJDY1J40TiRSxAkAE3wn26M6KJ4bw0SEbhgxYQCaND1bV75rhV6/s1000/IMG_6042.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="746" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa9prp6Y8PETECKg62IkzzzEyXf1dxI-0qn2bxXYud7KYBRWAjPQgYEyGEIrsWnovQV25_alZ3UloQFBBQC0KAe21LWJDY1J40TiRSxAkAE3wn26M6KJ4bw0SEbhgxYQCaND1bV75rhV6/w325-h436/IMG_6042.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>More recently our Bramley Apple, and the orchard in general, has come under a good deal of stress. The infamous <b>Rockingham Forest Cider Hens</b> were given the free-run of the garden, and needless to say they took full advantage of it. Scratching up what was once a well-tended grassy swathe in the orchard, and depositing in turn an exotic selection of pernicious weeds in its place. More importantly, a former paddock at the top border of the orchard has gradually evolved to become a small area of shady woodland, with mature trees that overhang our own semi-dwarfing specimens to such a degree that some are no longer thriving as they should do. The old Bramley had a very good prune some four years ago and was looking better than it's ever done, you could almost throw a cap through it! But unfortunately it now competes for light, water, and nutrients with these much larger trees, and has sometimes struggled to maintain the healthy leaf covering of old. The apples, whilst still plentiful, occasionally suffer from scab and bitter pit too due to the radically changed habitat.</div><div><br /></div><div>The plain truth is, the orchard is not what it was, nor indeed what we hoped it would be. Around a third of the area is now what I would regard as 'woodland margin' rather than open orchard. Having said that, as far as the garden and our outlook on it is concerned, a tree is a tree, and we're happy enough with how things stand. Or at least we were until very recently...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1YwFw55pAatC1x0Uh4HOA2Kd_qSeS7vY2SAqEiTmGoC08HR5xeQG2z3hRuPJg1TnM52Dba-Rj9G1gQsih5Ur3wBx03IQ339dwXiQ-in83ETo0ccThiIcea9cIIEU5aRz299kPNLAt_um/s1000/P1011923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1YwFw55pAatC1x0Uh4HOA2Kd_qSeS7vY2SAqEiTmGoC08HR5xeQG2z3hRuPJg1TnM52Dba-Rj9G1gQsih5Ur3wBx03IQ339dwXiQ-in83ETo0ccThiIcea9cIIEU5aRz299kPNLAt_um/w480-h361/P1011923.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the eve of my birthday this year, <b>Storm Francis</b> made landfall and whipped violently across the country. Quite a howler for sure, but certainly no worse than previous lashings that the house and garden have endured without significant damage. However, the next day Karen noticed that something had changed in the orchard, so we went to explore. The sight that greeted us came as something of a shock, and was for me at least, really quite upsetting!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHJK5-DtuAQ-1XBA8bzp9Bl2E7ekS0vO0cHCpDDwG335ssh0hS92PIv6e2jLUk0cN5rp2U9JnfCl6mslC2Sg-VTgHuCoi1zH9aRgtOS2rFcN7IwOUzzdFcZ1w0EjCvt_HC5V9S9upPmjf/s1000/P1011926.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHJK5-DtuAQ-1XBA8bzp9Bl2E7ekS0vO0cHCpDDwG335ssh0hS92PIv6e2jLUk0cN5rp2U9JnfCl6mslC2Sg-VTgHuCoi1zH9aRgtOS2rFcN7IwOUzzdFcZ1w0EjCvt_HC5V9S9upPmjf/w300-h400/P1011926.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Unfortunately for us, the Bramley was having one of it's best years for some time, very well leafed, and carrying a heavy crop of moderately sized apples. For my own part, I'd planned to prune out some of the congestion at the heart of the tree the previous year, but for various reasons it never happened. I don't doubt that if I'd done this work at the time, the tree might still be standing now, which of course makes this something of a cautionary tale! So, what to do now?...</div><div><br /></div><div>When an old apple tree falls in an orchard there are perhaps three realistic ways forward. In a commercial orchard the tree would most likely be removed entirely, the space used to re-plant with new stock. It's also possible to re-erect a tree that's fallen but still sufficiently rooted, but the bigger the tree, the more difficult it is to raise it, and perhaps more importantly, it can be a real trial keeping it upright and safe against future storms. We felt neither of these options were appropriate, even though the main tap root of the tree is intact.</div><div><br /></div><div>A fallen tree in a Heritage Orchard or large garden is a different matter, and even if the main root has broken, it's sometimes the case that a recumbent tree will re-root from wood touching the earth and put up new, healthy growth. These living fallers can be long-lived and very attractive if handled correctly. Indeed the original 'mother' tree in Southwell, the tree that all Bramley's originate from, our own included, was struck by lightening and fell over 100 years ago and yet still survives (albeit it too is now in its final years, the root system finally succumbing to Honey Fungus). This was broadly our plan, we just needed to work out the best way forward.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1719" data-original-width="2048" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11KcqMz0rx_2wbZE0fai1kjCLklqMTjCV04zmf4qbRRYALSOgZmje-0atDuP2InxhMuP67eJz5wmlAbtp7omerPPL6yJoR9ydr_iI2xR_I_Tr_imZeA-oS0zDsUxu5qp4GmfZhX-tfMz5/w480-h403/B3C5A6B0-BE8C-4EB8-8AD2-7352C645DCD9.jpeg" width="480" /></div><br />Since the tree was still rooted, and in no danger of falling any further, we mulled things over for a few weeks before enlisting the help of a local tree specialist and his chainsaw. This also gave us the chance to pick some of the better apples for storage, and clear up some of those which littered the orchard floor. The reason we hadn't heard the tree falling was presumably because it had settled onto its thick canopy of branches quite slowly. This meant that there was very little damage to the tree or root system (though sadly one of our hapless cider apple cultivars took the full weight of the tree and will now need removing), making it an ideal candidate for trimming, re-shaping, and preparing for life as a recumbent apple tree.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVjIn47pbEfMP_WxPvNijHPV4Q55qMi-3zz5brpYEfSLUejOg0JGuYLBesHv0W3l7NS2ReOkJ4fACony_rBmfeBoicgbNbozlfwloqA14SEYvMJVpmDJAKwtmcu8882Lb6_FSDXpMnseV/w556-h418/P1011941.jpg" width="556" /></div><div><br /></div><div>So here we see the first stage of the regeneration of the tree. The two main parts of the trunk have been left in their entirety, whilst most of the upper growth has been removed. This is not the trees final form, I'll likely remove a bit more wood in time, but given the shock the tree has experienced thus far, it's better to leave some of the leafy growth as a sap-draw and see what develops next year.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OHiJOePoi80bwJ1ik3j7iVCYS-qw8v8gwPQue3aIVVrN7uAWWsKT2VUx3A71OArF1wfvImYFtDbo0QlesMiuCQ26WOIyFr1wzWAlDh4yv-WnWcMj751PCwHWf55vGAVq9NQc5X0ZUIlW/s1000/P1011933.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OHiJOePoi80bwJ1ik3j7iVCYS-qw8v8gwPQue3aIVVrN7uAWWsKT2VUx3A71OArF1wfvImYFtDbo0QlesMiuCQ26WOIyFr1wzWAlDh4yv-WnWcMj751PCwHWf55vGAVq9NQc5X0ZUIlW/s320/P1011933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Even in such a short time, and at the very end of what might be regarded the trees growth period, several new shoots have already 'broken' on one of the main trunks. Which is all to the good as we don't know how this tree will eventually look, and the more options we have for later pruning and shaping, the better. Given that one of the trunks doesn't actually touch ground, the tree may have a tendency to roll a little as new growth increases the weight, so we've put a temporary prop under one of the trunks, a stronger, more permanent solution can wait until next year.</div><div><br /></div><div>So hopefully we've securec the future of our beloved Bramley for a few more years, and if I make a good job of the restorative pruning over the next couple of years, it may eventually become an attractive, dare I say more 'interesting' part of our small orchard.</div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1664" data-original-width="2048" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBGAppmZMcyBaQm1ck3ax1HwikJUeJc5O260E6kT9jfqBMYQ88CBkElPgPoLoWSR2knT3gvRJE1clDyHh7d9yLdZBrNEeZJSMpgFNMvpoFN6zPMrQ8iBOezaQCoaLTDSawHbhf3xaf-A0/w494-h401/04048272-5945-4D12-AE7A-152A56EEAA9A.jpeg" width="494" /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIiW1Bbw1gvynEmTMHwxJTuARAGfCWIrVaO9-P-rXFtPO-R31cqzm4Tja8q9_S1I9yvAoLpVSpjg97lCbNdJNZ6CCNXCESQrMZIKzhB_QbEJKwf7ivud51gFKBBTydOt47VuDc3H8H4Ke/w495-h372/8FAFE58E-21CE-4B4B-91D2-7094B2208F96.jpeg" width="495" /></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-16133033055750491492019-01-26T14:25:00.001-08:002019-01-26T14:25:33.329-08:00Hereford - A Mini-Guide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Perry is still very much on-trend in this house. As indeed cider would be if I could just pull my finger out and get some of the <b>Rockingham Forest</b> 2016 vintage bottled-up. Tedious domestic circumstances have conspired against any ciderhouse work recently, so I've been relying on 'guest' ciders and perries from near and far to see me through, more of which later. But enough of this dull domesticity, I felt a mini-break in the heart of ciderland was long overdue. So where exactly <em>is</em> the heart of ciderland?<br />
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Well for one week only, the <b><a href="http://www.beerfestival.nottinghamcamra.org/">Nottingham Beer, Cider & Perry Festival</a></b> is where it's at, everyone knows that! But despite England and Wales having a truly world-class reputation for traditional cider and perry, particularly in its current 'revived' state, it's my experience that no 'one' place truly fulfils the role as a 'centre of excellence' for actually drinking the stuff. I think I know this because I've been looking long and hard at the subject for the best part of 40 years. In that time I've come across some truly excellent pubs that specialise in cider and perry, a good few producers of the drink that welcome visitors, and a handful of museums with good local displays on the subject. But it's all rather dispersed, the majority of pubs even in the west country and three counties have either no truly crafted cider or perry on the bar, or at best a token national 'brand' that's hardly worth travelling for.<br />
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Of all the towns in England and Wales, Hereford might be regarded as something of a shoe-in for a cider and perry based mini-break. It's certainly not always been this way. I've been holidaying in Hereford for 30 years or more, and I can say with some qualification that the choice on offer has often been unbelievably poor for a city that prides itself on being at the centre of an orchard county, a county literally steeped in the traditions of cider and perry making. So have things improved in 2019? Well, yes and no...<br />
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I've found in recent years that whilst there's certainly a better choice on offer, with plenty of new and enthusiastic producers in the county, there are still precious few places you can actually drink their fine produce in. And whilst it might be argued that as far as top-quality craft cider and perry is concerned, we've never had it so good, what hasn't changed is that you really need to know where to find it, otherwise you'd really never know! Hence this little guide-ette to the best that I could find in January 2019.<br />
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Alongside the current excitement around 'craft' beer, it's largely the smaller, newer bars and micropubs that are driving interest in the very best ciders and perries. Micropub <b>Beer In Hand</b> has been open for a few years now, and is already something of an established fixture in the town. A highly regarded venue with a reputation built mostly around the excellent beer offering, but with a cider and perry board (<i>above</i>) that's without a doubt the best in town. Standout for me was the range from local perry specialist <b><a href="https://oliversciderandperry.co.uk/">Oliver's</a></b> of Ocle Pychard, of which I tried one or three over the course of the weekend, most memorable of which was the...<br />
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<b>Oliver's At The Hop #8 (5.5%)</b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5j9TpMPKMA4w2AqjbBZ0i25Zqip7rkXIUDS0Cu-8JaKv7wue01ikCYk2DzduBgxNsmNvMF1djOcMG58vcMU2jPeZtaw7qN0QVxcZIw9ooVs-8LU_K3XeyAF0iclXYptOGvSitFogkR1J/s1600/28AB7A78-FC8C-4439-B8D4-1A8994D1874C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1257" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5j9TpMPKMA4w2AqjbBZ0i25Zqip7rkXIUDS0Cu-8JaKv7wue01ikCYk2DzduBgxNsmNvMF1djOcMG58vcMU2jPeZtaw7qN0QVxcZIw9ooVs-8LU_K3XeyAF0iclXYptOGvSitFogkR1J/s320/28AB7A78-FC8C-4439-B8D4-1A8994D1874C.jpeg" width="251" /></a><br />
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Hop-infused ciders were pioneered by Tom Oliver, the first example I tried being one of his hopped ciders back in 2014. I have to say I found interesting but slightly unconvincing. Five years later I was still waiting to be convinced when, like buses, two absolute stunners came along at once, and both from the originator, Tom Oliver. First-up a Cascade & Kazbech hopped Cider which was to die for. Then this Simcoe infused perry, literally the bottle that convinced me the future may well be lightly-hopped.<br />
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At The Hop #8 is a solidly medium perry, but in that nice frothy-fizzy sherbety way that’s refreshing without being cloying. There’s a fresh grassiness in the nose, a rich honey sweetness, zestiness, some grown-up mouth-puckering tannin, and here come the hops... a very subtle new-world aroma citrus hoppiness that blends beautifully with the perry rather than dominating it. Lovely!<br />
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I partnered this with Pizza and an impromptu traditional music session, because that's just the way the evening was going...<br />
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The <b><a href="http://herefordbeerhouse.co.uk/">Hereford Beer House</a></b> has been open since 2015, but still seems very 'new' to me. It's a very welcome addition to the Hereford beer scene. Every town should have a craft beer specialist like this, in fact most do now, such is the appeal of aroma hops and eyeball-popping can designs! The beer house also features a very respectable cider and perry range from some of the very best Herefordshire producers. I started with a couple of excellent draught ciders from Olivers and Gregg's Pit , but settled on something from the small but comprehensive bottled range.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Lh3OIydGDSvgQsRHpNCmC2KCJdrKK085lGfrYxfo6wZSeA_8BlOkhL0KHkJvylGhtibyarywvhSra28d8wBgQt7kcLBVCp1GGCUm-iv-WlIc0yNhkxj8x9yQxNoCrRM0knmCiQIKFbo4/s1600/9B117AA2-4C68-4026-98BF-1BC0249B2A81.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b>Ross-On-Wye Moorcroft & Bartestree Squash Perry 6.5%</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://rosscider.com/">Ross Cider & Perry</a></b> has been my go-to producer for 20 years or more, and I highly recommend a visit to their pub and shop, the <b>Yew Tree</b> in Peterstow village. I first tried their Bartestree Squash Perry at an early Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival, a rare treat then, as indeed it is now. Ross produce what must be the widest range of single variety and blended ciders and perries in the world, and I'm more than happy to try any one of them whenever I get the chance. Many of their bottled ciders and perries are naturally conditioned, as this one is, and it really does make a difference. This one has a nice prickle of condition, a lingering off-dry sweetness, full-bodied, melon , a straightforward, quite robust perry.<br />
