Dorset - land of rolling hills, fabulous village place names, Thomas Hardy, the Jurassic Coast - and fabulous cider too, as you are about to discover......
While Somerset may be the focus of cider-making in the South West, it's Southern neighbours in Dorset share a similar rainy climate, soil types and topography, just with more of a coastal influence. Here we showcase 6 Dorset ciders for you, 3 of whom are from new producers to us. You will get a bottle each of:
Twisted Cider Premium – Medium 4.5%, Sherborne
“Twisted” from a blend of 16 apples from their own farm, Ben and his team have transformed the way they supply fruit ciders, but make a great apple cider too. Medium, amber, very fruity, lightly sparkling and very moreish.
Isaac Cider ‘Calculus’ – Medium Dry 4.5%, Beaminster
Made by relatives of the great Isaac Newton, and his apple tree moment of genius, the family have been growing apples on contract to big producers nearby for over 60 years, but a few years back decided to make their own, and boy did they do a good job. Calculus is a blend of Dabinett and Harry Masters Jersey.
Cranborne Chase ‘Shepherdess’ – Medium Sweet 4%, Blandford Forum
Bill started making cider in 2011 on his family farm, using apples from the next door Rushmore Estate. He has since planted more orchards on their own farm and the Estate. ‘Shepherdess’ is a lovely, mellow medium-sweet cider, perfect for sunny summer days.
Purbeck Cider Forgotten Orchards Dabinett – Medium 5%, Purbeck
Made by the lovely team at Purbeck Cider, their Forgotten Orchards range brings back to life some of the smaller orchards near them. Their Dabinett Single Variety is a full bodied well-balanced, bittersweet cider with an unmistakable depth of flavour.
Dorset Nectar ‘Top O’ The Hill’ – Dry 4.8%, Bridport(ish)
The Strong's threw themselves in at the deep end in 2006, relocating their whole family from North America to a remote ex commercial cider orchard north of Bridport. Combining their sculpture business with learning cider making, they have definitely mastered the art of both. Now fully organic, Top O’ the Hill is the perfect cider to sip and watch the sun go down.
West Milton Cider Co ‘Moonlight' - Medium 5%, Bridport
Nick has been making cider since 2000, and is passionate about the lost orchards and varieties of Dorset, jointly publishing a book of their old varieties rediscovered. He makes really good cider too, mainly traditional and still, but Moonlight is a delicious medium, lightly sparkling cider made from Dabinett, Yarlington Mill and Chisel Jerseys
How quickly will I get my order?
We will ship all orders in 2 working days maximum, often next day. Deliveries are only made Monday to Friday.
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 to checkout.
What happens If I am not in?
Because we are shipping a Licensed product (alcohol), parcels wont normally be left safe. One of 3 things will happen:
1. It will be delivered to a neighbour and signed for - the tracking will show a photo
2. Delivery will be attempted 2 more times to you
3. It will be taken to your local Post Office for you to collect, and a card left through your letterbox.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery is £5.95 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. Unfortunately we cannot now deliver to Northern Ireland or the Channel Islands - apologies. Nor can we 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! Watch this space though for Summer 2024.
How can I track my order?
When we ship your order, you should receive an email from us containing a tracking code from our couriers . 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 paperwork is included in the boxes, so no pricing information is given out.