This month’s case is all about showcasing how different ciders made by the same producer can be markedly different depending on the season and the blend of apples used. We’ve taken as our starting point some ciders that we’ve featured before in our monthly cases and then picked contrasting styles from the same producer. If you can remember the originals you can compare the two but if not don't worry, they stand up as excellent ciders in their own right!
Hecks ‘Glastonbury Gold’ (6.5%) Somerset
We featured Hecks Kingston Black in our Single Varieties case, which is made from a Bitter-Sharp apple (meaning it has high levels of tannin and high acidity). This is made from a blend of Bitter-Sweet apples (high tannins but lower acidity) and this produces a very different cider as a result.
Isaac ‘Anti-Gravity’ (5%) Dorset
We featured Isaac's Refraction in our Wassail case. Anti-Gravity is made from a different blend of apples and you can taste the difference. This is a bit drier and a bit stronger and shows how a different blend from the same orchard can produce quite different cider.
McCrindle’s 'Vintage' (6%) Gloucestershire
We featured McCrindle’s Medium-Dry in our New Tricks case and it was very popular so we thought we’d take the opportunity to feature its sister cider. This is a bit sweeter but is still a proper cider and the sweetness is nicely balanced with the tannins.
Orchard Park Farms '#4' (6%) Somerset
We haven’t featured Orchard Park Farms cider before but this is a sequel of a different sort: each year a different blend is produced reflecting the different characteristics of the season. This is blend no. 4 and we think it’s the best yet!
Sandford Orchards ‘Devon Scrumpy’ (6%) Devon
We featured Sandford’s Vintage range in our Devon Heaven case but this is a different style of cider altogether. Where the Vintage range was sparkling and matured in oak for strength and flavour, this is a more traditional, easy-drinking, still, farmhouse cider.
Sunshine Cider ‘Urchin’ (5.5%) Somerset
We featured Urchin’s stable-mate Scallywag in our Somerset Discovery case. Where Scallywag is a blend, Urchin is a single-varietal made exclusively from the Dabinett apple. Like Scallywag, despite the novelty branding, Urchin is a surprisingly good cider!
We hope that you enjoy this month’s selection. Watch out for our March case and if you haven’t done so already why not subscribe to get 15-20% off the individual case price.
How quickly will I get my order?
We will ship all orders in two working days maximum, often the next day. Deliveries are only made Monday to Friday, by our courier, DHL.
Can I request delivery for a specific day?
Unfortunately we can't guarantee delivery for a specific date, but will try our best to delay it if needed for a future date. Just add a note at the 'Cart' page in the 'special instructions' box. Or drop us an email queries@bristolcidershop.co.uk with your order number and we will get back to you.
What happens If I am not in?
Because we are shipping a Licensed product (alcohol), parcels wont normally be left in safe places. One of three things will happen if you are not in at the time of your delivery.
1. It will be delivered to a neighbour and signed for - the tracking will show a photo of where your parcel has been delivered. Calling cards are not left so please keep a close eye on your tracking information for updates.
2. Your parcel will be returned to the depot and a redelivery will be attempted the next working day. DHL will make three delivery attempts before your parcel is returned to us, where there will be a charge for further delivery attempts after this time. Alternatively a full refund for the cost of the product will be issued on its safe return.
3. You can tailor the delivery via your DHL tracking email. This includes choosing a future, preferred delivery date or choosing a DHL Service Point to redirect your delivery to. More information can be found out on the DHL website.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery is £6.95 for most of UK for your first case and then £2.95 for additional ones. Rather than hiding the delivery cost in the product price and offering free delivery (there’s no such thing as free delivery!) we’d rather be transparent about the cost of the product and the cost of the delivery.
Are there any places you cannot ship?
We currently only ship within the UK. Delivery to UK islands, Scottish Islands and Scottish Highlands postcodes may cost extra - delivery charges will be displayed at checkout after you have entered your delivery address. Unfortunately we cannot ship outside the UK.
I live in Bristol. Can I collect?
Unfortunately our licence doesn’t allow us to have customer collections on site so we can only take orders for delivery, sorry!
How can I track my order?
When we ship your order, you will receive an email from us containing a tracking code from our couriers, DHL . The quickest way to track your parcel is to follow the tracking link and this will show you the status of your delivery in real time. This will also allow you to change any delivery details if you need to. If you have any further problems, please email us at queries@bristolcidershop.co.uk and we will do our best to help. Sorry we don't have a phone number.
Can I add a Gift Message?
Yes you can, simply add it in at checkout and we will include it on a card. No invoices nor sensitive information are included in the boxes, so no pricing information is given out, should you be sending a gift straight to a lucky recipient.