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The last time I was in Hereford was mid-Summer, and we found the <b><a href="https://herefordleftbank.com/">Left Bank Village</a></b> quite the funky enclave in an area of quite traditional boozers. Overlooking the wide expanse of the River Wye, the outdoor seating and fire pits attract a young crowd. Young by my standards of course! De Koffie Pot Café was the main attraction for me on what was a cold, wet evening. I like the place a lot, and can recommend the DKP Burger which I partnered with this bottle of organic perry.<br />
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I've been a big fan of <b><a href="https://www.dunkertonscider.co.uk/">Dunkertons</a></b> ciders and perries since the late 80's when their classy corked and bottled drinks were relatively easy to find in the Delis and Wholefood shops of Leicester. In fact I used to always get a few cases in for the Leicester festival, something to take away, and if they didn't sell out, well I was happy to underwrite the stock. I still miss those early 'still' bottled ciders, but the current sparkling range is great too.<br />
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<b>Dunkertons Organic Perry 6.9%</b><br />
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This bottle poured with a slight (reassuring) haziness, possibly the result of a slightly longer time in bottle as the current release of this perry is at 7.5%. It has a long, lingering medium sweetness with soft Elderflower and Melon, and some balancing acidity.<br />
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I really couldn't find anywhere else to drink good locally made pure-juice cider and perry in Hereford, which is still something of a surprise to me given the reputation the county has for this, our most traditional of drinks. If you're still hungry for more, as I was, and want to take home some of the best that Herefordshire (and the three counties) has to offer, I'd highly recommend a visit to the cidery jewel in Hereford's crown, the <b><a href="https://www.cidermuseum.co.uk/">Museum of Cider</a></b> (<i>below</i>), which I'll be coming back to with some pretty pictures in a forthcoming post.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-80254258054208768362019-01-13T08:55:00.001-08:002019-01-13T08:55:59.974-08:00Perry, And All That Jazz Pt.1 - Once Upon A Tree<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been mulling-over a post about Perry for quite a while now. I've got an awful lot of the stuff in the ciderhouse at the moment, proper vintage perry made from top-quality Worcestershire grown perry pears. Perry that's turned out as good as anything I've made before, and we've been drinking quite a lot of it recently as well as cooking with it and giving a fair bit away. Which probably explains why it's been on my mind...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Green Horse Perry Pear</span></td></tr>
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Perry at its very best is a drink that needs all the promotion it can get. It's a rare old drink that despite the continuing efforts of some world-class producers, and a handful of switched-on pundits and drinks journos, has singularly failed to ignite interest in the way that 'craft' beer and cider has in recent years. Of course there are compelling reasons why Perry may never achieve the profile that enthusiasts such as myself think it deserves. Perry pears are simply not grown on a commercial scale these days. For the most part it's a small-scale 'artisan' passion, a tradition kept alive by the smaller commercial cider and perry makers and teeny-tiny enthusiasts like myself. Most of the fruit used by these small-scale producers comes from very old trees, often solitary behemoths dotted around the old farms of the Three Counties area. Difficult to harvest, and some of these trees are literally hundreds of years old and hence approaching the twilight of their productive lives. Some new planting of Perry Pear trees is going on, but if Perry as a traditional high-quality drink is to survive, maybe even thrive in the future, a lot more needs to be done, and that means creating a demand for the drink that makes it a commercial proposition for growers and producers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A bottle of vintage perry, yesterday.</span></td></tr>
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So I was looking for maybe half a dozen good quality perries to eulogise about from the comfort of my own home. No dodgy commercial stuff, no Pear Cider, and for my taste, nothing too sweet. Perry has something of a reputation for sweetness. A reputation that can make it a difficult sell for some. Maybe it's memories of Babycham! More likely it's that too many producers 'do' have a tendency to over-sweeten their perries (and their ciders!), and 'far' too many festivals and pubs routinely shy away from the drier styles that do exist. Having said that, it's a fact that some perries do finish fermenting with a degree of sweetness. That's because many pears have quite high levels of non-fermentable Sorbitol in their makeup. My own perry has a touch more natural sweetness than I'd like if I'm absolutely honest, but it's certainly not 'sweet'.<br />
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So, I just wanted some good perries to help demonstrate the variety and quality that's on offer. To show what most people are undoubtedly missing. Well that proved to be much easier said than done!<br />
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When you make your own, and therefore have hundreds of litres to hand at the turn of a tap, you forget just how difficult it is to get hold of proper pure-juice Perry outside of the Three Counties area. In fact for some people I'd imagine it's not so much a difficult task as an impossible one. If you fall into this category, the answer is of course the 21st century miracle of online sales, of which there are several offering a good range of perries. I resorted to the tried-and-tested method of 'going-west' in search of the best that the Three Counties can offer, and tapping friends and colleagues up for a few freebies of course...<br />
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<b><u>Once Upon A Tree</u> - Medium Dry Herefordshire Perry (5%)</b><br />
So where exactly 'is' the centre of the cider and perry making tradition? A question that's vexed me for several hours now, and one guaranteed to rouse fierce debate amongst those who care about these things. Which is of course why I ask...<br />
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Putley and the Marcle Ridge area of Herefordshire could certainly lay claim to the title (if there were one), located as it is within a dense forest of old and new orchard plantings centred on the regional giant, Westons of Much Marcle. Home to the annual <b><a href="https://www.bigapple.org.uk/">Big Apple</a></b> cider and perry trials jamboree, which is a gathering place for some of the finest producers in the business, a significant handful of which harvest and squeeze their fruit locally.<br />
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Simon Day of <b><a href="http://www.onceuponatree.co.uk/">Once Upon A Tree</a></b> is one such local producer. A winemaker by trade, he's been building an enviable reputation for his fine ciders and perries since establishing the company in 2008. I got in early, supplying his draught Tumpy Ground cider to the Raunds Beer Festival back in 2011. Once Upon A Tree ciders and perries are some of the more easily found in the Three Counties area, their bottles a relatively common sight in delis and farm shops which is where I got mine from. In <a href="https://www.warwickrealale.co.uk/">Warwick</a>!<br />
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This perry is a bit of a sparkler, pouring (from a great height) clear and significantly less sparkling, which is how I like it. It carries the Protected Geographical Indication label for Herefordshire Perry, ensuring the fruit was sourced entirely from the aforementioned county, and much else of a reassuring quality mark besides. Quite what will become of this PGI when we've dumped ourselves out of the EU is anyones guess, but given the absurd and frustrating regulations around cider in this country (practically anything goes so long as it's had an apple dipped in it at some point!), any promises of a UK replacement should probably be regarded with deep suspicion...<br />
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The perry is a rich, sweetish, medium-dry sipper, as befits a drink made from a high percentage of freshly pressed juice. I get ginger beer and barley sugar, Melon and citrus, and a slightly vinegary tinge that mellows to tongue-tingly sherbet. I've paired this zesty sparkling perry with the cool West Coast Jazz classic, <b>Jazz Erotica</b> by Richie Kamuca and friends (Jazz Track JT1024)*<br />
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More perries coming when I've drunk 'em…<br />
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*Music pairing for guidance only. Other styles and genres are available.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-4416395537107542872018-10-25T06:14:00.000-07:002018-10-25T06:14:30.600-07:00Wibble Wobble, Perry On A Plate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Since knocking the whole 'selling our cider and perry' thing on the head, we've found that there's an entirely 'expected' benefit. We've got more cider and perry than we can possibly drink in a season, more than we're likely to drink in several seasons in fact. What to do with it all then...</div>
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Well, we do drink a bit, and give away a bit to those who also like to drink a bit. There's still a fair bit left though, so we're never afraid of adding a bit to the Sunday pot-roast, a soup or two, maybe the odd cake or pudding. That still leaves a fair bit though...</div>
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Other things that we have more of than we can deal with at the moment are <strong>Bramley Apples</strong>, <strong>Quince</strong>, <strong>Rosemary</strong>, and <strong>Leaves</strong>. Loads of leaves. All over the place. Which brings me to our latest garden glut-busting recipe, something tasty to go with the Sunday Lamb, and requiring three items from our current over-supply situation.</div>
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<strong><u>Quince, Perry & Rosemary Jelly</u></strong><br />
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This recipe can easily be adapted to use apples of course, it's just we have Quince. Lots of Quince. Quarter <strong>4-6 Quince</strong> depending on size, and remove the core. Opinions vary on Quince pips, some say include everything, others that they can give an upset tummy. I don't like the taste of pips and can see no good reason to include them.</div>
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Chop the quince up into chunks and put in a large pan. Pour in just enough liquid to cover your chunks, water is fine, Champagne might work, but we used our own <strong>Medium/Dry Perry</strong> for extra orchardy flavour. I wouldn't recommend using anything that's artificially sweetened though, and given that you'll be adding sugar later it's probably best to stick to something drier in style.</div>
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Add a <strong>Sprig of Rosemary</strong> and bring to the boil. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the Quince is tender. Mash the whole lot until it looks like the mush below.</div>
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We're making jelly now, so you're going to need a jelly bag or some muslin to drain the Quince mush through, as shown below. Leave it to drip for a few hours, there's little point in leaving it overnight to be honest, it'll simply attract vinegar flies for very little extra juice gained. I'm sure there's something that thrifty jelly-makers could use the mush for, perhaps a batch of <strong>Membrillo</strong>, but we used ours to enhance the aroma of our compost bin!<br />
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You now need to add <strong>Sugar</strong>, 450g for every 600ml of juice you've got. We ended up with exactly 600ml. Heat the juice until it starts to boil, then add the sugar stirring to dissolve. Now opinion also vary on the type of sugar to add. Quince being fairly high in pectin already, many favour ordinary refined sugars. We erred on the side of caution and went for <strong>Preserving Sugar</strong> (not Jam Sugar, that's too high in pectin). At this point add another <strong>Sprig of Rosemary</strong>, leaves stripped off the woody bits and finely chopped.<br />
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Now for the difficult bit. You need to get your liquid up to temperature and hold it there for 10 minutes. 105C is the setting point, and if your cooker is anything like as crap as ours you'll struggle to achieve this. Persevere. Good luck!<br />
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It's at this point the dangerously hot syrupy jelly-in-the-making will turn a lovely shade of pinky-red, like an autumn sunset in a Worcestershire Perry Pear Orchard. Speaking of which, we made our jelly to the strains of <strong>Elgar's Symphony No.2 in E flat</strong>, <strong>Sir Adrian Boult</strong> conducting the <strong>Scottish National Orchestra</strong>. The album sleeve for this recording features a lovely photograph of a Perry Pear orchard in Worcestershire, overlooked by the brooding Malvern Hills. Seemed kinda appropriate...<br />
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Jar-up, push a small sprig of Rosemary into each jar, label, and wait for Spring Lamb to appear in the shops.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-69985344505035779602018-10-21T11:28:00.001-07:002018-10-21T11:28:23.530-07:00 Having Your Cake, and Eating It...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If I'd known it was <b>Apple Day</b>, I'd have baked a cake...<br />
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Well I did and I have, so happy Apple Day everyone. Here's a cake which whilst not strictly appley in nature, is straight out of the orchard and bursting with the kind of local distinctiveness that set Common Ground on the road to Apple Day in the first place.<br />
