Bumper Harvest
Autumn is harvest season for us, our favourite and busiest time at the cider works, and this year we are anticipating the biggest crop we have ever experienced. A mild spring and the sunniest summer for some time has left our trees groaning under the weight of fruit and we are expecting it to be around a third bigger than last year, probably around 4000 tonnes! The extra hours of sunshine have boosted sugar levels too, which means this could also be the sweetest harvest on record for us.
This year we are anticipating so many apples that we have had to invest in eight new tanks, giving us 400,000 litres more capacity! We will be pressing at least 70 different varieties and, amongst them, there are going to be a lot more of the rare apples that we have been identifying in our DNA mapping project. We are hoping to create some really interesting small batch blends with these so there should be some pretty special varieties to enjoy next summer.
Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels
If you are looking for something very different to do this Bonfire Night, come along and be part of a true Devon spectacle at the extraordinary Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary on 5th November. Ottery is the only place in the country where locals run through the streets carrying full sized blazing tar barrels on their shoulders. It is a hugely popular event with people travelling from miles around and there is a real fun, carnival atmosphere throughout the night, with food stalls and bars dotted around the town and our cider available from bars around the village.
New 12 Ciders of Christmas
Building on the success of our Cider Advent Calendar, this year we have decided to offer something a little bit different. Counting down to the big day with our new 12 Ciders of Christmas Advent Calendar is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. Behind each of the 12 doors you will discover a different Sandford Orchards’ cider, plus there is a bonus branded pint glass and some other surprise gifts. Whether it’s a treat for yourself or the perfect gift for the cider lover in your life, this hamper is guaranteed to spread some Christmas cheer. It is available to pre-order now for delivery in November.
Figgy Pudding Ice Cider Returns
Back by popular demand, we have just relaunched our Limited Edition Figgy Pudding Ice Cider (ABV 15%). For those who missed it last time, it is an indulgent oak aged ice cider steeped in dried fruit. The rich apple is wrapped in layers of Christmas aromatics including clementine, cloves, allspice and star anise. Each mouthful releases notes of caramel, mince pies and the glorious decadence of the festive season. A fabulous British alternative to port or sherry, it is the perfect festive tipple and is also available in a gift box, complete with two brandy style serving glasses.
