Sandford Orchards Launches Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards 2025

Sandford Orchards has just launched the 2025 Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards which offer aspiring cider makers the chance to win an invaluable package of advice, guidance and guaranteed listings in the on and off trade. 

These unique awards, which are now in their fourth year, are free to enter, open to cider makers who are producing between 3,000 and 50,000 litres of cider or perry per year. 

The awards are aimed at supporting the future of cider in the UK. The closing date is 31st January 2025,so cider makers? Get your applications in ASAP!

Says Barny Butterfield, who is the Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards and founder of the awards: ”When we launched the inaugural Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards at the end of 2019, we had no idea they'd prove to be such a massive success. 

"I launched the awards because I wanted to give something back to the industry that I love and I wanted to ensure fledgling cider makers, who share my passion for real cider, were given the opportunity to thrive."

He went on to say: "Business is undoubtedly tough and it can be really daunting trying to get started. We're obviously keen to support emerging cider makers in order to secure the future of quality cider enjoyment for generations to come and the response since the launch in 2019 has been incredibly encouraging. There's really a hugely talented pool of new cider makers in the UK and we are looking forward to meeting more of them as part of the 2025 awards process.”

The Breakthrough Cider Maker Award entrants will be judged by industry experts including Tom Oliver, Gabe Cook and Mary Topp and the winner will receive a prize package that includes a £500 Vigo voucher, a listing at their local Stable Pizza, a listing at The London Cider House, a Sandford Orchards collaboration limited edition cider and a visit by Sandford Orchards' cider makers to offer practical help and advice about set up. 

The two runners up will both receive a £200 voucher from Bag In Box Shop UK and all three winners will receive a 12 month listing at Darts Farm, Devon and a 12 month listing on www.sandfordorchards.co.uk. Plus, everyone who enters will receive personalised, practical and actionable feedback and advice.

Andy Jenkins (pictured) from Ganley and Naish, the most recent winners of the award comments: “Winning the award proved to myself that I can make cider, and more importantly produce cider to a good standard. As silly as it might sound to some, having peer approval has been hugely validating. Being in the company of amazing previous winners and runners up, is an exclusive club that I'm going to cherish forever.”

Gabe Cook, The Ciderologist and awards' judge adds: “It's a genuine pleasure and a real joy to be part of these utterly unique and crucial Breakthrough Cider Awards. 

"To give small cider makers not only a platform to shine, but to have real financial and technical support is fabulous. Bravo to Sandford Orchards for, not for the first time, thinking about the big picture and giving something back to the cider community.”

The Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards were launched by Sandford Orchards at the end of 2019 and aim to recognise and celebrate excellent quality whole juice ciders from all over the UK. 

A spokesman for Sandford Orchards said: We'd like to thank Vigo, The Bag In Box Shop, The Stable and The London Cider House for their support and prize donations.

For further information on the Sandford Orchards Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk/cider-awards or follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and  Instagram.

Sandford Orchards' Devon Red Cider Scoops More Awards

Fiercely independent and proudly family-owned Sandford Orchards  is celebrating two more awards for its hugely popular session cider, Devon Red. 

It's just scooped a well-deserved Gold at the Food Drink Devon Awards and a Silver at the Great British Food Awards. These are in addition to the Gold it was awarded at the Taste of The West Awards earlier this year.

Says Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards: “Devon Red's our flagship cider and the one that is most well-known and widely adored by our fans. 

"Just last year it was voted 'best drink' by the readers of Food Lifestyle Magazine. However, we are sometimes, perhaps, a little complacent about just how good it is. 

"So this year, we decided to put this to the test with the professionals and entered it into three award competitions. We are thrilled to say it's returned victorious from each one. Across the board, the judging panels, which included some leading drinks experts, recognised Devon Red as an award-winning cider.” 

Devon Red (ABV 4.5%) is a naturally tasty and utterly delicious, crisp and fruity cider. It takes its name from the rich red Devon soil that gives the orchards their distinctive quality. It's a refreshing, balanced apple cider packed with the juice of Farmers Glory, Dabinett and Sweet Alford apples, all grown and pressed within Devon.

The Great British Food Awards were launched in 2014 to celebrate the country's finest artisanal produce, as well as the hard-working people behind the scenes. 

This year's awards were judged by some incredibly high profiled industry experts including michelin-starred chefs, Raymond Blanc and Michele Roux junior and TV personality and drinks expert, Olly Smith.

The Food Drink Devon Awards, now in their 13th year, celebrate the best food and drink the region has to offer. This year over 340 products were judged by a panel of independent, unbiased experts which included renowned drinks writers Fiona Beckett and Susy Atkins and TV drinks presenter, Andy Clarke.

Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK. The area has long been known as one of the most fertile parishes in all of Britain, both for its grazing and ability to grow apples. Crediton sits in the lee of the moors, so receives just the perfect amount of rain and the right units of heat during the summer months.

Sandford Orchards takes a fresh, natural and low impact approach to producing cider. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.

For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram. 

A Refreshing Trend: The Rise of Low and No Alcohol Beverages in the UK

Over the past few years, a significant shift has occurred in the UK’s drinking culture. 

Gone are the days when choosing not to drink alcohol meant limited options of sugary soft drinks or bland non-alcoholic beers. 

The market for low and no-alcohol wines, beers, and ciders has exploded, offering a range of flavourful, sophisticated, and refreshing alternatives for those who want to cut back on alcohol without compromising on taste or the social experience.

Why the Surge in Low and No Alcohol Drinks?

Several factors have contributed to the increasing demand for alcohol-free and low-alcohol beverages. Changing lifestyles, growing awareness of health and wellness, and the global push towards mindful drinking have all played their part. Many people, from millennials to older generations, are seeking out healthier choices, reducing their alcohol consumption in favour of drinks that are lighter in calories but still deliver a full-flavoured experience.

The rise of initiatives like Dry January and Sober October have also contributed to this movement. These campaigns encourage temporary abstinence from alcohol, promoting a more balanced approach to drinking. At the same time, the quality of low and no-alcohol alternatives has vastly improved, making it easier for people to enjoy a great drink without feeling like they are missing out.

The Evolution of Non-Alcoholic Wines

Traditionally, non-alcoholic wines had a bad reputation for being overly sweet or lacking the depth and complexity of their alcoholic counterparts. However, new production methods, including better dealcoholisation processes, have significantly enhanced the flavour profiles of alcohol-free wines, bringing them closer to the real thing.

One standout brand in this category is Eisberg, which produces a range of alcohol-free wines including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé. Their wines offer an authentic experience, boasting the full-bodied character and refreshing crispness you'd expect from a good glass of wine, minus the alcohol.

Another player in this space is McGuigan Zero, an Australian brand that has expanded into the UK market. Known for its Chardonnay and Shiraz varieties, McGuigan Zero's alcohol-free offerings are crafted to retain the richness and fruitiness of traditional wines, making them a fantastic option for those seeking a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.

Beer Goes Low or No Alcohol – and it’s Delicious!