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A couple of years ago I took the hard but necessary decision of removing our three grape vines, scene of a handful of very fine red wine vintages, but in recent years more of a crime scene as plagues of voracious Wasps beat us to the ripening crop. Their place has been taken by a strapping young <b>Quince</b>, a <b>Meech's Prolific</b> c/o piggybacking on an order from our friends at <b>Torkard Cider</b> of Hucknall-in-the-North.<br />
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Prolific! Not-half. This is only its second season in the garden and already we've got far more fruit than we can deal with. Hence the standard late-Summer greeting of "Hello. Would you like some Courgettes?" has taken a Quince-like direction.<br />
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Quince is a moderately versatile cooking fruit if you accept that everything you cook with it will be slightly dominated by its massive tart and tangy fruitiness. It's a lovely flavour, but I wouldn't pare it with delicate fish dishes for example, or anything delicate for that matter. A cake is ideal though, so...<br />
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<b><u>Quince, Walnut, Honey & Perry Cake</u></b> (<i>Based on a recipe from 'Thyme' of Southrop Manor Est, Glocs</i>)<br />
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Peel, core, and chop three or four <b>Quince</b>, depending on size, and poach for around 45 minutes in a whatever you fancy. I chose some of our own Perry, plus a dollop of honey and a couple of Star Anise. Drain and reserve the liquor.<br />
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You'll need <b>50g of chopped Walnuts</b>, so if your nuts are shell-on as our were (another glut, this time from our neighbours), you may want to put some music on and begin the lengthy process of cracking and extracting. Incidentally, if anyone knows the secret to extracting Walnut innards whole and not in numerous fiddly bits, a 'comments' section is a available below...<br />
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Chop your nuts and set aside. In a food processor, blend <b>325g Caster Sugar</b> with <b>125g Butter</b> until fluffy. Add <b>3 Eggs</b> and a dash of <b>Vanilla Extract</b> and beat until combined.<br />
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Measure out <b>360g Plain Flour</b>, <b>1/2 tsp Baking Powder</b>, <b>1/4 tsp Cinnamon</b>, and <b>1/4 tsp Salt</b>. Add half of this to the batter until combined. Add <b>120ml Milk</b>, then the rest of the flour mix until combined. Fold in the <b>Walnuts</b> and <b>Quince</b> pieces.<br />
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Transfer to a greased cake tin and bake at 150C (Fan Oven) for around 1 hour, and 15 to 30 minutes.<br />
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Meanwhile, reduce the <b>Quince Poaching Liquor</b> to a thin syrup.<br />
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Check the cake with a sharp knife to ensure the innards are properly cooked through. Let it cool for a bit then turn out onto a rack. Poke holes all over the top of the cake and gradually spoon the syrup over so that some soaks in, some glazes the top, and some trickles down the sides onto the work surface<br />
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<b>Phone all your friends, you've got Cake!</b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-22101365161475305132018-10-18T15:00:00.000-07:002018-10-18T15:12:04.060-07:00A First Class Return To Dottingham - Pt.2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Nottinghams impressive Motorpoint Arena, as viewed from the main entrance on Thursday afternoon of the 2018 <b><a href="http://www.beerfestival.nottinghamcamra.org/">Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival</a></b>. Beer, almost as far as the eye can see. A comfortable crowd for a Thursday afternoon, starting to fill out as we called it a day at around the time the workers of Nottingham started clocking off and arriving. We'd done our job, the volunteer staff were sufficiently warmed up and ready for the locals, no need to outstay our welcome. Besides, whatever our goals were at the beginning of the session, there was little hope of achieving them by close of play, the choice, as ever, was really quite bewildering...<br />
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<b>The Cider Barn</b>, the beer festival 'safe space' for those of us slightly overwhelmed by the huge barrelage in the main arena. A smidgen warmer too, certainly cosier, something of a festival within a festival. Not an exclusive zone though. At least one of our party favoured beer for the afternoon. Nobody said anything...<br />
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There was an American cider (<i>above</i>),which was rather good by all accounts. I wouldn't know, I forgot it was on.<br />
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I did however try the award winners in this years <b>East Midlands Cider & Perry Competition</b>.<br />
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<b><u>Cider</u></b><br />
<b>Gold</b>: Sneinton Cider Co Completely Wholesome Apple Beverage - A straightforward sharpish dessert apple refresher. A bit apple crumble, cloudy.<br />
<b>Silver</b>: Three Cats Medium - On the drier side of medium. Clean, sharp, fruity, russet tannin.<br />
<b>Bronze</b>: Oakfield Farm Taste The Orchard - Sweetish medium, vinous cideriness, fruity, sharp, slight apple pips astringency.<br />
<b><u>Perry</u></b><br />
<b>Gold</b>: Blue Barrel Colwick Perry - Light, aromatic/perfumed, apricot and melon, with a bit of drying tannin in the finish.<br />
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Really good quality in this years winners, and surprisingly none were too sweet to my taste. Well done to the cidermakers who definitely seem to be raising their game year on year, and to the organisers and judges who've clearly recognised this. The whole point of competitions like this is to encourage and reward excellence, and I think we can safely say that based on this years results, the East Midlands competition is working.<br />
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Did I mention there was beer at the festival? Loads of it actually, including for me what is one of the best aspects of the Nottingham festival, the numerous stand-alone brewery bars dotted about the place. The outdoor bars have the feel of funky fringe venues to the main event, with bands, food stalls, and unlimited sunshine whilst stocks last. The Nene Valley Brewery bar (<i>above</i>) kept winking at me seductively, their delicious Pulping On Your Stereo a particular favourite that always gets my juices flowing, but we're regular visitors to the brewery tap in Oundle so it's all yours Nottingham.<br />
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A snapshot of the comings and goings at our bijou table in the Cider Barn. Just out of shot is the lengthy queue of friends and acquaintances awaiting their turn at the head table and a private audience with top cider and perry guru Ray Blockley of <b>Torkard Cider</b> (<i>mutton chops, Rolex watch</i>). Other notable appearances during the day included the infamous Charnwood Cider Jug Band.<br />
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What of the new venue? Well, from my perspective, as someone who generally arrives, stands at one or both of the cider bars, drinks a bit, then goes home, it all seemed pretty-much the same. Facilities are better, staff and volunteers nothing but helpful and professional, yes it's different, but not 'that' different. Thankfully there was plenty of seating available on a Thursday afternoon, as the arena seating itself is really not ideal for social drinking in my view. Besides, I climbed to the top to take the photo below, and felt a bit giddy when I got there...<br />
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It was good, very good in fact for what is in effect a debut in a new venue, and knowing Nottingham CAMRA and their work ethic, I've no doubt they'll be looking to make it even better in the years to come. I'm still no great fan of beer festivals, but the Nottingham CAMRA event is still special, and it's still on for a couple of days, so I recommend you get along and help make it the success it deserves to be. That way I can go again next year...<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-36527045947838863502018-10-17T06:24:00.001-07:002018-10-17T06:24:12.715-07:00A First Class Return To Dottingham - Pt.1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been nearly three years since my last post on this blog. Whaddaya mean you hadn't noticed!... With the award-winning <b>Rockingham Forest Cider</b> micro-business mothballed for the foreseeable future, it seemed to me there was little that hasn't been said before, or is being said bigger and better elsewhere, to warrant blogging just for the sake of it. So generally speaking I don't, and I won't. So it takes something truly special, something new and inspiring for me fire up the Blogger page, try and remember the password, and put index fingers to keyboard in the name of cider and perry.<br />
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Turns out <a href="http://www.beerfestival.nottinghamcamra.org/"><strong>Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival</strong></a> is that special thing. A highlight of the October drinking calendar for several years now, but in a shiny new 'inside/outside' venue for 2018. Thankfully the cider bar remains unspoilt by this necessary progress, featuring as it does the same awe-inspiring range of truly 'real' ciders and perrys that we've come to expect from probably the finest festival cider bar in the country, maybe even the world! No concentrate concoctions, no fruity cordial pseudo-ciders, and absolutely no Rockingham Forest Cider neither! Whilst we do have substantial stocks of cider and perry 'resting' in the ciderhouse, it's all reserved for personal consumption these days. We couldn't sell any of it even if we wanted to, which frankly we don't, so that's alright then. But I have to say that when it comes to the annual Nottingham jamboree, it's a great shame, because this is one of only a handful of cider bars that we've always felt proud to be a tiny part of...<br />
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So the festival has moved. Not very far geographically, but by the best part of a thousand years in time! From the historical grounds of Nottingham Castle, a site first occupied around the time of the Battle of Hastings, to a brand-spankingly newish arena where the battles are generally confined to the rough and tumble of ice hockey and comedy wrestling. The impressively appointed and bewilderingly named <b>Motorpoint Arena</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneYrPUQXEw6mx5hpZEs1pBklptkqEZbc4an0M2u4DKqbpr-YSV2gbJ1vWi15ebIaa7KpeAHPsPXddknQRGy4GoCdW5107mn5AIrk1muFYPnUc0FjGQOBYHnORkCfpeV8aIMygmvfNVrkb/s1600/58EC71B1-F7AC-424F-98B1-020554DEEAF5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1186" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneYrPUQXEw6mx5hpZEs1pBklptkqEZbc4an0M2u4DKqbpr-YSV2gbJ1vWi15ebIaa7KpeAHPsPXddknQRGy4GoCdW5107mn5AIrk1muFYPnUc0FjGQOBYHnORkCfpeV8aIMygmvfNVrkb/s320/58EC71B1-F7AC-424F-98B1-020554DEEAF5.jpeg" width="237" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now here's an admission, and quite a big one at that in the context of this post! Despite ample <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">evidence to the contrary on this blog and elsewhere, I'm not, as it happens, the greatest fan of the beer festival experience</span> [<i>pauses for gasps</i>]. In fact I rarely visit them unless there's a 'very' good reason. Don't get me wrong, I know that at their best, beer festivals can be a rollicking good day of social drinking, great music, and excruciating queues for the toilets, and I'm certainly not here to talk down the experience. I've lived and loved CAMRA festivals as much as, if not more than most, but in recent years my tastes have changed.</span><br />
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When it comes to drinking beer, I've very little interest in the kind of wide and wild variety that's de rigueur at all but the smallest festivals these days. I just want one that I like, and more often than not I want it in the convivial comfort of a well-run pub rather than a hall full of barrels and comedy t-shirts. I've not so much kicked the festival habit, as gone full circle and ended up back where I started, the pub. From a peak of maybe a dozen or more festivals a year, eagerly anticipated and thoroughly, sometimes overenthusiastically enjoyed, I'm down to just two, and one of those is more for the social side than anything else. Nottingham is a bit different though...<br />
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The cider bar at the Nottingham festival has for some years now been truly a site to behold. Huge! Huge I tell you! Carefully and lovingly curated by a tight-knit team of knowledgeable enthusiasts (<i>left - artists impression</i>), the choice on offer is really quite staggering, and with the added value that to the best of their knowledge, it's all very much the 'real' thing. Which is to say there has always been an insistence that the ciders and perries exhibited at Nottingham are as traditionally made and un-mucked about with as possible. This is a massive attraction for me, and in truth, the Nottingham Festival now represents one of the very few occasions where I'll happily spend the day drinking ciders and perries exclusively, such is the difficulty finding a range of drier pure-juice styles in pubs locally, and even at many beer festivals.<br />
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Another major draw for cider enthusiasts like myself is the burgeoning range of East Midlands produced ciders and perries, a range which has grown from what seemed an impressive number at the first Castle festival (<i>right</i>), to almost 70 varieties from 25 producers this year. That's a festival in its own right, and I look forward to trying this years award winners, albeit with a trembly bottom lip given that we've enjoyed a little bit of success in competition ourselves back in the day...<br />
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I'm hoping to meet up with some fully active cidermakers in the new 'Cider Barn' area of the festival, and your long wait for a post on this blog will be rewarded in time-honoured public transport fashion, by two coming along at once. I'll be taking my camera and trusty dictaphone along, and recording the whole shiny new event, with a particular emphasis on the cider, for posterity and your reading pleasure.<br />
