The Animals Case

You will have enjoyed our numerous geographic cases and our single variety case recently, but sometimes we throw in a label based theme – and here we are with our Animals on the label case! Cider farms are inextricably linked with the animals in their landscape and community, both wild and farmed, and so are a source of many cider names and labels, so we thought we would pull a case together for you. So who is in the cider zoo this Month?

Brays ‘Curious Cow’ – Medium 5%, Taunton, Somerset

Adam Bray has breathed new life into the family business, which has made cider on the family beef and dairy farm for 3 generations, but has recently developed a new range of bottled ciders. ‘Curious Cow’ is the latest, launched late in 2024, after selling well in local pubs on draft. A very easy drinking medium, perfect for sunny days. Quite why the cow is curious he didn’t explain, although the cider is made in the old dairy!

Temple Cider ‘Millie’s Magic’ – Medium Dry 6%, Beaminster, Dorset

Named after Paul at Temple’s crazy, characterful old rescue dog (just look at those eyes!) ‘Millie’s Magic’ is a well-balanced cider, made from Dabinett, Yarlington Mill, Stoke Red and a variety of unidentified apples from an old unsprayed orchard. The cider is fermented fully to dryness and then back-sweetened with their pressed Dabinett apple juice to give a medium-dry, tannic result. No added sugar nor artificial sweetener. No added sulphites.

Trenchmore Farm ‘Silly Moo’ – Medium 4.2%, Horsham, West Sussex

Silly Moo’s name came about as the cows on the farm go a little bit silly when they get the chance to devour the apple pomace left behind from pressing the juice each Autumn!

Trenchmore blend fruit from their Sussex orchard, as well as local dessert apples,  with more tannic Somerset apples, to create a low intervention traditonal cider that tastes just like you want a refreshing cider to taste like.

Dorset Nectar Organic ‘Wildcat’ – Medium 5.5%, the wilds of Dorset north of Bridport

Cider from one of the most beautiful farms we buy from, you need to keep the faith down the winding lanes, even when you know where you are going! So wild in fact that the legendary local Wildcat was spotted on that lane near the farm, hence the name.

Soil Association Organic Certified, the large orchards previously supplied Gaymers in Shepton Mallet, but since 2006 the Strong family have made it home, and combine a stunning taproom, sculpture display and campgrounds among the trees. ‘Wildcat’ is one of their very best ciders.

Hayles Fruit Farm ‘Badger’s Bottom’ – Dry 6%, Winchcombe, Glos

The Harrel family have farmed here since the 1950s, and there have been orchards there since Lord Sudeley planted fruit and nut trees in the foothills of the Cotswolds in the 1880’s – a few of which still survive today. Now it is a 134 acre a diversified fruit, nature attraction and retail business.Mixing cider apples with their commercial eating apple crops creates lovely, pale, light and easy drinking, less tannic cider that appeals to all palettes.

Napton ‘Peacemaker’ – Medium Dry 4.5%, Southam, Warks

Napton is a cidery going places. The only cider maker certified B Corp signals their  intent to create a great brand and taproom. Following a recent rebrand, the new labels feature a cunning Fox, familiar orchard dweller to cider farmers.

Made from primarily dessert apples, this light, refreshing cider pairs really well chilled with fish & chips, chicken and simple pizzas, a great alternative to a crisp white wine.

Purchase a one off box to sample our monthly subscription case here. Alternatively, Sign up to our monthly subscription to ensure you never miss a drop. 

Vegan friendly. Gluten Free. Allergens: contains sulphites