The no-alcohol beer market has experienced a similar revolution. Craft breweries and large brands alike have been refining their recipes, using advanced brewing techniques to produce low and no-alcohol beers that taste just as satisfying as their boozy counterparts.

Leading the charge is BrewDog, a Scottish brewery known for its innovation. Their Punk AF (Alcohol Free) has won many fans, offering a hoppy and fruity pale ale experience without the alcohol. BrewDog has expanded its alcohol-free range with options like Nanny State, a malty, slightly bitter brew, perfect for those who still crave the richness of traditional ales.

Another noteworthy brand is Heineken 0.0, which has taken the UK market by storm with its smooth, refreshing taste that mirrors the original Heineken, but without the alcohol. With its easy availability in pubs and supermarkets, it's now a go-to for those looking to enjoy a beer without the effects of alcohol.

Guinness 0.0 is a very tasty alcohol free stout which tastes very similar to its older alcoholic cousin. Available in many supermarkets, off licences and some pubs including the Wetherspoon chain.

For those who love lager, Beck’s Blue continues to be a strong contender, maintaining its crisp, clean flavour, making it a familiar choice for anyone seeking a zero-alcohol option.

Ciders: Fruity and Fresh, Minus the Booze

Cider lovers are also well catered for in the low and no-alcohol category. Traditionally a high-alcohol drink due to its fermentation process, cider now offers an exciting array of lighter options that don’t skimp on the refreshing, fruity taste that has made it so popular.

Kopparberg has been a trailblazer in this area, with alcohol-free versions of its famous fruity ciders, such as the Alcohol-Free Mixed Fruit and Alcohol-Free Strawberry & Lime. These drinks still pack in all the juicy, vibrant flavours that Kopparberg is known for, making them a great choice for summer gatherings or casual sipping.

Another cider brand worth mentioning is Old Mout, whose Alcohol-Free Berries & Cherries cider is a delightful mix of sweet and tangy berries, perfect for those who enjoy a fruit-forward cider without the alcohol.

The Future is Low and No Alcohol

As demand for low and no-alcohol beverages continues to rise, we can expect to see even more innovation in this space. Whether it's for health reasons, a desire to cut back, or simply to enjoy a great-tasting drink without the effects of alcohol, UK consumers are increasingly spoilt for choice. With brands like Eisberg, BrewDog, Heineken, and Kopparberg leading the way, the days of feeling left out when choosing alcohol-free drinks are well and truly over.

Cheers to a future filled with more flavourful, inclusive, and refreshing options for everyone!

Cooking with Cider: A British Culinary Delight

Cider (the alcoholic type, obviously!) a traditional British beverage made from fermented apples, is not only a refreshing drink but also a versatile ingredient in cooking. 

Its sweet, tart, and sometimes slightly bitter profile can add depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes. Whether you prefer a crisp dry cider or a rich, sweet variety, there's a place for it in your kitchen. 

Let's explore the art of cooking with alcoholic cider and how it can enhance your culinary creations.

Why Cook with Cider?

Cider's unique flavour profile makes it a fantastic ingredient in both savoury and sweet dishes. Here's why you should consider cooking with cider:

Natural Sweetness and Acidity: Cider adds a natural sweetness and acidity, which can balance and enhance the flavours of your dish. It works particularly well with pork, poultry, and seafood.

Tenderising Properties: Like many alcoholic beverages, cider can help tenderise meats, making them juicy and mote flavourful.

Versatility: Cider can be used in marinades, sauces, stews, and even desserts. Its fruity undertones bring a fresh and vibrant taste to your cooking.

Seasonal Appeal: Cider, especially when paired with autumnal ingredients like apples, pears, and spices, brings a seasonal warmth to dishes, perfect for cooler weather.

Choosing the Right Cider

The type of cider you use can significantly affect the outcome of your dish. Here’s a guide to selecting the right cider:

Dry Cider: This type has a crisp, clean taste with less sweetness. It's excellent for savoury dishes like sauces and braises, where a less sweet profile is desired.

Medium Cider: With a balance of sweetness and acidity, medium cider is versatile and can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes.

Sweet Cider: Rich and fruity, sweet cider is perfect for desserts and dishes that benefit from a sweeter flavour. It’s also great for glazing meats.

Flavoured Ciders: Some ciders are infused with other fruits or spices. These can add an extra layer of flavour to your dishes but should be used thoughtfully to avoid overpowering the primary ingredients.

Classic British Dishes with Cider

Cider-Braised Pork: Pork and cider are a classic combination. The cider tenderises the pork and infuses it with a subtle apple flavour. A dry or medium cider is ideal for this dish, paired with herbs like rosemary or sage.

Cider and Onion Soup: A twist on the traditional French onion soup, this British version uses cider instead of wine. The cider adds a fruity depth to the caramelised onions, making for a comforting and hearty soup.

Cider-Glazed Chicken: A sweet cider glaze can transform simple roasted chicken into a succulent, flavourful dish. The cider caramelises as it cooks, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.

Apple and Cider Cake: For dessert, an apple and cider cake is a delightful choice. The cider adds moisture and a subtle tang, complementing the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Tips for Cooking with Cider

Balance the Sweetness: Cider can be sweet, so balance it with acidic or savoury ingredients. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of mustard can help achieve this.

Reduce for Intensity: If you want to intensify the cider's flavour, reduce it by simmering. This concentrates the flavours, making them more pronounced.

Pair with Complementary Flavours: Think about the flavours that pair well with apples—such as pork, chicken, cinnamon, and sage—when choosing recipes to use cider in.

Experiment and Enjoy

Cooking with alcoholic cider is a delightful way to explore new flavours and enhance your dishes. Whether you're creating a comforting stew, a flavourful sauce, or a delectable dessert, cider can add a unique twist. So, next time you're planning a meal, consider reaching for a bottle of cider—not just for drinking, but for cooking too.

Cheers to culinary creativity and delicious results!

Book Review: Rethink Cider by Jane Peyton

Rethink Cider by Jane Peyton is a delightful and comprehensive exploration of the world of cider, offering readers a refreshing perspective on this often underappreciated beverage. 

With her background as an award-winning drinks educator and writer, Peyton brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the subject, making this book both informative and engaging.

From the outset, Peyton sets the tone by dispelling common myths about cider, positioning it as a complex and versatile drink that deserves the same respect as wine or beer.

 Her writing style is approachable and witty, making the book accessible to both novices and seasoned cider enthusiasts alike.

The structure of the book is well-organised, guiding readers through the history, production, and varieties of cider with clarity and detail. Peyton delves into the rich history of cider-making, tracing its roots back to ancient times and highlighting its significance in different cultures. Her historical anecdotes are not only fascinating but also underscore the long-standing tradition and craftsmanship behind cider production.

One of the standout features of Rethink Cider is Peyton's thorough explanation of the cider-making process. She breaks down each step, from orchard management and apple selection to fermentation and bottling, with precision and enthusiasm. The inclusion of interviews with cider makers and industry experts adds depth to her explanations, offering readers insider perspectives on the challenges and joys of crafting cider.