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<em>Footnote: For those of you who think there may be a typo in the title of this post, ask your parents...</em></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-61313083706217345452016-02-10T03:44:00.002-08:002016-02-10T04:27:58.120-08:00Leicester CAMRA Cider Bar 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the hungry snail-bearing Thrush awakens mighty Smaug in his mountain kingdom, so too does Susan Kite rouse this sleepy blog from slumber with the gentle tap-tap-tapping of the </span><b style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">2016 Leicester CAMRA Cider & Perry</b><span style="font-family: "arial"; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"> list.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Real cider-drinking Elves and Dwarves everywhere may</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"> rejoice, for once again the wizard of Middleton can (as if by magic) break the joyous news a full month ahead of Durin's Day.....</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Enough of this Hobitty nonsense, here's the list, subject as ever to minor change. Rumours that the cider bar has been renamed the Prancing Pony this year are of course entirely unfounded, though not impossible:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leicestershire and East Midlands</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bottle Kicking Leicestershire</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_XKDHuDVMhvBqqif4a8xUgDLWA5ALwnKyVPZsvYQwGEGf_-1ZP-h0C1PdlFFhnCRcwfMIzluygNXqP2mgIXRLYGEFb63q-TRjuyNVJWhGwxisb4P2-qGav6CNufHwNMPZjQl2vrHHaMP/s1600/Cider+Revival.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_XKDHuDVMhvBqqif4a8xUgDLWA5ALwnKyVPZsvYQwGEGf_-1ZP-h0C1PdlFFhnCRcwfMIzluygNXqP2mgIXRLYGEFb63q-TRjuyNVJWhGwxisb4P2-qGav6CNufHwNMPZjQl2vrHHaMP/s320/Cider+Revival.JPG" width="318" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scrummage 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rambler 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Charnwood Leicestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Appley ‘Ave Another 5.6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disco Cox 5.6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cocky Fox 5.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Farmer Fear Leicestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium 5.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dry 5.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fynsburys Rutland</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gladstone Leicestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">101 dry cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rockingham Forest Northamptonshire </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dabinett cider 6.6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Saxby’s Northamptonshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium 5.4%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Limited Edition 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Skidbrooke Lincolnshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Others</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apple County Monmouthshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium dry cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Barkers Worcestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">perry?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Berriews Powys</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">organic cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Biddenden Kent</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cider 8.3%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Broome Farm Herefordshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perry 5.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Burrow Hill Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cadogan Gloucestershire</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">perry 5.5%</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Green valley Devon</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">vintage dry 8.3%</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Greys Devon</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">medium cider 6%</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gwatkin Herefordshire</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Farmhouse perry 7%</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Golden Valley perry</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gwynt y Ddraig Glamorgan</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two Trees perry 4.5%</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heron valley Devon</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hunts Devon</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mary Maude’s medium cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Marshwood Vale Dorset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yarlington Mill cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Millwhites Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rum cask cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nempnett Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Somerset Redstreak cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Norburys Worcestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium sweet cider 7%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Olivers Herefordshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">medium cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">perry</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 perry ?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rich’s Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Legbender cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seacider Sussex</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium cider 4.6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hardcore 7.3%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ty Gwyn Monmouthshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brown’s Apple cider 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ventons Devon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">whiskey cask cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Westcroft Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Janet’s Jungle Juice 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Worley’s Somerset</span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cider</span><span id="docs-internal-guid-600dad56-caec-6058-a535-b4a5e25bf4f4"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-59322822202996026892015-02-23T05:54:00.003-08:002015-02-26T11:27:15.675-08:00Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival 2015<div class="doc" style="margin: 0px 4px; position: relative;">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;">Like the gridlock and panic of an English snow-flurry, the arrival of the Leicester CAMRA Beer & Cider festival is something we can both rely on, and sneak time off work for, every year without fail. For this we give thanks to the hard working organising committee, and small platoon of willing volunteers which make this annual jamboree run so smoothly, punctually, and most important of all, fragrantly.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn5yS-GdqUh9AQAAxxeznNKQeeq6bRnUW48UgIWp-ts004YiatM48k4lCjAWb8s0xJt-fml45Tlf8T5ZvK1InADuZD6c0lISRJV933UN9cHPc7Fv65p76GGQPpXrB81uKlCjug3drud2w/s1600/10314497_884621334921366_2819508116024635502_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn5yS-GdqUh9AQAAxxeznNKQeeq6bRnUW48UgIWp-ts004YiatM48k4lCjAWb8s0xJt-fml45Tlf8T5ZvK1InADuZD6c0lISRJV933UN9cHPc7Fv65p76GGQPpXrB81uKlCjug3drud2w/s1600/10314497_884621334921366_2819508116024635502_n.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></div>
It's all reassuringly similar to successful festivals of the past, details of which can be gleaned from the flyer reproduced here. Over there. On the right.<br />
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Top cider and perry enthusiast Susan has assembled a collection of fruit-based drinks any medium-sized rock festival would be proud of, including many sourced so close to Leicestershire, they could quite accurately be described as being from... well, Leicestershire. Surrounding counties are well represented too, with only poor old Warwickshire absent. And Staffordshire.<br />
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Exclusive early access to the cider and perry list is something I've come to rely on. Lord-knows I've got little else to blog about on here these days. And in time-honoured fashion, I've not hesitated in breaking the trust Susan has placed in me, by sharing everything I know with you the reader. So here it is, the 2015 Cider & Perry list, as usual, subject to change without notice or excuse.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><b><u>UPDATE</u></b>: Susan has 'finessed' the cider list, the latest version uploaded here. Some notable changes, including the sad loss of early-season Torkard which is so early-season it may still technically be apple juice!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;"><strong><u></u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cider and perry 2015</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-e791d732-c755-09ae-18af-457903f6c8d7" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bottle Kicking, Hallaton, Leicestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dry cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rambler medium cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Charnwood Cider, Leicestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pure Charnwood medium Cider 5.6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apply Ave Another medium cider 5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disco Cox medium cider 5.6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gold medium cider 5.6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Farmer Fear, Leics</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thirsty Farmer medium</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Farmhouse strong medium</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jollydale, Lincs</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rockingham Forest, Northants</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Home Orchard medium dry cider 7.4%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Malvern Hills medium perry 8.4%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Three Cats, Morley, Derbyshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium sweet cider</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Abrahall, Shropshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dry cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Crackling Rosie perry</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Barkers, Worcestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium dry cider</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cadogan, Gloucestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium cider </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium perry</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chant, Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Singing cider</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chucklehead, Devon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium cider</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Double Vision, kent</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sweet cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sweet perry</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Green Valley, Devon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium Cider 6.8%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Grey’s Devon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gwatkin, Herefords</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yarlington Mill cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Farmhouse medium perry</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hecks, somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Port wine of Glastonbury</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blakeney Red perry</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heron Valley, Devon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium cider</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Marshwood Vale, Dorset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sweet cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Olivers, herefordshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shezam cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium perry 6%</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Orchard, Gloucestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium cider</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ross, Herefordshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perry</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tricky, Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medium cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sweet cider</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ventons, Devon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whisky cask cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Westcroft, Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Janet’s Jungle Juice</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Winkleigh Cider co, Devon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sam’s sweet</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sam’s dry</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Worley’s, Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Farmhouse medium cider</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-73602192607905471172014-10-21T01:09:00.005-07:002014-10-21T01:09:57.491-07:00Ciderhouse News - Cidermaking 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkcAmQmjf3d1VIlt33ohup7gKrWv6frkbElC_0z6MtPv0BIfs1ndFs3n4fRepK_Hg1xsL9pCZSDDaXKCijgqVNCQIo6_osM1kxk2fdmwCOSWCWFNEXq6sCQkZeaJdUl-3ua83dq1YDfmb/s1600/P1016788a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkcAmQmjf3d1VIlt33ohup7gKrWv6frkbElC_0z6MtPv0BIfs1ndFs3n4fRepK_Hg1xsL9pCZSDDaXKCijgqVNCQIo6_osM1kxk2fdmwCOSWCWFNEXq6sCQkZeaJdUl-3ua83dq1YDfmb/s1600/P1016788a.jpg" height="400" width="347" /></a></div>
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Here's a short round-up of what's been happening at <b>Rockingham Forest Cider</b> recently. As you'll notice from the pic above, we have a new certificate for the ciderhouse wall, having gone one better than our previous Silver effort in 2011 and won Gold for a <b>Green Horse/Red Longdon Perry</b> in the <b>East Midlands Cider & Perry Competition</b>. Competition organiser <b>Denise Wright</b> can be seen taking the full weight of the certificate, whilst I stand idly by in front of the impressive East Midlands wall of cider at Nottingham CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival. A great day out, c/o of all the hard working volunteers, but particularly <b>Ray Blockley</b> of <b>Torkard Cider</b> who put together this years impressive collection of nearly 300 ciders and perries from throughout England and Wales. In the spirit of friendly competition I'm encouraging Susan to go one better and present 301 ciders and perries at the Leicester Beer Festival next year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuVGaoBaWBrBQjNt-2vGiZe-_VAq0naGwkyrZKTtaLRemBWzNdOQCf45IrrfbRLWMX1KqlCDRYSVd5rhN1bKigrSrabDaHZ3pbYBK3l6E_zJWt_L9mxT92lokANEco9eikIZKspgsDOVZ/s1600/P1016766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuVGaoBaWBrBQjNt-2vGiZe-_VAq0naGwkyrZKTtaLRemBWzNdOQCf45IrrfbRLWMX1KqlCDRYSVd5rhN1bKigrSrabDaHZ3pbYBK3l6E_zJWt_L9mxT92lokANEco9eikIZKspgsDOVZ/s1600/P1016766.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></div>
