Sandford Orchards has been awarded silver medals for all three of its vintage ciders at the International Cider Challenge.
There were gongs for The General, Sandford Reserve, and Apple & Oak.
Chief cidermaker, Barney Butterfield, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive silver medals for each of our vintage ciders at the International Cider Challenge, which is considered to be one of the most authoritative, respected, and influential cider competitions in the world.
“We launched our vintage ciders last year, after trialling more than 40 different potential variations before whittling them down to these three, each of which boasts their own unique characteristics.
“We have been thrilled with our selection, but it is always nice to know that the experts think they are pretty special, too. These vintage ciders have now won an impressive haul of awards between them, including a gold and silver at the World Cider Awards and a gold at the International Cider Awards.”
Cidermaker’s notes
The General (8.4% ABV)
The General is the imperial stout of the vintage range. This super rich cider is bold and satisfying with the flavours of Seville orange, plum, and baked apple. It is a superb complement to gamey meats or a fully-laden Sunday roast.
Sandford Reserve (7.4% ABV)
Sandford Reserve is the ‘exhibition’ cider of this new 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 the perfect partner to curry or spicy Asian food.
Apple & Oak (6.7% ABV)
A dry vintage cider aged in new oak barrels. It showcases youthful, ripe, bittersweet apple flavours, which are complemented by hints of vanilla and toasty oak. The ideal accompaniment to a cheese ploughman’s or cured meats, it’s the ‘cider nouveau’ of the collection.
