The results are in for this year’s Sandford Orchards Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards, and the 2023 gold winner is Ganley & Naish. Silvers have been awarded to Palmers Upland Cyder and Tinston Wines and Cider.
Barny Butterfield (right), of Sandford Orchards, presents the award to Andy Jenkins, of Ganley & Naish
The awards, now in their third year, offer aspiring cider makers advice, guidance, and guaranteed listings in the on- and off-trade, and support the future of cider in the UK.
“After the success of the competition last year, we were thrilled to see even more interest in the awards this year,” said Barny Butterfield, chief cidermaker at Sandford Orchards and founder of the awards.
“We had a total of 24 entries, from counties all across the UK, with all styles of cider being represented. Naturally sweet to single variety, session ciders to bottle fermented. The judges were so impressed with the quality of the ciders entered, which is a real compliment to the standard of cider now being produced in the UK.”
The panel of judges comprised Barny, drinks writer, Pete Brown, cider producer and director of The Cider House London, Mary Topp, 2020 Masterchef Professionals winner, Alex Webb, and food and drink editor for Hearst Magazines, Emma Franklin.
Ganley & Naish’s winning cider, Hell and High Water (5.5% ABV) is a single variety, Browns apple cider in a 440ml can. A medium dry, sparkling cider, the judges described it as unique, beautiful, impressive, and drinkable. They said: “ This is a crisp and gently complex cider with a lovely sweetness to acid balance. Ridiculously moreish, light on the palate, fault free, an amazing single variety with an apple notoriously difficult to nail down! The branding is sensational, breaks the mould, and brings a contemporary and classic feel to an amazing drink.”
“To get this cider out had been very trying — Covid, new packing type, new branding, new artwork, working with new people and building those relationships,” said Andy Jenkins, of Ganley & Naish. “So to win this award, with a product I am incredibly proud of, has made it even more special and rewarding.”
Ganley & Naish’s prize package includes a £500 Vigo (equipment) voucher, a listing at its 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.