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The innaugral <b>Cottingham Village Apple Day</b> was held at the end of September, organised by <b>Green Horizons </b>a Cottingham based project for families with children who are on the autistic spectrum. In addition to having <b>Red Kite Cider</b> on the pop-up bar we gave samples of a <b>Vilberie Cider</b> to a steady stream of thirsty cider fans on what turned out to be a proper Summer's day. A really great event, and very well supported by villagers and visitors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVcln8sGoOPUhBc1iGU8i7sdIOQgSUwXNxbPZiS4CHjsYoyONcV8ln3Z3rkToRZzlpDwhCRm2ILFIj_vX5TLRxr-mWdUuWucEZ3Hz0e42xc96tGN8-kMaIzTWUGTvYBehWwQ3bxRIm3vJ/s1600/P1016792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVcln8sGoOPUhBc1iGU8i7sdIOQgSUwXNxbPZiS4CHjsYoyONcV8ln3Z3rkToRZzlpDwhCRm2ILFIj_vX5TLRxr-mWdUuWucEZ3Hz0e42xc96tGN8-kMaIzTWUGTvYBehWwQ3bxRIm3vJ/s1600/P1016792.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Perry making is in full swing, which in the case of the 2014 season is quite a small childs swing with a sensible safety bar. No <b>Green Horse</b> or <b>Malvern Hills</b> this year, but some <b>Blakeney Red</b>, and a similar quantity of mixed pears which will hopefully make something tasty for next year. Needless to say this means there will be no repeat of our award-winning perry, and no Green Horse, which is particularly sad as this is my favourite perry of all. Sniffle!<br />
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The Blakeney Red has come out at a modest 1.049 this year, the mixed batch a more respectable 1.055. Fermentation is progressing at a nice even pace, and every day we pray for sub-zero temperatures in a bid to slow things right down and therefore retain some residual sweetness in the perries.<br />
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The very latest news from the ciderhouse is that the <b>Yarlington Mill</b> apples are in the process of being picked, and <b>Dabinett</b> (<i>below</i>) are still hanging on the tree. This year, in a break from tradition we will be collecting a tonne of Dabinett from a top cider and perry maker near Leominster.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-21256031219258887052014-06-24T11:11:00.000-07:002014-06-24T11:13:49.245-07:00Ciderhouse News - June 2014We're approaching 'Peak-Cider' time here at <b>Rockingham Forest Cider</b>, with both cider and perry (almost) literally flowing out of the ciderhouse and straight down the throats of thirsty customers. Almost! We do have to transfer the golden liquid into boxes and barrels to aid this process. Licensees help too with their fancy 'glasses' and stoneware cider mugs, for which we thank them.<br />
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It's an inevitable reaction to the hot weather. People prefer to move around a lot less in the heat, and what then are they to do with those idle hands and moribund legs? Might as well shuffle to the bar and order a pint. That's where we come in..<br />
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This coming weekend you might want to shuffle over to Oakham for pints (or halves) of cider at the almost accurately named <b>Oakham Ale Trail</b>. Fear not cider and perry lovers, it's not all malt'n'hop in the capital of Rutlandshire. Our regular outlet in the town, the terrific <b>White Lion</b>, has expanded its range to include our <b>Vilberie Cider</b>, <b>Red Kite Cider</b>, and <b>Green Horse Perry</b>. Exotic 'foreign' cider will also be available from <b>'Udders Orchard</b> of 'Uddersfield-in-the-North. Rare and unusual beers will also be available, as well as Maria's rare and tasty 'Craft' Pies (fully endorsed by the Rockingham Forest Cider branch of the Campaign for Real Pies) as well as other food type things.<br />
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Staying in Rutland for a moment, our <b>Red Kite Cider</b> will also be available at a mini-beer festival at the <b>Exeter Arms</b>, Barrowden. I haven't got a good picture of the Exeter Arms, but this photo of Saturday afternoon Cribbage play in the bar gives an idea of the kind of traditional village local it is. It's also home to the <b>Barrowden Brewery</b>, so expect some of the beers to have been sourced from literally 'yards' away.<br />
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Continuing to stay in Rutland for just one more paragraph, a <b>Rockingham Forest Cider</b> blend continues to be on tap at the bijou <b><a href="http://www.verandacafe.co.uk/">Veranda Cafe</a></b> at Wing Hall. Great food and regular live music evenings here too, including the fabulous Latin Jazz sounds of the <b>Sven Klang Jazz Band</b> on the evening of 5th of July.<br />
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In other news, the ciderhouse has now been fully fitted out with a vintage skittles table, something else to do with those idle hands and moribund legs in the Winter. This table will be making an appearance at the forthcoming <b>Cottingham & Middleton Village Fete</b> (5th July), as will a box of our <b>Red Kite Cider</b>. The date for this popular village event has (almost certainly) been set to celebrate the day after American Independence Day (possibly), although I haven't managed to get confirmation of this yet (and probably won't). Either way, come and celebrate 'something or other', with a glass of cider and a throw on the skittles table. It's what Summers were made for.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-87951545683818078502014-05-16T09:34:00.001-07:002014-05-16T09:34:23.486-07:00More May MerrimentPolish-up your Half-pint Tankards and iron your Bermuda Shorts, the bank holiday is very nearly here, and there's more cider and perry to be drunk than even I can handle. The unpredictable month of May promises to go out in a similar fashion to how it came in, quite literally littered with Beer and Cider (and Sausage) festivals to the north, west, and... well, mostly north and west to be honest.<br />
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We've been very busy in the ciderhouse ahead of the weekend. Racking and tasting. Boxing-up and tasting. Tasting a bit more, just so we're absolutely sure that everything tastes fabulous and fruity at the bunch-of-five events we'll be supplying.</div>
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We're particularly excited to have been invited to the very first <b>Charnwood Cider Festival</b> (24th - 25th May), the brainchild of award winning Leicestershire cidermaker Rob Clough (<i>that's him on the left</i>). In addition to the whole extensive range of Robs own <b>Charnwood Ciders</b>, there will also be local East Midlands guest ciders from our friends in the north at <b><a href="http://torkardcider.moonfruit.com/">Torkard Cider</a></b>, as well as <b>Green Horse </b>and <b>Blakeney Red Perries</b> from us-selves. Set in the shadow of Old John himself, the event would make a great refreshment stop after a traditional bank holiday walk at nearby Bradgate Park. More details below.<br />
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Once again, we're delighted to be represented at the <b><a href="http://newarkcamra.org.uk/festival/">Newark CAMRA Beer Festival</a></b> (23rd - 25th), with <b>Red Kite Cider</b> and <b>Green Horse Perry</b> in attendance amongst a host of other quality ciders and perries (and beers apparently!). One of several festivals on our list of 'might go' for the weekend. As ever there's just too much choice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCwLPwTi0LOa1LWvcIs_CWyshH2LtBqXxzoJHum6iQP6NzenyY12xxiGlbCnw_nNpDx_zGj_6NT2uFEajP5YpqQJf8QILLJYisQ-uBURmOE0hHHjRK7UcdCjUr3wVqBLQJu31TA7rUZst/s1600/10314732_248085692049650_2559018237474792197_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCwLPwTi0LOa1LWvcIs_CWyshH2LtBqXxzoJHum6iQP6NzenyY12xxiGlbCnw_nNpDx_zGj_6NT2uFEajP5YpqQJf8QILLJYisQ-uBURmOE0hHHjRK7UcdCjUr3wVqBLQJu31TA7rUZst/s1600/10314732_248085692049650_2559018237474792197_n.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a>Sausages are of course the perfect accompaniment to a glass of traditional cider. You didn't know! Well get on-trend and find out for yourself at the accurately named <b>Oadby Sausage & Cider Festival</b> (24th - 25th), which features a whole host of award-winning sausages, a similar range of fine ciders, and all located in the easily accessible village of Oadby. Well it would be wouldn't it! Our own <b>Red Kite Cider</b> will join the extensive line-up. There will also be live music, and plenty of people talking like the Wurzels all weekend I shouldn't wonder.<br />
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Our love affair with the tiny country of Rutland continues to grow. Not only is our <b>Vilberie Cider</b> available at the <b><a href="http://www.verandacafe.co.uk/">Veranda Cafe</a></b> at Wing Hall and the <b>White Lion</b>, Oakham, but an annual Rutlandshire event will also feature our cider and perry over the bank holiday weekend.<br />
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More evidence of cider/sausage affinity can be experienced at the annual <b><a href="http://www.grainstorebrewery.com/news-showpage.asp?id=220">Grainstore Cider & Sausage Festival</a></b> 22nd - 26th) in Oakham. The cider tasting takes place under canvas at the front of the brew-pub, and you'll find our <b>Red Kite Cider</b> and <b>Green Horse Perry</b> amongst the apple-y and porky delights on offer.<br />
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Just over the border, and back home in Northamptonshire, the annual <b>Village Gala</b> (24th - 26th) at Easton on the Hill will also feature our <b>Red Kite</b> and <b>Green Horse</b>. This looks like a fabulous traditional May event, centred on the <b><a href="http://www.thebluebellpub.com/">Blue Bell</a></b> pub which is where the beers, ciders, and much else besides can be enjoyed. More details below.<br />
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So there you have it. You can't say we haven't given you a choice!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-65835464721960994592014-05-05T03:58:00.000-07:002014-05-06T11:28:30.759-07:00Good Times Are Coming, But They're Sure Coming Slow..With all the news coming from the <b>CAMRA National Cider & Perry Championships</b> and the <b>Big Apple Cider Trials</b> in Putley this weekend*, I've been driven to spend rather too much time time in the ciderhouse. Too much time glaring at stubbornly fermenting tubs of cider and shouting 'COME ON!'. The question is, when will it end? When will the fruits of our Autumn labour deliver ciders and perries of potentially award-winning quality, and eyeball-dazzling clarity.<br />
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In truth the ciders are just about there, and the perries have been tasting fab for some weeks now. The 2014 sales drive is about to step up a gear, and it's here on this blog that we'll be giving you the heads-up on where we're at, and what we've got. Quite soon now!<br />
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Meanwhile, here's what's happening around the orchard and garden, because nature won't be rushed, and generally responds poorly to cidermakers shouting 'COME ON!' at it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Plenty of these about the garden</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The tell-tale holes in the wax reveal it should be another good year for solitary bees too</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2N3HkMCrW7jrfGq_mRWmkLRx7LecAZFVlSB07VVrY3-bS_rYNOhyphenhyphen7jh98nLSv_v4566nuLz1elOmMmLsWtWmLEZjf-I0Q-DqzveqOrVnFlEc-_gWzppO6f3KGHipNYGRVsyU4uvLI9DA/s1600/P1016060.jpg" height="318" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bramley Blossom, one of the prettiest in the garden</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hens Turd cider apple blossom on a cordon grown tree, with Hagloe Crab in the background</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Could do without this though. Canker on one of the pot grown Dabinetts. Currently in full flower and it's not unknown for a fruit tree to recover from Canker, but the trunk is completely girdled so the prognosis is not good!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Rhubarb, lots of it. Which is good as I like lots of it.</b></span></td></tr>
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<b>* Congratulations to all the winners in competition this weekend, many of which we know and have huge respect for as cidermakers and generally nice people. Full results from Putley can be seen <a href="http://www.bigapple.org.uk/cider-trials/">here</a>, with Sheppys Cider and Olivers Perry taking gold in the national CAMRA competition.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-11775800592253689182014-04-18T06:48:00.002-07:002014-04-18T06:48:58.548-07:00(Some) Cider is Go!With earthquakes hitting the tiny, fragile village of Rutland almost every day now, the <b>Rockingham Forest Cider Emergency Delivery Team</b> have literally strolled into action ahead of the Easter weekend.<br />
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In a bizarre reversal of normal earthquake disaster behaviour, reports suggest refugees are literally pouring onto the <b>Wing Hall</b> Campsite, though sensibly equipped with caravans, BBQ's, and an array of emergency ball games. Supplies of <b>Rockingham Forest Cider</b> have now been car-lifted onto the site, and initial reports suggest that there should be plenty of buns and cake at the Veranda Cafe to see desperate campers through the weekend in relative comfort.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The White Lion line-up today</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, Les at the <b>White Lion</b> in Oakham has reported that the pub was at the very epicentre of recent seismic activity. At the height of this mornings catastrophic event, glasses clinked alarmingly and Maria is understood to have been very fearful for her pies. Recent over-indugence of Hazelnut Porter by Les has so far <i>not</i> been ruled out as the source these dangerous vibations (boom-boom!).<br />
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Just to be on the safe side, we've delivered a stabilising box of cider to the pub, and can confirm that the pies have survived their ordeal intact and tasty as ever.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-57287225261472962832014-04-12T01:17:00.001-07:002014-04-12T01:17:41.820-07:00May I Draw Your Attention To... May!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The joyous season of spring is finally with us here at <b>Rockingham Forest Cider</b>. Dark and chilly winter nights are giving way to the longer warmer days of spring, and with it pubs and clubs everywhere are breaking Beer & Cider Festival bud, with bibulous blossom time predicted any day now. A joyous time indeed.<br />