Peyton also excels in showcasing the diversity of cider. She explores various styles, from traditional British scrumpy to modern craft ciders, and provides tasting notes and pairing suggestions that encourage readers to experiment and appreciate the full spectrum of flavours and aromas. Her descriptions are vivid and evocative, making it easy for readers to imagine the taste and character of each cider.

In addition to the technical and historical aspects, Rethink Cider is peppered with practical advice for cider enthusiasts. Peyton offers tips on how to properly taste and evaluate cider, as well as recommendations for building a cider collection. Her guidance is practical and encouraging, empowering readers to deepen their appreciation and knowledge of cider.

The book is also visually appealing, with high-quality photographs and illustrations that complement the text. The images of orchards, cider-making equipment, and beautifully presented cider glasses enhance the overall reading experience and highlight the artisanal nature of cider production.

One of the most compelling aspects of Rethink Cider is Peyton's infectious enthusiasm for her subject. Her passion for cider is evident on every page, and she successfully conveys the joy and satisfaction that comes from exploring and savouring this unique beverage. By the end of the book, readers are likely to feel inspired to seek out new ciders and perhaps even try their hand at cider-making.

In conclusion, Rethink Cider is a must-read for anyone interested in cider, whether they are newcomers or seasoned aficionados. Jane Peyton has crafted a thoroughly enjoyable and educational book that celebrates the rich history, intricate production, and diverse flavours of cider. Her engaging writing style, combined with her expert knowledge and passion, make this book a valuable addition to any drinks library.

The Philosophy of Cider By Jane Peyton

Publisher:  British Library Publishing

ISBN: 9 78-0712355056

RRP:  £10

Available from book retailers.  Signed copies from:  www.School-of-Booze.com/shop. 

Cooking with Wine, Spirits, Beers, and Ciders: Elevate Your Culinary Creations

Cooking with alcohol is a time-honoured tradition that adds depth, flavour, and complexity to a variety of dishes. 

Whether it's wine, spirits, beers, or ciders, each type of alcohol brings its own unique characteristics to the table. 

Here, we'll explore how to incorporate these ingredients into your cooking, enhancing your culinary creations in delightful and unexpected ways.

Wine: The Classic Choice

Wine is perhaps the most versatile and commonly used alcohol in cooking. Both red and white wines can transform dishes, from adding acidity to bringing out the richness in ingredients.

Red Wine: Ideal for hearty dishes like beef stews, braised meats, and tomato-based sauces. The tannins and rich flavours of red wine pair well with robust ingredients, enhancing the overall taste.

White Wine: Best for lighter fare such as seafood, chicken, and creamy sauces. White wine can add a bright, acidic note that balances rich flavours and adds depth to the dish.

Tip: When cooking with wine, choose one that you'd enjoy drinking. The quality of the wine affects the final taste of your dish.

Spirits: The Bold Addition

Spirits such as brandy, rum, whisky, and vodka can introduce bold flavours and a touch of sophistication to your cooking.

Brandy: Often used in flambéing and in sauces for desserts like crêpes suzette. It adds a deep, caramel-like flavour.

Rum: Perfect for both sweet and savoury dishes. It’s great in marinades for pork and chicken, and adds a rich sweetness to desserts.

Whisky: Adds a smoky, intense flavour to sauces and marinades, particularly for red meats.

Vodka: Commonly used in vodka sauce for pasta, it enhances the flavours without overpowering the dish.

Tip: When using spirits, a little goes a long way. Start with small quantities and adjust according to taste.

Beers: The Surprising Ingredient

Beer can add a unique dimension to your cooking, from tenderising meats to adding depth to sauces and batters.

Lagers: Light and crisp, they are great for batters (think fish and chips) and can be used in light soups and stews.

Ales and Stouts: These have a more robust flavour, perfect for hearty stews, braises, and even in baking (like in chocolate cake for a deeper flavour).

Tip: Beer can sometimes impart a bitter taste, so balance it with sweet or acidic ingredients.

Ciders: The Fruity Touch

Cider, whether sweet or dry, can introduce a delightful fruity note to both sweet and savoury dishes.

Dry Cider: Works well with pork, chicken, and root vegetables. It can be used in braising or as a marinade, adding a subtle apple flavour.

Sweet Cider: Great in desserts, such as apple cakes or caramel sauces, adding a natural sweetness and apple essence.

Tip: Like wine, choose a cider that you enjoy drinking, as its flavour will be prominent in your dish.

Cooking Tips and Considerations

Alcohol Content: Cooking reduces the alcohol content but doesn't eliminate it entirely. Consider this if serving to children or those who avoid alcohol.

Balancing Flavours: Alcohol can intensify both sweet and savoury flavours. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly.

Cooking Time: The longer the alcohol cooks, the more its flavours meld with the dish. However, for delicate dishes, adding it towards the end can preserve its subtle notes.

Conclusion

Cooking with wine, spirits, beers, and ciders can elevate your dishes, adding layers of flavour and complexity. Experiment with these ingredients to discover new taste profiles and enhance your culinary repertoire. Remember to use good quality alcohol and balance its flavours with the other components of your dish. Cheers to delightful cooking adventures!

Sandford Orchards Triumphs With 'Lost Apple' Ciders at UK's Oldest Cider Competition

Sandford Orchards is celebrating a massive victory at the Devon County Show after winning a stunnig seven out of a potential nine medals, Reserve Champion and Supreme Champion with ciders created using ancient apple varieties  which were recently discovered as part of Sandford Orchards' innovative DNA mapping project.

Said Barny Butterfield, founder of Sandford Orchards: “ We were able to press long-forgotten apple varieties which were discovered whilst we were working with the University of Bristol to uncover and preserve lost cider apple cultivars. 

"We entered the resulting ciders into The Westcountry Cider Championships: And they swept the board! We're really thrilled with earning these medals which are a celebration of our efforts to find and rescue the very best apples that produce the most delicious cider.”

Sandford Orchards is leading a DEFRA funded Innovate UK project with Keith Edwards, Emeritus Professor of Crop Genetics at Bristol University, to identify and map apple varieties in their ancient orchards and beyond. 

By punching a tiny hole in leaves from individual trees, they are obtaining samples for DNA fingerprinting from thousands of apple trees with the aim of locating, preserving and propagating unique and threatened varieties. The results of their research will assist them in efforts to save lost apple trees and plan for diversity and climate-resilience in their orchards.

Barny adds: "This is beyond exciting, we were hoping we'd uncover something special, but we never imagined that the results would be so strong. 

"There's been tragic, generational loss of orchards in the West of England, with glorious varieties quietly disappearing from our landscape, and, of course, with them recipes of centuries of cider makers. This stops right now!

"To my mind this is an utterly remarkable result, a rebuke from the old orchards. I feel we've been neglecting our role as custodians, we've simply forgotten to listen and to look and to taste, and here is the most fabulous evidence of what can be done if we make the effort to understand the huge diversity of fruit we have at our fingertips."

