Sandford Orchards has won gold in the Taste of the West Awards for four of its ciders — Devon Rosé, Devon Red, Rib Tickler, and The General.
![Taste West Sandford Orchards](https://beertoday.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Taste-West-Sandford-Orchards.jpg)
“We are thrilled that the judges agree that these four ciders are truly gold medalists,” said Barny Butterfield, chief cidermaker at Sandford Orchards.
“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 (8.4% ABV) is the imperial stout of Sandford Orchards’ vintage range. The rich cider offer the flavours of Seville orange, plum, and baked apple.
Devon Rosé Cider (4% ABV) is a rosé cider, bursting with the fruitiness of Pinot Noir red wine grapes. It is a medium sweet cider made from Browns, Katja, and Jane apple varieties, which are fermented with grape skins to give the cider a depth of flavour and a blush colouring.
Devon Red (4.5% ABV) is a cider made from apples grown and pressed in Devon. It is Sandford Orchards’ famous session cider.
Rib Tickler (5% ABV) 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.