The British Guild of Beer Writers has renamed its annual award for best communication about cider in honour of Susanna Forbes, who died in September.
Susanna Forbes in her Herefordshire orchard
Susanna was a former board member of the guild who had a brilliant career in drinks writing and editing in national and trade publications.
To honour her legacy, the guild’s board of directors voted unanimously to rename the cider award, in order to recognise her huge contribution to the sector.
Susanna was a vital ambassador for cider and drinks, educating countless wine and beer writers and producers about the joys of apples and pears, as well as the rich history of cider making in the UK.
In 2017, she and her husband, James, bought a house and orchard in Herefordshire to start a cidery. Little Pomona, as they named it, went on to become one of the world’s best cider and perry makers, with a fantastic reputation for producing refined, modern drinks. It’s since had a huge influence on the resurgence of fine cider both in the UK, and across the world.
In the board’s minds, that makes her one of the most important drinks writers and producers to have ever plied their craft in the UK. Not only that, but Susanna was instrumental in the addition of cider promotion to the guild’s articles of association.
“Susanna was one of the first industry people I came to know well, and she was exactly the kind of ambassador that beer and cider needed,” said guild chair Johnny Garrett.
“Her knowledge was remarkable, her passion for both drinks and people infectious, and her generosity with her time unfaltering.
“It was a privilege to have worked with Susanna, and I hope that naming this award after her will help ensure her impact on the industry as a whole is never underestimated.”