James Crowden, cider maker and author of 'Cider Country' was one of the cider judges at the show. He says: “This cider is rich, complex, fruity with depth and subtlety reminiscent of cider from 50 years back. It celebrates the rich harvest from old Devon cider apple trees whose names we've forgotten.  It's a blast from the past and a stepping stone into the future!'

For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram.  

New flavours from Brothers Cider, including a Festival special

Renowned, 15th generation family-owned British cider maker, Brothers is excited to announce the total relaunch of the brand, replacing the existing range with four new bold yet simple refreshing fruit flavoured ciders to bring on the good times this year.

Brothers’ brand-new canned premium fruit ciders offer something for all, and are the perfect accompaniment for any occasion to help you relax and fuel that festival feeling. Festival feeling? More on that, later. 

Made with only all natural ingredients and flavourings and now with less sugar, the new Brothers ciders offer a tasty, clean thirst-quenching experience.

The colourful new cans, easily chillable, carried, enjoyed and recycled, depict the fresh fruit flavours that await you with each deliciously refreshing mouthful. So now it’s easier than ever to transport yourself and your cider.

The new Brothers range consists of:

Un-berrylievable (3.4% ABV) Join a world of Un-Berrylievable flavours, where crisp apples and juicy berries dance in a perfect cider harmony. A refreshing twist that’ll amuse your taste buds

Berry Sub-Lime (3.4% ABV): Get ready to be tickled by the tangy, tasty lime and charmed by the burst of raspberry refreshment in our cider. It’ll leave your taste buds delirious! 

Best of the Zest (3.4% ABV): When life gives you oranges and lemons; Brothers  make cider! Their citrus combination will awaken your senses and deliver a refreshment in every sip

App-solutely Pear-fect (7.0% ABV): The best of both worlds. Apple and pears. A refreshingly balanced cider that’s a sip of pure orchard goodness.

Brothers has always been a proud of its roots in Somerset and using apples that come from orchards just six miles from their mill, as well as water that comes from their own on-site spring, these home-grown premium ciders are deliciously authentic and distinctively Brothers.

Always inclusive, Brother’s loves all fruit, no matter what shape or size, which is why each cider is made using all the fruit, wonky and all, to minimise waste and maximise taste!

Plus, to ensure everyone can join in on the good times, all the new range of delicious flavours are Vegan friendly and gluten-free.

And now, festivals! Incidentally, Brothers will be the Official Cider of world-famous Glastonbury Festival for its 29th year this summer.

Brothers will be showcasing their unreleased, Festival Apple flavour as part of the cider offerings and to celebrate, they are giving you the chance to win one of ten pairs of tickets to this sold-out festival. To enter the instant-win competition, all you need to do is scan the QR code on cans, input the unique code located on the underside of ring-pull tabs and then keep everything crossed! 

Competition codes are to be found on 330ml and 500ml cans, and both on single cans and cans within multipacks, with each individual can offering one opportunity to win. The promotion runs until 31 May, so don’t delay on letting the good time roll!

New Brothers cider will be available to purchase from Tesco and Morrisons from February and Asda from mid-April, RRP £1.75 for a 500mml can.

For more information, please visit: www.brotherscider.co.uk.

Sandford Orchards team up with top scientists to study apple trees

Award-winning cider maker, Sandford Orchards, has partnered with leading scientists from Bristol University to identify and preserve ancient apple varieties across the UK. 

After a compelling small scale trial, Sandford Orchards has tendered for and won a competitive bid to receive a grant from DEFRA to grow this research and they are now leading the way nationally, including heading up a project at RHS Rosemoor. 

Said Barny Butterfield, who is Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards: “Of course, apples are at the heart of everything that we do. Our cider mill is the oldest working cider mill in the entire UK and some of our orchards are centuries old. 

"We take our stewardship of these precious natural wonders very seriously indeed and we're obviously delighted to be unlocking some of the secrets of these and other orchards that have long been forgotten about.

"This ground breaking research aims to fingerprint thousands of apple trees in order to locate and propagate unique and threatened varieties.”

Sandford Orchards will work closely with Keith Edwards, Professor of Crop Genetics at Bristol University to identify and map the apple varieties. 

By punching a minute hole in leaves from individual trees, his team is able to collect samples for DNA testing, while geographically tagging the particular tree using the What3Words geo-positioning system. His team will spend the spring and summer taking DNA samples from thousands of apple trees and the aim is to share the results of the project by next autumn.

The research isn't limited to Sandford Orchards' own apple trees, as the team hopes to gain a broad national picture. RHS Rosemoor has already signed up to the project and Barny and Professor Edwards will be sampling their Devon Collection of apples as part of the research project, too.

Lawrence Weston, RHS Rosemoor Professional Work Placement Student from RHS Rosemoor said: “Orchards are ecologically essential to Britain as oases for wildlife and a fantastic nectar source for pollinators. 

"Traditional orchards have severely declined since 1900 and in the last three years alone the UK has lost 1,000 acres of orchard, which not only has a significant impact on wildlife but affects the diversity of the UK's apples. RHS Rosemoor's Devon Collection orchard is dedicated to conserving rare regional apple cultivars and this research will help shape our plans for the future.”

Barny continued: “By mapping apple trees we'llbe able to preserve them for generations to come. This information will help us plan for diversity and climate-resilience in our orchards and secure many more centuries of cider enjoyment. 

"You actually only need one apple tree to propagate a whole new orchard so once we've identified key varieties that should be increased, we can start planning for the future. The outcome can only be positive for the environment and for cider-lovers.”

For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram.

This Valentine's Day say "no" to wine, Champagne or Prosecco. But say "yes" to Sandford Orchards' Devon Rosé Cider & Katja Rosé

Spring, including the day for lovers and sweethearts the world over, Valentine's Day, heralds the premium cider-drinking months and award-winning Sandford Orchards has two perfectly pink options to quench your thirst for authentic cider: Devon Rosé  and Katja Rosé.

Devon Rosé Cider (ABV 4%, 500ml bottles RRP £2.85.

Devon Rosé is an elegantly clean and fresh rosé cider, bursting with the fruitiness of Pinot Noir red wine grapes. It is a delicious, medium sweet cider made from Browns, Katja and Jane apple varieties which are fermented with grape skins to give the cider a fabulous depth of flavour and a beautiful blush colouring. 

It can be enjoyed on its own or as the ideal accompaniment for a goat cheese tart or Devon high tea.

Katja Rosé (ABV 8%, 750ml bottles RRP £11.00.

Katja Rosé is a sumptuous sparkling skin-contact rosé cider, crafted from the dessert apple Katja  produced using the Martinotti method and fermented with Rondo grapes. It is a fresh and fruity cider which tastes of sun ripened cherries and peaches, with hints of apple blossom and candyfloss, balanced with tannins from the wineskins. 

he addition of the Rondo grapes bestows wine notes and an unmistakable rosé finish to the cider. Katja Rosé is a delight in its own right but also the perfect accompaniment to lighter fare such as high tea or a salad niçoise.

Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK.

For further information on Sandford Orchards, or to place your order, please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram. 

