The New Tricks Case - August 2022

The New Tricks Case

Last month we showcased ciders from some excellent new producers and this month we’ve picked six newly released ciders from more established producers. They’re all quite different but together prove that you can teach an old dog new tricks!!

Bushel & Peck ‘The Dapper Apple’ (6%) Gloucestershire

We’ve always liked Bushel & Peck’s range as the descriptive names illustrate the different apples used to make the cider (eg Rich & Mellow is made from Cider Apples, Fresh & Crisp is made from Eating Apples). They’ve now produced a limited-edition range of single-varietal ciders and this is made from the Browns apple, which is a ‘sharp’ (low tannin/ high acidity).

Iford ‘Wild Juice’ cans (4.7%) Bath

Iford have established themselves as quality cider makers with a firm focus on innovation. They’ve produced a range of characterful but accessible ciders and are taking a lead from the craft beer industry by moving into canned cider. This is a medium session cider which is perfectly suited to cans being medium-strength, easy-drinking, with not too much tannin.

McCrindle’s ‘Fine Cider’ (6.2%) Forest of Dean

James McCrindle is one of our longest-standing producers, having started making cider the year before we opened the shop. He has always made consistently good cider and his recognisable branding hasn’t changed since it was first introduced. Now, with fresh new labels, this has brought his classic cider right up to date.

Rich’s ‘Improved Dove’ (5.2%) Highbridge

The word ‘improved’ doesn’t refer to the cider but the apple! This is a single-varietal cider made from an apple called Improved Dove. We’re big fans of Rich’s but we normally stock their blended ciders so were pleased to be able to include one of their limited-edition single-varietals. The Golden Years range reflects the best apples from each season.

Sheppy’s ‘Craft Perry’ (7.4%) Taunton

Most perry is produced in the Three Counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire but there are a few Somerset perries and this is a new addition to that list. Made from five varieties of perry pear grown in Sheppy’s own orchards, this is a good introduction to ‘proper’ perry for the uninitiated!

Tricky ‘Rainbow’ (6%) Blackdown Hills

A brand new cider produced from three varieties of apple grown in a single orchard and to which Matt has only recently been granted access. The cider is a light straw colour with low tannins and is slightly different in character from the rest of Tricky’s ciders. This was named after the iconic 70s rock band!