Devon-based Sandford Orchards, producer of authentic cider created by combining tradition and innovation, has scooped two World Cider Awards.
The General scooped a gold, and Sandford Reserve a silver. Both ciders are from Sandford Orchards’ vintage collection, launched earlier this year.
Barny Butterfield, chief cidermaker at Sandford Orchards, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a gold and silver from the World Cider Awards. We are proud to make cider properly, taking a fresh, natural, low-impact approach, and using the best apples in the world.
“A huge amount of effort went into creating our new vintage ciders. We were thrilled with the results and it is really rewarding to know that the award judges think our cider is pretty special too.”
The General (8.4% ABV) is the imperial stout of the vintage range. The rich cider is bold and satisfying, with the flavours of Seville orange, plum, and baked apple. It complements gamey meats or a fully-laden Sunday roast.
Sandford Reserve is the ‘exhibition’ cider of the vintage range. Using the pick of the 2019 crop and matured in larger wine casks, Sandford Reserve drinks like a smooth, oaky, chardonnay, with flavours of honey, Madeira, and dried fruits. It’s a good partner for curry or spicy Asian food.
Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, 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 grasslands and its orchards.
Crediton’s Redlands boast a unique microclimate, sheltered between Devon’s huge moors, with long hours of warm sunshine and mineral rich soils producing flavoursome cider apples.