Devon's Sandford Orchards' Cider Set to become globetrotters, travelling the world with Cunard

Award-winning Sandford Orchards has just announced that Cunard will be stocking their Devon Rosé and Devon Dry Cider from this spring and serving them on their luxury cruises across the globe.

Said Barny Butterfield, who is the Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards: “We're so excited to think that our authentic cider, made from the finest apples from local orchards, here in Crediton, will now be enjoyed in so many far-flung places. This new partnership is a celebration of two award-winning brands taking the best of British to the four corners of the world.”

Barny went on to say: “Cunard has been at the forefront of ocean travel for over 180 years. Their guests will now be able to enjoy our fabulous ciders in a host of exotic locations from Sri Lanka to Sydney, Cape Town to the Caribbean and beyond.”

Devon Rosé Cider (ABV 4%) is an elegantly clean and fresh rosé cider, bursting with the fruitiness of Pinot Noir red wine grapes. It's a delicious, medium sweet cider made from Browns, Katja and Jane apple varieties which are fermented with grape skins to give the cider a fabulous depth of flavour and a beautiful blush colouring.

Devon Dry Cider (ABV 5%) is a crisp, dry, session cider with a mouth-watering apple flavour. Like all Sandford Orchards' ciders it is made from fresh apple juice, never from concentrate. Devon Dry is lovingly created from the juice of Brown's, Fiona and Michelin apples.

Cunard has a rich history and unrivalled seafaring knowledge as pioneers of the world cruise. For over 180 years they have refined the definitive experience of ocean travel and grown into a truly iconic brand. 

Sandford Orchards takes a fresh, natural and low impact approach to producing cider. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.

For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram. 

Sandford Orchards' New Bubbles & Chocolate Hamper

Sandford Orchards has just launched a brand new hamper, perfect for Mothering Sunday aka Mother's Day. 

It contains two bottles of their fine sparkling ciders and two bars of delicious Willy's chocolate, all lovingly handmade in Devon. 

The first cider is Katja, created from Katy apples that are pressed and fermented cool with a white wine yeast to enhance their fresh and fragrant apple characteristics. The result is an elegant sparkling-wine like drink and a fabulous British alternative to Prossecco. 

The second cider is Katja Rosé, which is created using the same method but the skins of Rondo grapes are added during the fermentation process to give it a beautiful blush colour. The result is a sparkling cider which tastes of sun ripened cherries and peaches with notes of apple blossom and candyfloss, balanced with tannins from the wineskins. 

For further informition on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram. 

Sandford Orchards Wins Four Golds at Taste of the West Awards

Family-owned and fiercely independent Sandford Orchards has recently garnered gold for all four of their ciders entered into the Taste of the West Awards. These are Devon Rosé, Devon Red, Rib Tickler and The General.

Said a delighted Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards: “We're thrilled the judges agreed these four ciders are truly gold medalists! 

"They represent a broad spectrum of ciders from our flagship session cider, Devon Red to The General from our vintage range and our new blush cider, Devon Rosé. 

"Although each one is quite different in style and appeal, they all have one thing in common. They are all top notch authentic ciders, lovingly created from apples grown and pressed in Devon, and these awards recognise that.” 

The General (ABV 8.4%) is the Imperial Stout of Sandford Orchards' vintage range. This super rich cider is bold and satisfying with the flavours of Seville orange, plum and baked apple. It is rich and rewarding with a long finish and is a superb complement to gamey meats or a fully-laden Sunday roast.

Devon Rosé Cider (ABV 4%) is an elegantly clean and fresh rosé cider, bursting with the fruitiness of Pinot Noir red wine grapes. It is a delicious, medium sweet cider made from Browns, Katja and Jane apple varieties which are fermented with grape skins to give the cider a fabulous depth of flavour and a beautiful blush colouring. It can be enjoyed on its own or as the ideal accompaniment for a goat cheese tart or Devon high tea.

Devon Red (ABV 4.5%) is a naturally tasty and utterly delicious, fresh apple cider made from apples grown and pressed in Devon. Devon Red is Sandford Orchards' famous session cider.

Rib Tickler (ABV 5%) was originally crafted with players from the Exeter Chiefs as part of an initiative with The Rugby Players Association to raise money for charity. That legacy continues, as every bottle or pint sold raises money for The Wooden Spoon children's rugby charity. Rib Tickler has rich aromas of honey and baked apple, ripe and buttery on the palate, with a moreish apple skin flavour, balanced with a crisp, natural acidity.

The Taste of the West Awards programme has been promoting and supporting the South West food and drink industry for over 30 years. It has grown to become the most prestigious food and drink awards programme in the South West. Each year they work with around 350 food and drink producers who enter their South West food and drink products into their awards programme to be tried and tested by their panel of independent industry experts.

Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK. The area has long been known as one of the most fertile parishes in all of Britain, both for its grazing and ability to grow apples. Crediton sits in the lee of the moors, so receives the right amount of rain and the right units of heat in summer.

Sandford Orchards takes a fresh, natural and low impact approach to producing cider. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.

For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Sandford Orchards Collaborates With Moons Cider to Launch Orchard Moon

Devon's Sandford Orchards, is thrilled to launch, in partnership with Moons Cider, Orchard Moon (ABV 6.5%), a collaboration cider celebrating the best off the West Country. It's a rewarding, full-bodied tasty cider and is available from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk as well as selected retail outlets (RRP £35.00 for 12 x 500ml bottles).

Says Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards: “Moons Cider, from Somerset, was the winner of our 2022 Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards. 

"Part of their prize was to work on a collaboration cider with us and I'm obviously delighted to see this come to fruition. Tom Moon worked closely with our head cider maker, Andy May, using the best apples from both counties to create Orchard Moon.”

Created using Yarlington Mill apples from Somerset and Brown's apples from Devon, Orchard Moon (ABV 6.5%) is a luscious and juicy cider. 

It has deep aromatics and complexity from Yarlington Mill, complemented by the crisp, green apple zing of Brown's, which combine to produce a full-bodied cider with a light sparkle and medium dry finish.

Andy May, Head Cider Maker at Sandford Orchards comments:”Tom was a very worthy winner of the Breakthrough Cider Awards. It was great to be able to share my knowledge and experience with him in blending Orchard Moon. It's a combination of two of my favourite apple varieties, which really represent everything great about West Country cider.”

Tom Moon, owner of Moons Cider said: “I was unsure about creating a medium/dry cider. I was concerned it might be too dry and challenging with the single varieties we were using but it was great to work with Andy, as he made sure to balance the strengths of both so that they complemented each other perfectly. We're excited by the final blend and think this is a cider people will enjoy and keep coming back to.”

Barny continues: ”We set up the Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards in 2019 to celebrate and support excellent whole juice cider producers from around the UK to help secure the future of real British cider. Winners of these awards benefit from priceless help on the journey including the chance to work with us on a collaboration cider.”

He adds:” Tom Moon has been making cider for more than ten years, having started as a teenager. When he won the award, he was producing around 10,000 litres of cider on his own whilst juggling his main job as a builder. We think Moons has what it takes to become a very successful business and are delighted to play our part in supporting Tom to achieve that.”

Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK. The area has long been known as one of the most fertile parishes in all of Britain, both for its grazing and ability to grow apples. Crediton sits in the lee of the moors, so receives the right amount of rain and the right units of heat in summer.

Sandford Orchards takes a fresh, natural and low impact approach to producing cider. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.

For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram. 

For learn more about Moons Cider please visit www.moonscider.co.uk and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Sandford Orchards Relaunches Rib Tickler Cider With New Charity Partnership

Leading and award-winning cider maker, Sandford Orchards, is relaunching its rugby charity cider, Rib Tickler, with donations from its sale going to Wooden Spoon, a charity whose aim is to positively transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people through the power of rugby.

Explains Chief Cider Maker, Barny Butterfield: “Rib Tickler began life as a collaboration between Sandford Orchards and the Rugby Players Association to encourage professional rugby players to gain experience outside of sport. 

"Working with a group from the Exeter Chiefs, which included international players Sam Simmonds, Sam Skinner and Jonny Hill, the players harvested, pressed, blended and bottled the first few batches of this outstanding, fresh apple cider, with the aim of raising vital funds for charity.”

The legacy continues and now, following a rebranding of Rib Tickler, Sandford Orchards has confirmed its rugby charity partner, Wooden Spoon. Every bottle or pint of Rib Tickler sold will help support the incredible hard work of Wooden Spoon with £10 donated to them for every barrel sold, including all bottle sales. 

Wooden Spoon is the children's charity of rugby. They're a grant-making charity and fund life-changing projects all across the UK and Ireland. In the last year, despite hard conditions, they raised and distributed £1M in grants to support 107 charitable projects helping over 1,113,000 vulnerable children and young people.   

The first cheque for £3,900 has already been handed over and Sandford Orchards will be keeping in touch with the charity throughout the partnership to find out how their donation is helping vulnerable children. Barny adds: “This is our chance to give back as a business to a hugely impressive charity doing vital work. I'm looking forward to visiting some of the projects which we have helped to fund. It's a real pleasure to see the money go to work for children in areas that badly need the support.”

Rib Tickler Cider (ABV 5%) is a fabulous addition to the Sandford Orchards range with rich aromas of honey and baked apple, ripe and buttery on the palate, with a moreish apple skin flavour, balanced with a crisp, natural acidity. It is available in 500ml bottles, RRP £29.75 for 12 and a 20 litre Bag in Box, RRP £58.90 from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk as well as selected retail outlets. 

Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK. Sandford Orchards takes a fresh, natural and low impact approach to producing cider. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.

Refresh Your Taste Buds This Dry January With Thatchers Zero

Keen to try a refreshing alternative this Dry January?

Let Thatchers Zero Cider, the UK's #1 alcohol-free apple cider,  refresh your taste buds.

An alcohol-free cider with body, smoothness and character, Thatchers Zero has a crisp, medium dry character and a fruity aroma. This Somerset cider retains the taste and character of a true cider but without the alcohol.

It's the first choice for those who don't want to compromise on taste and enjoyment when opting for alcohol-free.

Crafted using a selection of their favourite bittersweet apple varieties at their mill in the heart of Somerset, they make sure their alcohol-free Zero quenches the thirst for drinkers who want a premium experience, delivering on taste and enjoyment.

Thatchers has been crafting ciders since 1904. Four generations later, they're still independently owned and family operated, with a passion for making the best quality ciders sustainably, always putting their heart and soul into their ciders.

Low and no drinks are now part of regular drinking occasions, and as the UK's #1 alcohol-free apple cider, Thatchers Zero can quench the thirst all year round for those looking for a premium low or no cider.

At Thatchers they've worked very hard to create a 0% cider that delivers on taste. And the result? Thatchers Zero is creating huge interest from drinkers who recognise Zero can provide the social enjoyment but without the alcohol.

Like all other ciders in their range, Thatchers Zero is gluten free and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Devon's Wet Summer Boost for Cidermaking, says Sandford Orchards

The school summer holidays might well have been a bit of a washout in Devon, with bad weather contributing to a reported 20% downturn in tourist visitors but, for one Devon business, all the rain and wet weather resulted in a bumper apple harvest.

Barny Butterfield, who is the Chief Cidermaker at award-winning Sandford Orchards said: “A late cool spring followed by a flaming June was the perfect start for the apple growing season. 

"The wet July filled the water table as the fruit swelled and the late sun at the end of August and early September has really helped put us on track for bigger, sweeter and juicy apples, and lots of them, too! We are predicting the best harvest since 2018. In fact, this could potentially be our biggest harvest we have  ever had!”

This is an amazing and fantastic boost for the independent and fully family-owned Sandford Orchards, who are based in Crediton, Mid Devon, based in the oldest working cider mill in the entire UK. 

The weather patterns that played havoc with tourists' plans boosted both the quality and quantity of apples in their orchards. 

Barny elaborated: “More apples means more cider, which of course is great news for our business and customers but there's an additional bonus for us with this crop. Unlike mass-produced cider, which is mostly made using concentrates, we lovingly and carefully make our drinks using only raw juice, straight from our orchard. So tastier apples will mean even tastier cider! I can't wait to try the first batch!”

Sandford Orchards takes a fresh, natural and low impact approach to the production of cider. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.

For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Sunshine and Showers is the Ideal Combination of Sun and Rain for the Perfect Apple Harvest at Thatchers Cider

For the next several months the orchard team at Thatchers Cider will be working very hard, harvesting the apples for pressing into their beautiful ciders down at Myrtle Farm.

The mix of abundant sun and rain throughout Spring and Summer has been really beneficial to the apple trees. 

The fruit is looking healthy and plentiful, containing just the right balance of acidity and sweetness to press into the perfect cider.

As always, amongst the first apples to come into the mill are their deliciously rosy Katy apples.

Chris Muntz Torres, their farm manager, who looks after their 500 acres of apple trees in and around Myrtle Farm, says, “The good weather in Spring meant our apples got off to a good start with an effective pollination thanks to our amazing bees. In fact, our Katy apples have developed so well we've been harvesting them a few days earlier than in previous years.

“After Katy, towards the end of September, we'll begin to see the early bittersweet apples ripening, such as Somerset Redstreak, Gilly and Hastings. They'll benefit from the sunshine and warmth we're now experiencing, cider apples love a mild autumn to help them ripen slowly and develop their unique flavours."

He went on to say: “With the sun ripening the apples and helping boost the fruit's natural sugar levels, the recent rain has also been feeding the trees and giving them much needed nourishment. Importantly, the warmth of the sun helps develop the tannins in our bittersweet varieties, giving depth and body to our ciders.”

In fact it's been a pretty near-perfect year for the apples. Apple trees always need a spell of cold weather to break their dormancy over the wintertime, and at the beginning of the year we had sufficient low temperatures to reset growth and wake up the trees. This was followed by a period of warmer weather and plenty of moisture in the deep, rich Somerset soil to allow the trees to do their very important work. 

