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The General Cider
The General Bag In Box Cider
The General
Dry Medium Sweet

Traditional Cider

The General

(64 customer reviews)

Mighty Vat-Aged Cider 8.4%

Earn up to 93 Cider Tokens. Find out more about Cider Tokens.

SKU: FD-SO-TGRL Category: Tag:

At the heart of our barrel room is a mighty oak vat we respectfully call The General. When you see it, you’ll know why. It towers imposingly over everyone, and it’s old – its wooden staves are alive with generations of cider history. That’s why we use it to age our best vintage ciders, like this, its 8.4% namesake.

This will give you notes of Seville orange, plum and baked apple and rounds off with a long, warming finish.

Winner of the best tannic cider in the world at the 2023 International Cider Challenge.

Please note that our Bag in Box Cider is still and not sparkling.

“The General showcases medium-sweet baked apples, stuffed with sugar and a little spice. Sip with cheddar and green grapes.”

Susy Atkins The Sunday Telegraph

  • INGREDIENTS

    Fresh apple juice, water, sugar, acid: malic acid, antioxidant: sodium metabisulphite.

    Allergen Information: allergens are highlighted in bold.

  • NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

    Typical values per 100ml: Energy 274kJ/66kcal, fat: 0.0g, saturates: 0.0g, carbohydrate: 4.8g, Sugar 4.8g, protein: 0.0g, salt: 0.0g

  • CIDER MAKER NOTES

    Specific Gravity: 1.012  |  Yarlington Mill, Tremlett’s Bitter, Dabinett.

  • READ REVIEWS

    64 reviews for The General

    1. Richard –

      Great flavour and taste
      Always look out for it as it my favourite

    2. Richard –

      Great taste and flavour

    3. Rich –

      Great cider
      Great flavour and taste
      Always look out for this

    4. S Arc –

      Superb, really great taste and considering the volume it a) doesn’t feel as sting and; b) isn’t overly sweet.

    5. Daniel –

      The ciders themselves – absolutely amazing. I’ve been a regular customer for the past 2-3 years and I’ve loved every drop of cider that’s been delivered

    6. Sarah Wood –

      Bought this as part of my husband’s birthday present and have to say the quality has passed his taste test! Will definitely be buying more in the future.

    7. Dave B –

      A very drinkable premium cider. Deceptively strong, but with a nice balanced flavour.

    8. Tony Gailor –

      Stumbled across this fine cider in a pub in Dawlish whilst on holiday last week. Soon as I tried it I was in love. Next day we went to Sandford Brewery and I bought a 10litre box. it’s going down rather nicely and when it’s half gone I shall be buying the 20 litre box

    9. k9sixtwo –

      My first introduction to this was at a pub in North Devon, it was a lovely refreshing cider, only when I was on my sixth pint did I realise that is sits at 8.4%.. Now I treat it with respect, it’s still probably the finest cider I have ever had, it’s clean and refreshing and the taste is second to none.. Delivery in a little over 24 hours to the East of England.. Fantastic

    10. Raymond Luke –

      Marvellous! My preferred cider for something special at home. None better.

    11. Jon Ellis –

      A proper satisfying & decent cider well worth the money. Top marks to ‘the general’. I will be buying more.

    12. andy.faulkner –

      …simply the best!

    13. Ian Jarvis –

      I think The General is the best cider available

    14. Simon Fisher –

      I have been drinking cider for several years, and have tried many brands, and styles!! I can say without any doubt that the General is the mutt’s, it has a lovely rounded flavour, and can be described as very drinkable!! I can also recommend a visit to the farm, very informative, and just shows what goes into making such a marvellous cider, look out for the General vat, very impressive, keep up the good work you guys!!

    15. Mark Martyn-Fisher –

      This is a wonderful cider, refreshing and full of flavour.

    16. Anthony Ashton –

      Real cider, unbeatable taste. The best.

    17. Andy Walker –

      The best cider 😋 currently available on the market 👌

    18. Ray Luke –

      First tasted The General when on holiday in Porlock. Best cider I’ve tasted in a long while. Had to buy some for home to keep the memories alive. Won’t be looking elsewhere for cider.

    19. Mike Reed –

      Spot on choice for a serious cider drinker.. Mix 1/3 pint of Lilley’s Bee Sting with 2/3 pint of The General = ‘The Hand Grenade’

    20. Mike Travis –

      This is excellent cider, especially the still cider in a box. I’ overjoyed that the 10L boxes have returned- I can’t manage a 20 as it’s a bit too strong.

    21. thomas barber –

      The reason for a five star is this is one of the finest ciders tasted in a long time, found it paired with most foods or can be drunk on its own. I salute you Sandford for a great tasting all rounder. Ordering a case after this review!

    22. Robyn –

      Really good cider

    23. wombat-basher –

      Light and refreshing, not to much gas. No heavy after taste. At 8.4% you need to treat it with respect, as per its rank, but over all a very nice sipping cider.

    24. Jeremy Templeton –

      Our favourite cider, appley, with loveley rounded oak-aged undertones.

    25. rod summersby –

      best way of enjoying apples . ” Devon in a glass” ” cheers.

    26. Andrew Daw –

      Gorgeously smooth and refined. A very classy brew.

    27. Richard Olds –

      A very tasty and enjoyable cider! Pairs perfectly with a bag of pork scratchings. Found 2 bottles at a time were enough.

    28. Ant –

      Full of authentic cider taste , and I mean full.
      As a strictly traditional cider drinker , if I could change one thing , it would be to have it less sweet ; I find the XS sweetness a little ” sachariney ” and artificial.
      Other than that,exceptional.