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Of course all cidermakers know that the fruits of their Autumn labour won't be ready to drink until the first Cuckoo has been heard a-calling. Old cider-wives law to be sure, but it's been quite an accurate gauge for us here in the Welland Valley. Perhaps not surprising given that the kind of winter we've had, and the progress of more spring-like weather has a direct influence on both our fermentations and feathery migration patterns. It's cidery science really.<br />
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Anyway, the fact is that whilst there's been plenty of 'cooking' in the household, and the Pigeons are forever 'cooing', the two combined have yet to be heard in the valley. We have had reports of Cuckoo calls elsewhere though, and are that Cuckoos everywhere will be doing what they do best before the month is out. Karen has a wooden Cuckoo clock primed and ready just in case though...<br />
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Beer & Cider Festivals we're supplying in the near future can be found listed on the right hand side of this blog, but here's some more information to get you in the spring festival mood.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.walcotevillagehall.com/#!beer-festival/c1k1m"><b>Walcote Beer Festival</b></a> is being held at the Misterton & Walcote Memorial Hall over the bank holiday weekend. Walcote village has lost both of its pubs in recent years, the fondly remembered Black Horse, famed for authentic Thai food and local ales, as well as the Tavern Inn, home to the local skittles game. So this event will act as a kind of pop-up pub for villagers, and a well though out community event it appears to be.<br />
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We'll be supplying our own cider and perry, as well as a couple of ciders from our friends at <b>Hogans Cider</b> in Warwickshire.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.realalefestival.co.uk/"><b>South Notts Real Ale Festival</b></a> takes place at the Nottingham Moderns Rugby Club over the bank holiday weekend. I visited this festival last year and found it a very well run event, full to bursting with good local ales selected with help from the local CAMRA branch. Our friends in the north at <a href="http://torkardcider.moonfruit.com/"><b>Torkard Cider</b></a> have sourced the ciders for this festival, and a box of our <b>Green Horse Perry</b> will be travelling to Nottingham c/o our friends at the <a href="http://thebottlekickingcidercompany.co.uk/"><b>Bottle Kicking Cider Co</b></a> who are both also supplying cider and perry.<br />
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The <a href="http://maltshoveltavern.com/"><b>Malt Shovel</b></a> have held a beer festival over the May bank holiday weekend for several years now. Located a stones throw from the massive Carlsberg lager factory, the Malt Shovel has been reminding folk what beer should taste like since the early days of the real ale revival. It's also a great place to go to see what beer and brewing used to look like, the bar crammed with vintage breweriana, including items from the recently resurrected, and nearby Phipps Brewery.<br />
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We'll be supplying cider and perry to the festival, and I don't doubt there will be other local ciders available too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-73588053218798489442014-03-09T14:33:00.001-07:002014-03-09T14:33:30.931-07:00Green Horse Perry - Orchard to Glass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><a href="http://www.leicestercamra.org.uk/">Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival</a>, 12th - 15th March. Other perries, ciders and beers also available.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-66780076914737486302014-03-01T02:28:00.000-08:002014-03-01T02:28:09.339-08:00Ciderhouse News - March 2014<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BMzLxu-gRJVF5KAWQnBqvbqLmv_TtT1F6Nu-qrtsdd-1F8yY9UfpNAZ7rBinu5xdQxnHfgxeQL99xjHe7OVhvdBP4geLxPuuKxFrPyJqziVPbBWYYJXA33A4XYr8RsaIx4XQ5C2ekCC2/s1600/IMG_5534a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BMzLxu-gRJVF5KAWQnBqvbqLmv_TtT1F6Nu-qrtsdd-1F8yY9UfpNAZ7rBinu5xdQxnHfgxeQL99xjHe7OVhvdBP4geLxPuuKxFrPyJqziVPbBWYYJXA33A4XYr8RsaIx4XQ5C2ekCC2/s1600/IMG_5534a.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a>March is traditionally the month when cidermakers get all twitchy and restless ahead of the new cider-selling season. Signs of Spring in the garden signal the return of migratory cider drinkers, heralded by the cheep and chirp of e-mail requests for our new-season ciders and perries. Cider twitchers need wait only a few days more for the official start of the Spring cider season. March 12th to be precise, because that's the opening afternoon of the 2014 Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival, a festival renowned for it's ciders and perries. And beers.<br />
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News just in of a few micro-changes to the cider bar listing, so here they are:<br />
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<b>In</b>: Ross Perry, Wilcox Cider<br />
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<b>Out</b>: Barbourne Perry, Swallowfield Cider<br />
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<b>Shaken All About</b>: Green Valley Rum Cask is now Farmhouse Medium, the Gwatkin cider is a single variety Stoke Red, and the Once Upon a Tree cider is their Tumpy Ground.<br />
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In other news, our 2012 Rockingham Forest Sloe Gin was awarded 'Null Points' in the Great Easton Sloe Gin (& others) competition. The competition, a revival of long-standing village event, was held at the recently revived and re-opened Sun Inn. The judges had a tough job, with something like 30 entries to sip their way through, including the 'other' class which was won by a very moreish Marmalade concoction which we're definitely going to try ourselves. A bottle of our new season Rockingham Forest Slider was also available for tasting, which if we're honest was a good deal better than our Sloe Gin! Must try harder next year.<br />
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...and finally. Here's a recipe that's as easy to make as opening a Dairylea Cheese Triangle and spreading it on a piece of white-sliced.<br />
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Take 1 Juicy fridge-ripened Camembert, make a few gouges on the surface and insert thin slivers of garlic. Pour on some cider, we used some delicious Dunkertons Breakwell's Seedling, or if feeling particularly indulgent, Cider Brandy. Pop the lid on and bake until gooey and dippable. Crusty bread for dipping is all that's required.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-59109299732542777632014-02-20T14:36:00.000-08:002014-02-20T14:36:04.608-08:00Leicester Beer Festival 2014 - The Cider & Perry List<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-5063e16a-5160-682b-21b4-5e6fc8f5752d" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><u>East Midlands/Local Producers:</u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bottle Kicking</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Hallaton leicestershire </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Scrummage 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Scrambler 7%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Charnwood Cider </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bradgate Leicestershire</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">vintage dry 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">medium 6.6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Farmer Fear </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mountsorrel Leicestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thirsty Farmer dry 5.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thirsty Farmer medium 5.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rockingham Forest </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Middleton Northamptonshire</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Green horse perry 4.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Red Kite Cider 7.9% </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Torkard</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Hucknall Nottinghamshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Floppy Tabs cider 7% </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><u>...and The Rest:</u></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Abrahall </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bishop’s Frome Herefordshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">dry cider 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Barbourne </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Worcester,Worcestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider 6.3%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">perry 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Barkers </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hallow, Worcestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider tbc</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brimblecombe</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Dunsford Devon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cadogan</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Awre Gloucestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider
</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">perry </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Green Valley</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Clyst St George Devon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">rum cask cider 8.4%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Gwatkin</b> Abbey Dore Herefordshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider 7.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">perry 7.5% </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gwynt y Ddraig</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Pontypridd Glamorgan</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Black Dragon medium cider 7.2%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dog Dancer medium dry cider 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Pyder 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Two Trees perry 4.5 %</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hecks </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Street Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider tbc</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">SV cider tbc</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">perry tbc</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Old Monty</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Montgomery Powys</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider tbc</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oliver’s</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Ocle Pychard Herefordshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">medium cider 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">perry 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Once Upon a Tree</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Ledbury Herefordshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Orchard’s</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Brockweir Gloucestershire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ostlers</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Barnstaple Devon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sarah’s</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Ledbury Herefordshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Swallowfield</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Ross on Wye herefordshire</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wonky Donky cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tricky</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Taunton Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider 6.5%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Westcroft </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Burnham on sea Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Janet’s Jungle juice 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wilkins</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Wedmore Somerset</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider 6%</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yarde </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stoke Gabriel Devon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cider 6%</span></div>
</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-83546980517676170112014-02-09T05:25:00.001-08:002014-02-09T05:43:21.198-08:00Cider in Leicester - A Pub Guide (Revised 2014 Edition)Even though no license fee is required for viewing this blog (as if we could actually charge for this rubbish!), we still feel duty bound to deliver the occasional public service broadcast. It's been a while since we fulfilled this weighty obligation, <a href="http://rockinghamforestcider.blogspot.co.uk/2010/02/cider-in-leicester-pub-guide_25.html">March 2010</a> to be precise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyod0i_BVt8jOW4bhvE3fH4myC3-RGKKENiG8fpsOFoqH2iSRR8dRdH_3xNTV_E9vPqDkFK7cB5G65mqMu8jVpNAsOPMLWCravT9K0aJ2AmMQPdw9L_W0f_vOg5-psvW6mpZaeH-Sh4Ymv/s1600/P1015461aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyod0i_BVt8jOW4bhvE3fH4myC3-RGKKENiG8fpsOFoqH2iSRR8dRdH_3xNTV_E9vPqDkFK7cB5G65mqMu8jVpNAsOPMLWCravT9K0aJ2AmMQPdw9L_W0f_vOg5-psvW6mpZaeH-Sh4Ymv/s1600/P1015461aa.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
So with literally thousands of thirsty customers flocking into the city for the annual <a href="http://leicestercamra.simplesite.com/153091800"><b>Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival</b></a> (half a dozen of which are known to occasionally read this blog), I felt it was high time I revisited my magnum opus, the reasonably well-received <b>Cider in Leicester - A Pub Guide</b>. So here it is.<br />