Chris continues, “At Myrtle Farm the signs are really good for a bumper harvest this year. That's both in terms of quantity, and just as importantly, quality, meaning the very best, tastiest apples in our ciders.”   

Thatchers has apple orchards throughout the West Country of England. Here apples are grown for their range of Somerset ciders. 

Thatchers are one of the few cider makers to have a regular orchard planting programme, allowing them to meet the increasing demand for their ciders, as well as working with apple growers throughout the entire region who provide specific apple varieties under long-term partnerships.

One of the important things they look at when planting new trees is the timing of harvest, to make sure that the arrival of apples is spread out throughout the season.

“We press our apples as soon as they arrive at the farm to capture them at their freshest. So having different varieties that ripen at different times allows us to have a continued supply of fruit from August through to November,” he concluded.

With the weather conditions in Somerset providing a perfect climate for apple growing, it's not surprising that the county has become the home of cider making, with Thatchers seeing record sales to help it become the UK's fastest growing cider maker.

https://www.thatcherscider.co.uk

Devon's Top Food and Drink Experiences to Enjoy This Summer

Want to learn more about your favourite Devon food and drink, meet the producers, taste their creations, make your own and learn some new skills?

Whatever your favourite tipple or your favourite pastime, there's a masterclass or guided tasting to suit everyone. 

Dip into chocolate making. Explore the spirit world. Get hands-on in the kitchen with some seriously good cookery skills. Dust down and scrub your BBQ and learn how to cook on fire or spend a family day planting seeds and exploring nature.

Food Drink Devon, which has a membership of over 350 food and drink producers, hospitality and retailer members, suggests some of the highlights from Devon for you to enjoy this summer.

For wine lovers

Most, if not all, vineyards will be thrilled and delighted to show you around their small or not-so-small patch of heaven and even give you a guided tasting through their vines and wines.

Huxbear Vineyard which is in Chudleigh offers a walking tour where the owner, Lucy, will talk you through the story of Huxbear, their vineyard calendar and winemaking processes. 

You'll learn heaps in about 90 minutes, followed, of course, by a free tasting. Non-walking tours are also available on request and are suitable for people with limited mobility, so should be accessible to everyone in your family or group.

Torview Vineyard, which isn't very far from Beaworthy, goes a a little bit further as it lets visitors get hands-on during their Winemaking Days. 

They run a Red and a Sparking version and your experience is spread over several days, several months apart, depending, of course,  on the wine type.. This year's Red Winemaking experience is almost sold out, but there's space on the upcoming Sparkling, so do look out for that, if sparkling wine's your thing.

Heron Farm Vineyard close to Honiton runs Vineyard Tours which also take in their impressive orchards, to learn about apple juice making, and their Kitchen Garden and Gin Orchard, topped off with a tasting back at the Heron Farm Kitchen & Café.

Sandridge Barton Wines, home of award-winning Sharpham Wine, close to Stoke Gabriel offers several different varieties of tasting experiences, from a casual self-guided options to in-depth guided tastings and tours for those who want to learn more about the processes they employ in their sustainable vineyard and winery.

Lyme Bay Winery near Axminster offers private guided tasting sessions in their Cellar Door, where you'll be talked through each wine, where the grapes are grown, how it's made and they'll even offer you a few all important wine buying tips. You'll leave for home with Winemaker's Notes on each of the wines you've sampled.

More beautiful vineyards with tours and tasting sessions to visit and experience…

Venn Valley Vineyard, near Barnstaple

Alder Vineyard, near Okehampton

Old Walls Vineyard, near Bishopsteignton

Wishing to delve a little deeper into wine? South West Wine School brings together the best wine educators in the south west to run Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) training courses at Darts Farm, near Topsham. Whether learning about different grapes for the first time or analysing a wine in a blind tasting, South West Wine School will take you on that voyage of discovery.

Beer and cider tours and tastings

Explore the world of brewing and fermenting

Sandford Orchards, near Crediton. You'll be able to look behind the scenes at the Cider Works,which boasts that it is the oldest working cider mill in the country, and see how award-winning Sandford Orchards cider is made. Round off the experience with a Q&A session and a cider tasting flight and pizza included in the price.

Salcombe Brewery If you have a desire to learn about beer and brewing, Salcombe Brewery is the place for you. Take yourself and fellow-beer lovers down to Salcombe Brewery. Their tours include a welcome drink in the Taproom, a tour of the Brewhouse with one of their knowledgeable brewers, who'll be more than happy (hoppy, even? Sorry!) to answer your questions, and you'll finish with a beer flight tasting back in the Taproom.

Other beer and cider tours and tastings to consider…

Hanlons Brewery, Newton St Cyres

Hunts Cider, Stoke Gabriel

Red Rock Brewery, Bishopsteignton

Rum experiences

Learn about the art of blending and rum distilling…

Devon Rum Co. Join the team at their waterside venue in Salcombe for a Rum Tasting Experience, complete with a very welcome drink, behind-the-scenes tour of their Blending House. You'll be able to try your hand at bottling rum, then enjoy an in-depth tasting of their four award-winning artisan rums. Ideal for rum fans and groups of friends to enjoy.

Two Drifters Distillery, near Exeter. Want to see a working rum distillery in action? Two Drifters were the first distillery to make rum from scratch in the UK. They'll fix you a drink, then gibe you a fascinating tour of the carbon-negative distillery. Smell the deliciously tempting scent of the genuine molasses and learn how they turn this high-quality material into finest quality rum. And then, it's a welcome return to the Rum Bar for a tasting flight.

Salcombe Rum School A visit here gives you the wonderful chance to craft your own rum and take it home with you. Learn about distillation and rum production, collect your botanicals, and create your own recipe and your own bottle label. Maybe leave the car at home as at least three rum cocktails feature in this experience!

Other recommended tours and tastings include 

Devon Distillery, Dartington

Hattiers Rum, Mothecombe, South Devon

Gin adventures

Go behind the scenes and make your own signature serve

Quayside Distillery, Exeter Quay. Join the gin experts in the lab for a wonderful 90-minute experience learning about the fundamentals of a well-balanced gin whilst you are learning and creating your own unique gin recipe. Or opt for a 60-minute experience with a master distiller where you'll taste your way through their flagship range.

Salcombe Gin School Take charge of a beautiful mini copper pot still to develop and distil your own 70cl signature bottle. Learn how they produce Salcombe Gin and what it takes to produce a balanced and harmonious gin whilst enjoying a 'Salcombe & Tonic'.

Gotland Gin, Beaworthy This novel experience begins in their outside bar with a G&T or soft drink before heading into the nano-distillery to see how Gotland Gin is produced. Next meet their flock of Gotland sheep and lambs during lambing season, then relax back in the bar and learn all about the botanicals while enjoying a few more tasters.

