Britain’s best cider and perry named
Harry’s Scrummage has been named Britain’s best cider and Nempnett Piglet’s Choice is best Perry.
Scrummage is described as a “sharp, but easy drinking cider that stretches to a long lingering and pleasant aftertaste”, while Piglet’s Choice turned the judges heads with balance and clean, fruity taste.
Judges look at the taste, aroma, flavour, after-taste and overall appeal of the ciders.
Reading Beer festival
The winners were announced at the Reading Beer & Cider Festival, held at Christchurch Meadows in Caversham over the bank holiday weekend (3–6 May), where more than 550 beers and 150 ciders and perries were featured.
Harry Fry, of Harry’s Cider, said: “I am overwhelmed and really excited about this accolade. It’s a huge achievement for the whole of the Harry’s team. I hope everyone enjoys the cider as much as we do.”
Nempnett Cider Company’s Keith Balch said: “It’s fantastic news and just shows what great products you can make from 100-year-old orchards.”
The festival marked 30 years of CAMRA’s campaigning for real cider, particularly poignant as members at the organisation’s recent AGM voted for continued support of real cider and perry.
Quality cider and perry
CAMRA national cider and perry committee chairman Andrea Briers said: “Huge congratulations to Harry’s and Nempnett’s for taking home the golds with their Scrummage and Piglet’s Choice respectively.
“While CAMRA has supported and campaigned for quality real cider and perry for over 30 years, the recent vote to support the long-term future of cider and perry has made these products firmly part of our campaign, alongside quality real ale.
“This is fantastic news for cider drinkers across the country who want to see quality, traditional cider and perry made from apples and pears form part of our future.”
Meanwhile, The Morning Advertiser is hosting the Cider Summit in Bristol on 22 June. Leaders in the section will explore the latest cider trends.