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This list is probably best used in conjunction with a few halves at the superb Leicester Beer Festival Cider Bar, and is best viewed using the 'entirely-free-to-download' <a href="http://www.ge.tt/api/1/files/1hMn9Yu/2/blob?download"><b>Leicester Real Ale Trail</b></a> glossy leaflet add-on-with-map doohickey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOCqRtKExRQ2XNasnolQw428K-yjSwYccdkIoH9X_WvuKOimeM4OR87mcPyPQszoky8YA57Uch7TLB-ld57FJdKfRfiEMLQ_hDUsNy5t53gQ_PbUY7dRBH3gOC8un_DhmnRWWUUkP7Eol/s1600/P1015457a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOCqRtKExRQ2XNasnolQw428K-yjSwYccdkIoH9X_WvuKOimeM4OR87mcPyPQszoky8YA57Uch7TLB-ld57FJdKfRfiEMLQ_hDUsNy5t53gQ_PbUY7dRBH3gOC8un_DhmnRWWUUkP7Eol/s1600/P1015457a.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><i><b>Please note</b>: This is not a campaigning blog and I therefore make no judgement on the quality of any of the ciders mentioned, some of which will inevitably not meet everyones criteria with regard to being 'real' or 'traditional'. Also note that this list represents my own knowledge of the current cider scene in Leicester, broadly encompassing an easily walkable area from the beer festival site up to the rail station. If I've inadvertently omitted any pubs, or the information has in any way become inaccurate or obsolete subsequently, I apologise in advance. I'd had a bit to drink you see...</i><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.alewagon.co.uk/"><b>Ale Wagon</b></a>, <i>Rutland St/Charles St, LE1 1RE</i> - Traditional corner local close to the rail station. Wide range of ales, and a house cider from a large Somerset producer</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.everards.co.uk/our-pubs/barley-mow-leicester/"><b>Barley Mow</b></a>, <i>Granby St, LE1 6FB</i> - Recent Everards Brewery refurbishment close to the rail station. Guest cider(s) from Everards range*</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.everards.co.uk/our-pubs/the-black-horse-leicester/"><b>Black Horse</b></a>, <i>Foxon St/Braunstone Gt, LE3 5LT</i> - Lovely interior to this two room Everards Brewery pub, which received a sensitive refurbishment quite recently. Guest cider from Everards range*, though usually this is Westons Old Rosie</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.criterionvenue.co.uk/">Criterion <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Freehouse</span></a></b>, <i>44 Millstone Lane, LE1 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">JN</span> (0116 2625418)</i> - Pioneering Leicester ale and cider house, with the added bonus of regular live music, beer and cider festivals, fabulous pizza, and all-round city-centre grooviness. Occasional outlet for our own cider or perry (hopefully the case during the festival weekend), but always something interesting on the dedicated guest cider handpump, plus usually another draught cider or perry from the cellar.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://www.eversosensible.com/globe/"><b>The Globe</b></a><i>, Silver St, LE1 5EU </i>- Everards Brewery ale house in the very centre of town, now featuring a couple of guest ciders from the brewery range*</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-high-cross"><b>High Cross</b></a>,<i> High St, LE1 4JB</i> - The only Wetherspoon in the city centre which regularly features real cider. Usually two available, often GwyntY-Ddraig or Westons, but occasionally something more unusual</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.everards.co.uk/our-pubs/richard-iii-leicester/"><b>King Richard III</b></a>, <i>Highcross St, LE1 4NN</i> - One of Leicesters great unspoilt locals, close to the Highcross shopping disaster. Everards ales, and a guest cider from the brewery range*</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.thekingsleicester.co.uk/"><b>Kings Head</b></a>, King St, LE1 6RL - A proper local in the town, and a rare outlet for Black Country Ales in addition to numerous guest beers. Guest ciders from larger regional producers such as Gwynt-Y-Ddraig or Sandford Orchards</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.screampubs.co.uk/thepolarbearleicester"><b>Polar Bear</b></a>, <i>Oxford St, LE1 5XW</i> - Recently improved beer range at this 'Scream' pub included a Westons Cider on a recent visit</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.therutlandandderby.co.uk/"><b>Rutland & Derby</b></a>, Millstone La, LE1 5JN - Smartly refurbished with a strong emphasis on food. Guest cider from the Everards Brewery range*</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://thesalmon.org.uk/"><b>Salmon</b></a>, <i>Butt La, LE1 4QA</i> - Smart but traditional ale house near the main bus station.Popular with both beer enthusiasts and rugby fans. Usually two guest ciders from the cellar, often from regionals such as Gwynt-Y-Ddraig, or occasionally smaller local producers including Charnwood</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.sirrobertpeelleicester.co.uk/"><b>Sir Robert Peel</b></a>, <i>Jarrom St, LE2 7DD</i> - Recently refurbished Everards ale house, close to the rugby and football grounds. Two guest ciders, often from smaller producers, including those from the brewery range*</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.swanandrushes.co.uk/"><b>Swan & Rushes</b></a>, Oxford St/Infirmary Sq, LE1 5WR - Home of Leicesters original Cider & Cheese Festival, the Swan is a noted beer enthusiasts venue close to the rugby and football grounds. The guest cider was from Orchard Pig when I visited recently, bottled Thirsty Farmer Cider also available</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.everards.co.uk/our-pubs/tudor-leicester-leicestershire/"><b>The Tudor</b></a>, <i>Tudor Rd, LE3 5HT</i> - Another recent Everards Brewery refurbishment, sensitively done and retaining the two-room traditional layout of this backstreet local. A guest cider from the brewery range is usually available* </li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.steamin-billy.co.uk/western/"><b>The Western</b></a>, <i>Western Rd, LE3 0GA</i> - Steamin' Billy pub which usually features a couple of draught ciders. Bottles of local Thirsty Farmer Cider are also available</li>
</ul>
<i>* = Everards supply a range of ciders to their estate, including regional and national brands from <b>Hogan's</b> and <b>Westons</b> for example, as well as some local Leicestershire producers such as <b>Bottle Kicking</b> and <b>Thirsty Farmer</b>.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1Leicester, UK52.6368778 -1.139759199999957752.4826958 -1.4624826999999576 52.7910598 -0.81703569999995773tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-37649866018438445082014-01-25T02:13:00.000-08:002014-01-25T02:13:12.579-08:00Cider Leaks - Leicester CAMRA Beer FestivalOK everyone, sing along now: "It's the most... wonderful time... of the year"... Yeeeees, it's a happy time. A festive time. A snow-flecked, bunting bedecked, bawdy, boozy, jolly-big-day-out time. It's very nearly time for this years annual beer, cider, and curry 'Wassail' at the fabulous <b>Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival</b>. In Leicester. Did I mention it's going to be fabulous? The extra-absorbent party hats are on order, and everyone has promised to put their festive red noses on for the duration of what promises to be the city's biggest and very best festival. Of beer and Cider. And Curry. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5T-KQw9VIiPhyoSsAJ1ZwqIk7hASYlcbQA2xNVnXy-uLXM1Cxjz5LtsHzKp9kQgIWKvfTo0YrPjB6iVFQLex3f55ny6WHWAW7z3keWB90I6pOy3w1qT4fOSuE0NE7piuBTsJftFjSojrZ/s1600/leics+beer+fest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5T-KQw9VIiPhyoSsAJ1ZwqIk7hASYlcbQA2xNVnXy-uLXM1Cxjz5LtsHzKp9kQgIWKvfTo0YrPjB6iVFQLex3f55ny6WHWAW7z3keWB90I6pOy3w1qT4fOSuE0NE7piuBTsJftFjSojrZ/s1600/leics+beer+fest.jpg" /></a></div>
Now, tradition means a lot to us here at <b>Rockingham Forest Cider</b>, never more so than with the annual jamboree that is the Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival. For example, it's a much loved tradition round these parts to take cider bar manageress Susan firmly by the hands, and firmly insert those delicate pinkies into the ancient relic that is the Leicester CAMRA 'Watneys Red Barrel Thumbscrew', the most devious and frankly disgusting torture device known to womankind. This way we aim to extract precious and hitherto safely guarded knowledge regarding the cider and perry order for this years festival. Whereupon we splash it all over this blog.<br />
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Sometimes it works. Sometimes she cracks under the intense cuticular pressure. Sometimes it doesn't, but the look of unbridled joy on her otherwise terribly distressed face at the thought that someone has <i>taken the trouble to ask</i>! Well, that's worth a thousand blood-curdling screams in the night.<br />
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This year I think it's fair to say that it hasn't worked. She's clammed-up on us like a captured Mollusc of <span lang="fr"><i>la Résistance</i>. She ain't squeekin'. What can we do? Perhaps pressure of a different kind needs to be applied...</span><br />
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<span lang="fr">Blackmail it is then!.....</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiJJO_NOGWt6uDSz0_wWvp3Ulh_HLq8j5CoC506C7gFZkZVMs3iwHbKoX8C8-A1_FprhTW1hWFeO3hhQ_aYxK9F2K3xcFtvJkTeDnjkBpkghBj7BgnHtecc0YOTEWHg9wPdQpSh00orJY/s1600/Susan+Cider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiJJO_NOGWt6uDSz0_wWvp3Ulh_HLq8j5CoC506C7gFZkZVMs3iwHbKoX8C8-A1_FprhTW1hWFeO3hhQ_aYxK9F2K3xcFtvJkTeDnjkBpkghBj7BgnHtecc0YOTEWHg9wPdQpSh00orJY/s1600/Susan+Cider.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A well known cider bar manageress personality. Identity revealed soon... <i>unless we gets what we wants!!!</i></span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-62279777760563534102014-01-19T02:31:00.000-08:002014-01-19T02:31:22.994-08:00Harvest Home2014 looks to be 'set fair' for us here at <b>Rockingham Forest Cider</b>. Bumper crops and full-to-brim tubs were the theme of this seasons cider and perry making. So now seems as good a time as ever to take stock of what we've achieved so far, a kind of show-and-tell in the virtual ciderhouse. So come with me through the pear-shaped window, for a tale of bumper crops, broken branches, and more Wasps than you can flail an arm at, in the first part of this years <b>Ciderhouse News Round-up</b>. Mostly via the medium of pretty pictures:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3Pi3qz8A5YcBHBTMhswIgWO_QDM3kbLSgu8uBot5qCr2B2yhJX7qu_H8IL9GeXGD4sH58cHMWRzmYawfTd4hfYjKBokYZAluGUv9Ghifoa3LlFHXNYDb-oUr4DXKs_dMSyao1CIdRRkk/s1600/P1015047aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3Pi3qz8A5YcBHBTMhswIgWO_QDM3kbLSgu8uBot5qCr2B2yhJX7qu_H8IL9GeXGD4sH58cHMWRzmYawfTd4hfYjKBokYZAluGUv9Ghifoa3LlFHXNYDb-oUr4DXKs_dMSyao1CIdRRkk/s400/P1015047aa.jpg" height="340" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The 2013 Picking and Panking team take a well-earned rest on a pile of bagged-up Yarlington Mill cider apples. From left: Me, Him, Her, Ooh-arr!</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgVocvQc1QqKpxCF5vG5ueKOAKlqAVZPQuzrLAYvK9QxG1GoGSoIK_9DM9no6pkEl9LiWS3xWdSJ3tIpRH4_ABz2OqrfxjnWnkcSaGwvD3bd_fit2NYZ21wH0Y9ctw_j9t572aqTd2x8U/s1600/P1014882a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgVocvQc1QqKpxCF5vG5ueKOAKlqAVZPQuzrLAYvK9QxG1GoGSoIK_9DM9no6pkEl9LiWS3xWdSJ3tIpRH4_ABz2OqrfxjnWnkcSaGwvD3bd_fit2NYZ21wH0Y9ctw_j9t572aqTd2x8U/s400/P1014882a.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">This is one of the mighty Green Horse perry pear trees. A very good crop this year, so much so that it took a couple of days to harvest just this one tree. Sadly the weight of fruit and some high winds had already brought down a large branch, seen to the left in this pic.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1c8nkI1DblCuv1nCbw63rTelLFcNnt8K00qPjxB3ADWsvrBp6EJ0VUcXVYViJ5FqvkjMIWv42up8PVFGljs4EMwMkOQG4Iw3neJh-0AHQirKkUlSAUJ6FXZ_CndP-RvPVhNn0liCJuLb/s1600/P1014881a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1c8nkI1DblCuv1nCbw63rTelLFcNnt8K00qPjxB3ADWsvrBp6EJ0VUcXVYViJ5FqvkjMIWv42up8PVFGljs4EMwMkOQG4Iw3neJh-0AHQirKkUlSAUJ6FXZ_CndP-RvPVhNn0liCJuLb/s400/P1014881a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Karen & Susan draw breath and adopt the classic 21st Century Orchard Posture, all Posh Wellies and Android Phones. This pile of Green Horse pears required 'Tumping' in the orchard, mainly because Ninny-Boy Mark didn't bring enough bags on this trip. Oops! By the time the whole Green Horse harvest were finally hauled home to press, they were ripe to the point of pressing themselves under their own weight in the van, resulting in a trail of pear juice and Wasps all the way from Evesham to the Welland Valley.</b><b> </b><b>The damn Wasps still haven't left...</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JFuCUpdwpmNIVyW7ZpXMQ7XkDD5bsm8h5I05yqCN1g3kM7ewratFmLDg0Q2dbePMWIiTY3kXmQYSEeaawobYjFiiE7wP-Fak_mzdZymwpuqETHzND7q88SJjOIdzUnTBEFjp6Wjl2kce/s1600/P1014745a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JFuCUpdwpmNIVyW7ZpXMQ7XkDD5bsm8h5I05yqCN1g3kM7ewratFmLDg0Q2dbePMWIiTY3kXmQYSEeaawobYjFiiE7wP-Fak_mzdZymwpuqETHzND7q88SJjOIdzUnTBEFjp6Wjl2kce/s400/P1014745a.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">This is the Kingston Black crop, with Green Horse tree in the background. I don't know why I've included this, we simply didn't have time to pick these tiny but tasty cider apples.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQrS2su978zZcHlXY-PIDBpyqn8RORW70yUBBIiDitHJ-whzJW49nGgQ7qRcUjw3VssLcW7HTIxnkLfcXP4atgH7c4ivMRxoa255ygHRdTc7U32KrDJbGoLQN2NdHn5tUjm8FlQFmATIk/s1600/P1015102a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQrS2su978zZcHlXY-PIDBpyqn8RORW70yUBBIiDitHJ-whzJW49nGgQ7qRcUjw3VssLcW7HTIxnkLfcXP4atgH7c4ivMRxoa255ygHRdTc7U32KrDJbGoLQN2NdHn5tUjm8FlQFmATIk/s400/P1015102a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">A reflective moment on the final visit to the orchard in November. Those of you skilled in the techniques of road accident forensics may already have spotted this particular near-miss in the muddy tracks. It was at this point, heavily laden with over a ton of Yarlington Mill, halfway up the sodden hill in the pouring rain, that the Van got well and truly stuck. But thanks to the man-skills of John the orchard owner (and a LWB Landrover) we managed to save to day and get the van, crop, and a gently sobbing me out of the orchard and home. Thanks John, every home should have one.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YrBkQwEQzwyMq7eVq7Vieimx9WeJVvfFaYtTg6w6mJ8_BrM8yF40uNl6kF8hg1ToVgxf2ok9Wsy3Ifvsaz2dawMYGykF-7AjVhVjboVgRK_LtWjJzTLAjBWMNRCI3m_juq4ChuCAfYOG/s1600/P1015049a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YrBkQwEQzwyMq7eVq7Vieimx9WeJVvfFaYtTg6w6mJ8_BrM8yF40uNl6kF8hg1ToVgxf2ok9Wsy3Ifvsaz2dawMYGykF-7AjVhVjboVgRK_LtWjJzTLAjBWMNRCI3m_juq4ChuCAfYOG/s400/P1015049a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">More Android Phone action. If a jobs worth doing, it's worth photographing and uploading to Twitter immediately.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd72-E8s_uWa8BlRZ92Hhb3XUxBE6wOK-CTPf8FMhmxp7HexXa4JdusXLRlstvit8pC01CIyVU8NXLjqz0gBr0WZf9qqhbnxovSN3-URYroAOdmBqMgyXhYyCVDE4Qk12cIhaHRoVUSrBZ/s1600/P1015106a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd72-E8s_uWa8BlRZ92Hhb3XUxBE6wOK-CTPf8FMhmxp7HexXa4JdusXLRlstvit8pC01CIyVU8NXLjqz0gBr0WZf9qqhbnxovSN3-URYroAOdmBqMgyXhYyCVDE4Qk12cIhaHRoVUSrBZ/s400/P1015106a.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I've called this image, 'Man With Buckets Of Apples'.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w7FW0mbSlY9CSWyVseaILsEsPbmGXJW7N6snCurWaLLJSXJ3oyVqmjNJZDHUsgrz0cDfI06eA9ZKqbg2cOD1jvw7FHb2Zfo2J3r6ENk9svHSJ3Cyw4lIInHPEbCeAAxu9do3ScR4a9g2/s1600/P1015108a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w7FW0mbSlY9CSWyVseaILsEsPbmGXJW7N6snCurWaLLJSXJ3oyVqmjNJZDHUsgrz0cDfI06eA9ZKqbg2cOD1jvw7FHb2Zfo2J3r6ENk9svHSJ3Cyw4lIInHPEbCeAAxu9do3ScR4a9g2/s400/P1015108a.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">What it's all about. Yarlington Mill cider apples, destined for a pint of Red Kite Cider.</span></b></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-35048740568821637432014-01-05T03:04:00.002-08:002014-01-05T03:04:35.193-08:00Pie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H1SrL0OrAs-BrHbCngWCAdGRZ2XndiiZBfhhuQuCXD_DDuXj71_F_OFp2ai_l1DqZWjOLUnEKewSD_QfTUDhJ6umK_n-EZ5XT53nVIoQ8-v7F6qZCjG710JotJ3Rj14cYB4eNEEUCxzb/s1600/P1015227a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H1SrL0OrAs-BrHbCngWCAdGRZ2XndiiZBfhhuQuCXD_DDuXj71_F_OFp2ai_l1DqZWjOLUnEKewSD_QfTUDhJ6umK_n-EZ5XT53nVIoQ8-v7F6qZCjG710JotJ3Rj14cYB4eNEEUCxzb/s320/P1015227a.jpg" width="240" /></a>We love games here at <b>Rockingham Forest Cider</b>. Traditional pub games in particular, but we're not fussy and will have a go at just about any game given the chance. This week our game of choice has been Pheasant and Partridge. Because it's the game season. And we're nothing if not game for a bit of seasonal game, particularly when it comes in a lovely crusty-topped pie. With gravy. Yum!<br />