A few more to explore

Devon Distillery Gin School, Dartington

Sidmouth Gin School

Cocktail time

Time to mix, muddle and shake your way to a great time

Devon Rum Co. Cocktail Masterclass. Head to Salcombe to mix, muddle, and shake your way through a hands-on cocktail making session. You'll take charge of your very own and fully stocked cocktail station, have an introduction to mixology, then make (and drink) up to four unique rum-based cocktails. Might be best to not use your car to visit them!

Devon Cove Cocktail Masterclasses. Perfect for a fun night out with family members or friends or to celebrate a very special occasion. Hosted by an expert mixologist, you'll be able to learn how to make a range of delicious cocktails in the Kingsbridge Tasting Room. Try their award-winning spirits, learn the history of cocktails and play a few games, too!

Bar Buoy 'Cocktail Compass'. A one-off Tour, Talk and Tasting Event at the home of Bar Buoy handcrafted, ready mixed cocktails in Exmouth. Thursday, September 21, 7-9:00pm.

Coffee

Take your barista skills to the next level

Owens Coffee, Ivybridge. Latte Art Essentials Workshop. A two-hour course to awaken your inner barista and take your love of coffee to a higher level. However, it's important to realise that this is not your average coffee class, it's a vital experience that's all about having fun, unleashing your creativity, and elevating your coffee game, too. Several other coffee tasting, brewing and barista courses are on offer at Owens, too.

Learn cookery, fire and baking skills

From learning the right way to chop your onions, to how to cook over coals, to baking  the perfect sourdough

High Grange, Axminister Learn lots to apply in your own garden at this bespoke barbecue school which covers the full gambit of outdoor cookery. At Fire School you'll cover a variety of outdoor fire cooking and barbecue techniques and butchery with chef and food writer, Luke MacKay. Enjoy what you've just cooked, around the big oak table for lunch. Other masterclasses are available too.

Ashburton Cookery School is one of the UK's top cookery schools offering inspirational cookery courses taught by a team of keen and very expert chefs. With over 40 cookery courses to choose from, designed to suit beginners as well as the more advanced home cooks amongst our readers, they'll teach you to cook with imagination, passion and enjoyment… and how to chop an onion properly, too, as we just mentioned!

One Mile Bakery Boudicca Woodland runs One Mile Bakery in Exeter, making and delivering delicious and utterly delightful homemade bread, soups and preserves by bike within one mile of home mile, BUT she also teaches sourdough and other breadmaking classes in her Breadshed Microbakery. Her classes fill up rapidly, so do get in quick!

Sweet treats

Chocolate heaven for big and little ones…

Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium Introduction to Chocolate Making. This lovely workshop session includes a talk on chocolate, learn the entire process of turning a bean into the chocolate you recognise whilst the chocolatier demonstrates how to hand-craft, hand-dip and properly decorate chocolates. They also run a 'Short & Sweet Tutorial' ideal for children and parents.

Salcombe Dairy Chocolate Factory Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of bean-to-bar chocolate being made and packaged onsite thanks to full height glass dividing walls between the factory and the shop.

Flapjackery Barbican Trail Pop into Flapjackery on Southside Street to pick up a free children's trail which takes you around the sights and sounds of Plymouth's historic Barbican. Chocolate treats for children who complete the Barbican Trail.

Growing and foraging

Learn more about working with nature to produce food more sustainably…

The Husbandry School near Ashburton. If you are interested in growing more of the food you eat and wish to do so in a natural, fully sustainable way, then Husbandry Skills courses are ideal for you. Or you'll be able to take your family and spend the day exploring nature and picking great things to eat on the way round.

Taw Valley Microgreens Lunch & Learn, a hands-on introduction to growing your own microgreens. Learn about producing food sustainably, enjoy a tasty lunch, walk in the meadow and return home with a freshly picked microgreen punnet. (That's Food and Drink love growing microgreens in our conservatory.)

The Pig at Combe Dig a little deeper into THE PIG's 'plot to plate' ethos with their free Kitchen Garden tours every last Friday of the month.

Broomhill Estate From photography to foraging, metalwork to music lessons, cookery to art appreciation, Broomhill Estate near Barnstaple is 103 acres of imagination and creativity. Sounds great!

Ebb Tides Seaweed, Sidmouth Seaweed Foraging and Pressing. One-off event on Sunday 17th September 1-5pm

The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth. Sowing with Donkeys. One-off event on Monday, September 18, 3-6pm.

For more information on any of these experiences visit the individual member's website or for information on Food Drink Devon visit www.fooddrinkdevon.co.uk and follow @FoodDrinkDevon on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Worried about driving to and from the venues? Then you might like to check out suitable high quality hotels with the Devon Hotels and Restaurants Association website https://www.devonhotels.com.

(Incidentally, please mention our food and drink blog, That's Food and Drink, when you make a booking at any of the above food and drink venues)

When Aardman created the new Thatchers TV Ad – Take a special look behind the scenes

Thatchers Cider has released a behind-the-scenes look at the making of its new TV ad, Pint-Sized Perfection.

The short film, available to view here on this blog, takes an exclusive background look into the studios of multi-Academy Award®-winning Aardman, who are the creators of the Thatchers' stop motion animation TV ad. It features interviews with Aardman creatives, plus as the real people behind some of the Thatchers characters as seen on TV.   

You'll learn why Find out why hundreds of special teeny sized apples had to be made,  how animators were able to employ the puppets to create a perfect sense of organic chaos, and how the director forged a career in animation.

“Take a look at the total dedication to perfection that Aardman put into creating the miniature models of the rosy-red apples, and you'll be able to understand why they are masters of their craft,” says fourth generation cider maker Martin Thatcher, who is interviewed in the behind-the-scenes film.

“Until you actually get to work with Aardman you can't possibly appreciate the amount of exacting detail they go to make everything in minute detail absolutely perfect,” he went on say.

“It's that absolute attention to detail that makes the pairing between Thatchers and Aardman absolutely perfect.”

Director Will Studd from Aardman adds, “We wanted to create the perfect representation of Thatchers' Myrtle Farm. Knowing Thatchers and being from South Bristol myself, I was obviously really very excited to be part of this project.”

In the film you'll hear from Will about how Aardman used its world class skills in stop motion to bring Thatchers expertise to the screen. Head of Model Making, Chris Entwistle, Art Director Raj Westerberg, and Lead Animator Tim Allen, explain how they strive to make things as realistic as possible, but at the same time find a happy medium with the wonderful stamp of stop motion animation.

The TV ad is currently being broadcast across multi-media over the summer months.

The Pint-Sized Perfection commercial relates the story of the Thatchers commitment to crafting the tastiest of perfect ciders, which are now sold throughout the UK.  With its relentless, driven pursuit of perfection, the commercial follows the cider making journey from the orchards right through to the glass, through Aardman's unique and characterful story telling technique.

With total dedication to their craft, a team of 40 crew at Aardman were involved in the film, with animators alone needing over 480 hours to shoot the 40 second commercial.

Martin Thatcher concludes, “This is a film that allows people to step into the world of Thatchers. Our passion for creating the most perfect cider is reflected in the genius of Aardman, whose talented artists have recreated life at Myrtle Farm in the most minute and exacting detail.”