Somerset cider maker Thatchers has kicked off its earliest harvest in history — 10 days ahead of schedule — after this year’s long, hot summer.
Martin Thatcher
For the first time in more than 120 years of cider making, the Thatchers team began picking apples from their 550 acres of orchards before the August bank holiday.
The extended sunshine has produced apples bursting with flavour, says Thatchers, with rich sugars and tannins, and promising outstanding quality.
“We’re particularly excited about this year’s harvest,” said fourth generation cidermaker Martin Thatcher. “Thanks to the hot summer, the apples are packed full of flavour, rich with sugars and deep, full-bodied tannins.
“That’s going to be really exciting when it comes to blending, as traditional bittersweet apples bring the tannins and full body, while dessert apples, such as our favourite, Katy, add freshness and sweetness. Combined, they create delicious blends like our signature cider, Thatchers Gold.”
Richard Johnson, head cidermaker at Thatchers Cider, added: “We had an excellent spring, where the warm weather and bountiful blossom gave us good pollination, meaning the trees are laden with fruit. The apples are slightly smaller, due to the lack of rain, but the flavours are intensified.
“I’m particularly excited to see our favourite bittersweet varieties like Dabinett and Somerset Redstreak, rich with the tannins that give our ciders the distinctive depth and character we’re known for.”