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There's game a-plenty at this time of year. Shooting & Beating friends often have more than they need, and far be it for us to look a gift cock, or indeed hen in the mouth. Besides, it's a tasty treat in the right hands, and all that messy plucking and drawing malarkey gives me a rare chance to pretend I'm a proper country type, rather than the soft townie chump I really am...<br />
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So... Here's our tasty <b>Mixed Feathered Game, Leek, Cider & Apple Pie</b> creation for you to bake along with should you wish:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAsWgLqC6-uuRjgwo-GaykU8k6JsDhgvQuNmagPtysEhmciwhV5rwrW73DWknhPrWyYtw89nhlDHQFy5UXVZsdNXIf1taURARpb9Bx6WX8FGEkwXussSgrMnXJSyEpHR5Jb-4vcGPsSSq/s1600/P1015298a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAsWgLqC6-uuRjgwo-GaykU8k6JsDhgvQuNmagPtysEhmciwhV5rwrW73DWknhPrWyYtw89nhlDHQFy5UXVZsdNXIf1taURARpb9Bx6WX8FGEkwXussSgrMnXJSyEpHR5Jb-4vcGPsSSq/s320/P1015298a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This made a generous pie for two which could probably stretch to four at a push. I used the <b>Breast & Leg Meat</b> from a <b>Pheasant</b> and a <b>Partridge</b>, plus half a <b>Free Range Chicken Breast</b> and a couple of rashers of <b>Bacon</b>. These all need chopping into chunks, which represents a great opportunity to look for any potentially tooth-bothering 'shot' in the game birds and also remove any particularly shot-up meat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhyHp4B244Vo70ROj4yYFKHPKpHuH1rID8lPAjxZFu80sgjTfgha9wKL6PTHiVNau336wUgRHXPByaDmUpUDyaVa-_rKlIjB3ag_bGQ9MMxJvyUqJYtOt-07qYYXEcDhi12KO-r5G5fao/s1600/P1015300a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhyHp4B244Vo70ROj4yYFKHPKpHuH1rID8lPAjxZFu80sgjTfgha9wKL6PTHiVNau336wUgRHXPByaDmUpUDyaVa-_rKlIjB3ag_bGQ9MMxJvyUqJYtOt-07qYYXEcDhi12KO-r5G5fao/s320/P1015300a.jpg" width="221" /></a>Fry the meat in a good knob of <b>Butter</b> until lightly browned, then remove from the pan. Add a little more butter or oil and saute a finely chopped <b>Leek</b> until tender. Return the meat to the pan and sprinkle with a good tablespoon of <b>Plain Flour</b>. Stir until the flour has been cooked out a little then gradually add half a pint of good <b>Dry Rockingham Forest Cider </b>(or similar), stirring to create a thick sauce. Add a similar quantity of <b>Chicken Stock</b> to thin things down a bit.<br />
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You'll now want to season the bejesus out of it, with plenty of good old fashioned <b>White Pepper</b> in particular. Add a bunch of <b>Thyme</b>, <b>Bay Leaf</b>, a teaspoon of <b>Wholegrain Mustard</b>, and probably a bit more of that lovely white pepper. Trust me!<br />
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Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes until all the game is reasonably tender. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and allow to reduce and thicken. In the last couple of minutes cooking, add a peeled, cored and chopped <b>Apple</b> to the pan. I used a medium sized <b>Blenheim Orange</b>, one of the last wizened fruit that didn't make it into the cider, but a couple of <b>Cox's</b> would work well too. You may like to finish with a little <b>Double Cream</b>, but this isn't essential. When allowed to cool a little, your mix is now ready to pie-up however you wish.<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">* Please note: Images are for guideance only. Other pies were made and photographed during the making of this blog post. Including one with mushrooms. Like the one above.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-71269293682423777812013-12-30T14:11:00.003-08:002013-12-30T14:11:51.555-08:00Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival<b>Breaking News</b>: The Leicester branch of the <b>Campaign for Real Ale</b> have issued a '<b>Severe Pleasure Warning</b>', with heavy Beer, Cider, and Curry conditions expected in the Leicester city area from Wednesday 12th March.<br />
<br />
Drinkers are being advised to '<i>...not stay at home unless absolutely neccessary</i>', to '<i>...go with the flow at all times</i>', and above all '<i>wear something waterproof, ideally Turmeric yellow to avoid risk of catastrophic staining</i>'. <br />
<br />
More news when we have it. In the mean time, here is the latest advice from Beer Festival Organisers on the ground, standing, and sitting comfortably in pubs:<br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-84647150068296073522013-12-18T10:57:00.001-08:002013-12-18T10:57:42.861-08:002014 Cider Blog Re-boot Kinda Thing<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKC4gI_IH_F7Vvsm8052k7kxkRYdz-X3Kwkshq4mQXm4qYHWX9bBZ3CWySVDHL9tetxEVfjof2vg2P3jfwr89TX4bjIX-nZvgEhlv2ZIt1Eg77R6GeTaj9HzrI0yI4bu5h40Iwhs887hu/s1600/IMG_3445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKC4gI_IH_F7Vvsm8052k7kxkRYdz-X3Kwkshq4mQXm4qYHWX9bBZ3CWySVDHL9tetxEVfjof2vg2P3jfwr89TX4bjIX-nZvgEhlv2ZIt1Eg77R6GeTaj9HzrI0yI4bu5h40Iwhs887hu/s400/IMG_3445.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some cider fans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's been a while I know. Several months in fact. Practically a lifetime in online media terms. It's been a long, <br />
long time since my last blog-session. An almost total cider-news blackout at a time when cider is 'all' the news. Unforgivable! Inexcusable!<br />
<br />
Actually, I do have an excuse, quite a good one actually. It's the weather you see. The terrible, unpredictable, thoroughly, predictably rubbish English weather. And the insects, those pesky insects. And the whole upsy-downsy nature of a seasonal pastime like cidermaking. Cidermaking you see is a game of good, bad, and indifferent vintages, and the fact is, the 2012/13 season was little short of a disaster for us and many small-scale cidermakers like us. Cold weather led to sleepy insects. Dozy bees gave poor pollination. Blossom withered, fruit didn't set, and we finished with a cider apple and perry pear crop as poor as we've ever experienced. This resulted in very little cider being made for the 2013 season, and barely enough perry to service our own gluttonous needs. Put simply, without the bubbling wellspring of cidery inspiration, without our fruity muse, what in all honesty was there to write about? What indeed...<br />
<br />
Well, I suppose I could have cobbled a few lines together. A bottle bought here, a festival visited there, a recipe, a pub, a year of orchard work and cider news... Hmm! Now I mention it!<br />
<br />
Maybe I was just burnt-out. Maybe I needed a year off from the constant grind of apple & pear, cider & perry, piffle & pun. Maybe I was just bored of the whole ubiquity of cider in 2013, where everyone and his dog seemed to jump on the chugging cidery bandwagon. Had the thrill finally fizzled out and gone? Had the rare and exciting treat of making and drinking real cider and perry become simply the latest over-supplied fad.<br />
<br />
In truth, it was all these things. A perfect storm of empty fermenting vessels at home, and a market suddenly flooded with cheap pseudo-cider and fruity alcopops masquerading as the real thing. In what was a very busy year in other ways, cider and cidermaking just wasn't the most important thing for us here at Rockingham Forest Cider. Our perspective had been altered, our expectations re-calibrated in a downward direction. But was it enough to make us throw in the towel?<br />
<br />
Not bloody likely!<br />
<br />
The 2013 Autumn harvest has been widely regarded as one of the best for many years. Quality seems to be good, with crops of cider and perry fruit big and bountiful, if a little later than usual. So the ciderhouse has lain empty for too long. It's time to get back on the cidermaking horse. We're back in the game, and just as enthusiastic about the product as ever. In the spirit of rebirth, it's time to dust off the HTML, polish the spell checker, and re-boot the Rockingham Forest Cider blog. Yay!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">.... what do you mean you've never heard of this blog!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2723429766218083394.post-51803235724803921862013-03-05T10:43:00.002-08:002013-03-05T10:43:50.441-08:002013 Leicester CAMRA Cider Bar List - Right Here, Right Now!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: black;">The 2013 <a href="http://www.leicestercamra.org.uk/Festivals/2013festival.shtml"><b>Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival</b></a> is only a couple of weeks away now, sporting a highly topical Richard III theme, and more ale, cider & perry than you can shake a chainmail gauntlet at. In time honoured fashion, the cider and perry list has been released well ahead of the beer and curry menus, all the better to plan your day and not miss your favourite fruit-based tipple.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black;">This list represents the current order, but may be liable to change following delivery nearer the date. All typos are the intellectual property of cider bar manageress Susan, I've just underlined a few things.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><u><b>Cornwall</b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Cornish Orchards</b>, Duloe </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Farmhouse
medium cider 4.8%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Vintage
dry cider 7.2%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Perry
5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><u><b>Devon</b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Ashridge</b>, Totnes </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Medium
dry still cider 6.8%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Brimblecombes</b>, Dunsford </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Vintage
2010 Dry Cider 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Green Valley Cyder</b>, Clyst St
George</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rum
Tiddly Tum cider 7.4%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Hunts</b>,Paignton </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sweet
cider 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Lyme Bay Winery</b>, Axminster </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jack
Ratt Cider 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>West Lake</b>, Beaworthy </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cider
6.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Winkleigh Cider Company</b>,
Winkleigh </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sams
medium 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Wiscombe</b>, Colyton </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Suicider
8%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><u><b>Glamorgan </b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Gwynt Y Ddraig</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Black
Dragon medium cider7.2%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Two
Trees perry 4.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><u><b>Herefordshire</b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Brook Farm</b>, Wigmore </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cider
6.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Perry
6.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Gwatkins</b>, Abbey Dore </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Farmhouse
Perry 7.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Olivers</b>, Ocle Pychard </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Medium
cider 6.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Medium
perry 6.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><u><b>Leicestershire</b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Charnwood Cider</b>, Bradgate</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Medium
vintage cider 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dry
cider 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Farmer Fear</b>, Mountsorrel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thirsty
Farmer medium cider 5.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thirsty
Farmer dry cider 5.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><u><b>Northamptonshire</b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Eve's Wilding</b>, Kettering </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Medium
cider 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Rockingham
Forest</b>, Middleton</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Red
Kite cider 6.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Vintage
perry 6.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><u><b>Somerset</b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Bridge
farm</b>, Yeovil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Perry
6.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Burrow
Hill</b>,Martock</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Medium
dry cider 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Chant/Naish</b>,
West Pennard</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Dry
cider 7.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Crossmans</b>
, Hewish </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Prime
Orchard cider 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Farmhouse
cider 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Hecks</b>,
Street</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Port
wine of Glastonbury cider 6.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Rich's</b>, Burnham on Sea</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Legbender
cider 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Sheppy's,</b>
Bradford on Tone</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Medium
cider 6%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>West Croft</b>,
Burnham on Sea</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Janet's
Jungle Juice 6.5%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><u><b>Warwickshire</b></u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>Hogan's</b>,
Alcester</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Hazy
Daisy cider 3.9%</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 1.5pt; text-indent: -.75pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Perry
5.4%</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0