What better way to welcome in March - and what is starting to feel like Spring - than a showcase of fantastic Welsh cider. March in Wales is symbolised by the daffodil (St David's Day is on 1st March), gambolling lambs and the singing of the Rugby crowd at the Principality.
And do they make some belting cider too - from those close to the Herefordshire border (OK, we did cheat with one on the wrong side too), to the beautiful South Wales Valleys and the southern plains of the Vale of Glamorgan. So here goes - the Welsh Cider Case (Seidr Crefft Cymru) contains:
Click here to buy the Welsh Cider Case.
Hallets Medium - 6%, Crumlin, South Wales Valleys
An easy drinking traditional cider, blended from the best varieties on the farm, and sweetened with Dabinett for a lightly sparkling balanced cider. Perfect served chilled.
Vale Cider 'Serious Scrumpy' - Medium, 6.3%, Vale of Glamorgan
The team at Vale carefully craft lovely blends from the 53 apple varieties in their heritage orchards just West of Cardiff. 'Serious Scrumpy' is their best-seller and despite its name, it is lightly sparkling and has a real depth of flavour.
Apple County Yarlington Mill SV - Medium Sweet, 5.5%, Monmouthshire
Ben is making some cracking cider in the Monnow Valley, on the fertile terraced slopes facing the border. He produces some lovely Single Variety ciders, and Yarlington Mill is one of our favourites. With a unique, wine-like profile, the rich brandy aroma is followed by a deep mellow flavour with a creamy finish. A real gem.
Williams Brothers 'Splanky' - Medium, 6.9%, Caerphilly, South Wales Valleys
Rich and Pete Williams started with just 5 litres of production in the early noughties, and now have what they refer to as a "hobby gone mad". They certainly know how to make a great tasting cider from local apples too, and 'Splanky' is one of their best.
Gwynt Y Ddraig Dabinett - Medium-Dry, 6%, Pontypridd, South Wales Valleys
A full-juice Dabinett single varietal from The Welsh Cider & Perry Company, better known as Gwynt Y Ddraig. Produced from apples grown in their extensive orchards - where they've been perfecting the blend since starting out in 2001 - this Dabinett has a lovely dry finish.
Ty Gwyn 'Kingston Black' - Medium Dry, 6%, Hereford borders
OK, so we cheated a bit... Ty Gwyn is Welsh owned and Welsh named but made just over the border in furthest West Herefordshire - but we just had to share it with you! Alex has great attention to detail and presses every apple himself. You will taste the result of years of passion in this well-rounded example of Kingston Black.
You can buy the Welsh Cider Case as a one-off, or save 15% and subscribe to receive our Monthly Cases for just £20 plus P&P – remember you can pause or skip at any time if you don’t fancy a particular case.