    29. Glen –

      One of the best ciders available. Sitting indoors or out in the summer sun it’s perfect. I always look forward to receiving delivery of my box of The General !

    30. Osbert Mordaunt –

      I ordered this product The General after reading its excellent review in the Sunday Times and it was even better than expected.
      It was delivered within 4 days of ordering just in time for my VE Day barbecue and all my friends drank me dry of this cider.
      Thank you Sandfords for your excellent product and professional service.

    31. Jason –

      An outstanding cider, full of flavour and very smooth! You would not guess the impressive 8.4% abv. Highly recommend for summer BBQ’s, tastes even better in the sunshine😋

    32. David –

      You won’t find depth like this anywhere else, and it’s got a good kick. Simply put, buy it.

    33. dean22356 –

      Definitely one of the best ciders on the market great taste will definitely recommend

    34. Timothy Wale –

      I’ve been making Real Cider commercially now for 18 years http://www.tuttsclumpcider.co.uk but always like trying other peoples product. I can recommend all Sanford Orchard’s Ciders, and my favorite is The General 🙂

    35. Paul Rossiter –

      Excellent. As always. Consistently good service and product for nearly five years now. Keep it up!

    36. Justin Mallard –

      Beautiful stuff!

    37. Bekster –

      Absolutely gorgeous cider. Perfect size package for chilling in the fridge. The 3l pack size means you can order a few to try or for a party. Will 100% be ordering again.

    38. Stuart Holman –

      Very impressed and never disappointed with The General. Smooth and easy to drink with lots of subtle flavours. Highly recommended.

    39. Aaron Denning –

      The general wow what a cider, was an amazing find

    40. Nick Nolte –

      Fantastic cider!

    41. Nigel Homewood –

      Simply the best cider in all of Devon!

    42. Paul Pavey –

      Fantastic cider, delivered next day. The General is top notch!

    43. Tizeye –

      the superior top notch cider produced by the head alchemist and his henchman, I find it so hard to believe that we can indulge on the fruits of their labours. 🍻

    44. Denise Thomson –

      the best cider there is! go on a tour and learn all the good stuff about these guys :)

    45. Stephen Priest –

      Outstanding. Initially sweet on the pallet, then drier. Although at 8.4%, strong, it is very easy to drink. Sandford are to be congratulated on their work and expertise in maintaining a such a wonderful old Devon tradition. Highly recommended.

      By the way, my boxes arrived the next day. Sandford are very pleasant and efficient people to deal with.

    46. Peter Wilson –

      Love this one.
      Great taste and strength is ideal.
      This is my favorite.
      Definitely recommend.

    47. Paul White –

      The General deserves all it’s accolades. This is a stand out cider. The flavour profile provided is spot on. Once tasted never forgotten.

    48. Paul Rossiter –

      The General, says it all. Excellent blend, excellent service. Have had a regular delivery since lockdown. Cheers.

    49. Michael Swales –

      Another great case of the finest cider from a great family cider maker. The best i have ever tasted

    50. Peter Hillier –

      I was undecided as to which Sandford Orchard Cider to buy, I normally drink Med sweet Hangy Down but thought I needed a special Treat to bought a General, an excellent Choice but then again all Sandfords Ciders are grand. Delivered on Time as promised. Thank you.

    51. David Tucker –

      There are several still ciders that I really like and The General is right up there with the best of them, thanks Sandford Orchards for producing such a good one.

    52. Andrew –

      Strong and full of flavour.

    53. John –

      top Cider from the top Cider maker
      fast and efficient friendly service
      l am a regular customer now
      Very many thanks!

    54. Queefus dingleberry –

      Ahhh the general once thyne fine Apple nectar meets my lips there is something close to an orgasm which unleashes a tingling sensation throughout my body. I love the general

    55. lauranfram –

      I love the taste, the sparkle and the boost!

    56. Steve –

      Just had a weeks holiday in Devon and found this in the local community shop. What a discovery. Best cider ever. I did clear the shelves of it on my last day.

    57. Anthony SAVAGE –

      I always enjoy visiting the cider works to collect my cider.
      The staff are always helpful and knowledgeable.

    58. Jeff Phillips –

      An excellent,delicious cider,welldone Sandford Orchards,also gluten free 🍏🍎

    59. Adrian White –

      Superb cider, with quality and depth of flavour – wife loves it! Excellent being able to get in 20L bag in box and Sandford’s delivery service is great too

    60. Russ Smith –

      Tasty to its core, this cider is absolutely delicious. A perfect blend of sweetness and acidity with a satisfying aftertaste. I’m a big fan of Devon Red but the General is justifiably my favourite.

    61. Matthew Lee Warrington –

      One of, if not the most delicious cider i have ever drank, and i have sampled many! just the right amount of sweetness for my taste, not at all acidic, very fruity!

    62. Matthew Lee Warrington –

      A glorious cider, chilled it’s the very essence of Summer! I’ve drank many ciders now, but this is one of, if not the very best of all. Just the right amount of sweetness for my taste, not too acidic and very fruity, perfect!

    63. Bob K –

      I absolutely love this cider. It tastes of proper country apples. Strong, but not too strong – dominated by fruit not alcohol. There is one other widely available cider that compares, but it isn’t as good as The General. There are a few local, very small run ciders that I really like. These are all still. I shall have to try a box of the still version of The General!

    64. Andrew Giles –

      The best cider I have ever tasted.

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