The Unusual Single Variety case

Varieties such as Dabinett, Kingston Black and Yarlington Mill are renowned as some of the key cider apple varieties that make a good cider on their own as a single variety, so much so we’ve featured cases dedicated to them in the past. This month though, we focus on some of the more unusual and hard to find varieties.

Few cider makers produce single varietals, preferring a blend which allows for mixed variety orchards and apple sources. We have scoured the country finding some really unusual one-of-a-kinds here, which we hope will delight you. A few are quite strong,  go steady! So here goes:

Dunkertons ‘Court Royal’- Medium Dry Sparkling 7.5% – Herefordshire

Made by the wonderful Dunkertons in Herefordshire, ‘Court Royal’ is actually a sweet apple, maybe even a dessert apple. Consequently it makes a low tannin cider without bitterness, but a very refreshing, delicate, aromatic and strong cider, where the natural sugars have turned to alcohol. Organic too.

Hecks’ ‘Slack ma Girdle’ Medium Dry Sparkling 6.5% - Street, Somerset

From one of the leading single variety producers in the UK, the Hecks family are proper traditionalists when it comes to cider making. Another sweet cider apple again ferments to a very wine-like appley cider, with an unusual woody or walnut tone to the finish. We will leave it your imagination as to how the apple got it’s name!

Rich’s ‘Improved Dove’ Medium Sweet 6.7% - Highbridge, Somerset

The Rich family have been making cider near Highbridge for 70 years, with large orchards with many varieties. ‘Improved Dove’ is an old seedling apple not widely grown. Their ‘Golden Years’ range are single variety ciders made from varieties cropping particularly well that year. A lovely appley burst, mellows to bittersweet , with a crisp finish.

Ross Cider Company ‘Winnals Longdon’ – Medium Perry 6.7% - Ross on Wye, Herefords

Now for something completely different! While discussing which single variety ciders he had available, Albert at Ross suggested this beautiful SV Perry for you. Very very unusual indeed! Winnal's Longdon was raised by Mr Winnall of Woodfield, just 5 miles away from their farm, around 1790. One of the most beautiful perry pears with a long, drooping shape, the flavour is exquisite. A citrussy, marmaladey burst of juicy fruit. Effortlessly drinkable.

Perrys Cider ‘Tremlett’ Medium Dry sparkling 5.9% - Ilminster, Somerset

The Perrys have been making cider from the family farm for over 100 years, and are one of the most respected cider makers in the country. Renowned too for their lovely series of labels! Tremlett’s Bitter as the apple is known produces a big, bold tannic cider, with a full body and unique flavour. Usually blended, this is a great example on it’s own.

King Brain ‘Sweet Coppin’ Medium – Sparkford, Somerset

Over 5 generations have farmed at Lower Weston Farm mixing traditional beef and pasture, all farmed organically. The traditional orchards are grazed by the cows, and they have a spring on the farm, and make lovely cordials too. ‘Sweet Coppin’ is as it’s name suggests a sweet cider apple, but produces a more tannic, lovely mellow medium cider when fermented on it’s own.