We would like to introduce you to our cider makers Andy May-Macleod and Jake White.They bring the skill, expertise, science and passion that transforms our humble apples into Sandford Orchards’ award-winning ciders. They rarely take centre stage but, if you pop into the cider works, you will find them hard at work, developing new products for our range, nurturing the established ones and ensuring every drop of cider that leaves the building is worthy of the Sandford Orchards name.
Andy May-Macleod
Meet Andy May-Macleod. Fate and the love of cider brought him from Kent to Devon and he never looked back. Andy’s early career included work in a supermarket and a warehouse and a stint as a Special Constable in Kent Police. None of which proved to be the role for him. He realised fairly quickly that if he didn’t do something he enjoyed for a living he would be utterly miserable. One thing he really enjoyed was cider so combining that with work promised to be a way more exciting proposition.
A Passion for Cider
Andy’s passion for cider started in his youth. As a lad, he tried “real cider” on a camping trip in Devon and, he says, it completely blew his mind! There was no comparison to the mass market stuff he was used to and this sparked his curiosity. He began reading about cider and, with real dedication to his new found passion, he set about tasting as many different styles as he could! Every time he spotted a sign saying “CIDER” pointing down a country lane he was compelled to investigate! He started making cider at home. By his own admission it was awful, but it was a brilliant way to understand how the process worked. When the opportunity arose to move to Devon, he took it and was determined to get a job in the cider industry. He was offered a chance as a harvest temp at Sandford Orchards and grabbed it with both hands. The rest, as they say, is history!
Probably the Best Job in the World
Eight years on and his role has evolved but Andy is still waxing lyrical about his work. He says: “For me, the creativity of making cider is what excites me so much. Finally, I found an environment which required creative thinking, practical skills and multi-sensory abilities – smelling, tasting, seeing, even hearing! Like knowing when a pump or valve isn’t operating, purely from the sound.” He adds: “I love blending cider in particular. In my mind I know the characteristics of the different apple varieties, what alcohol levels and sweetness would best suit the drink I am after, and putting it all together in the glass, I know I’ll be pretty damn close! The final tweaking and getting the balance just right and then signing it off with the team, is such a satisfying process.”
Jake White
Jake White is the other half of our dynamic cider duo. Jake has been making cider for over fourteen years, the last two of which he has been part of the team at Sandford Orchards. Jake grew up in Tiverton and has always been drawn back to the rolling green hills of home. He recalls returning to Devon after days out as a child and celebrating when he saw the ‘Welcome to Devon’ sign. Later, when the Sandford Orchards sign appeared on the M5, long before he started working here, it was still a cause for celebration, as it signified being close to home.
Mind the Gap Year
Jake took a gap year between college and university and, looking for any sort of paid work, found himself a job in a lab that analysed cider, investigating microbiology, acidity levels, alcohol and so on. He enjoyed it so much that he decided not to go to university but to stay working in the cider industry. He still considers himself to be on his extended gap year and counts himself truly lucky to have fallen into a career that he absolutely loves. He says: ”I think all cider makers are similar in that they never got advised by a careers councillor to look at a job in cider but once they get a taste (of the job, and the cider), they simply don’t want to leave.”
It’s Not All Cider Drinking
Jake is keen to point out that there is more to the role than meets the eye and he doesn’t just sit around and drink cider all day, although Friday afternoon tastings are a highlight of the job! It has physical and mental challenges. Some days you will find him climbing into a tank to clean it thoroughly or inspect it. Other days he’s applying science and maths to achieve clean happy fermentations and then blending apple varieties together just perfectly to make Devon Red. His favourite part of the job is crafting new recipes like Sandford Orchards’ new Perry blend which is soon to be released. He says: “It’s really rewarding to think that a recipe we perfect now will be made over and over to bring thousands of people enjoyment in the form of truly delicious cider. I told Barny when I joined not to motivate me directly, just let me see people/reviews of people loving our cider. Our ciders have made a number of TV appearances and, when I see them on the screen, it always makes me feel like such a proud dad!”
The Cider Maker’s Choice
Who better to ask for a cider recommendation than the two men who spend hours tasting and perfecting Sandford Orchards’ award-winning range? Of course, they love all the ciders they produce but there does seem to be one that holds a very special place in their hearts. Both cider makers agree that Sandford Reserve is their favourite. Andy says: “I love the fruity depth it has and the complexity it gets from the barrels. It has a lovely warmth and richness to it as well. At 7.4%, it’s definitely one for the comfy clothes.” Jake adds: “I’m a firm believer all our ciders have a time and place that suits them but my favourite cider we make is Sandford Reserve. We cherry pick the best cider from the cellar, keep it relatively dry and let those wonderfully bittersweet tannins shine in the glass! Barrell-aged to give oaky notes, it’s a real cider maker’s favourite.” If you haven’t already tried it, take the cider maker’s advice and treat yourself to a bottle or two from our online shop.
