They have the lovely Gwynt y Ddraig Black dragon along with some “exotic” flavoured ciders – call me traditional but Cider is made with Apples and Perry is made with pears – where does raspberry and strawberry feature? anwyay here is the list of the “ciders” you may see in your local palace of spoons.

SHEPPY’S FARMHOUSE DRAUGHT
STRAWBY CIDER
FESTIVAL SPECIAL PERRY
DEVON SCRUMPY
ADDLESTONES CLOUDY
WESTONS CIDER TWIST RASPBERRY
THATCHERS TRADITIONAL
BROADOAK PERRY
MONT ST MICHEL CIDER
HEALEY’S TEXAN-STYLE CORNISH HARD CYDER
BULMERS CRISP BLEND

We are kicking off our first-ever national cider festival this July. It’s happening throughout 21–31 July. We will have 12 festival ciders to choose from.

Keep an eye out for our interactive cider festival web page which will be live very soon – you will be able to rate and review your favourites and find out more about the ciders.
“Ooo’arr, it’s appletastic!”

view the rest over at this linky

the reason I say in colour sort of is due to the harsh light in the CIA, of course a bad workman always blames his tools:)

There was some wonderful ones and sometimes wish we had more time.. but the overall champion was …you will have to wait as we were just regional monkeys.

If you are around (festival info here)

Then worth sampling the cider as well as the beer as there are some wonderful local producers from Wales and the Borders.

Some ABVs missing but they tend to be around 6%

I have not been there for about 18 years, that was with my mate Will (who was brought up in nearby Axbridge) and I could remember Cheddar was great village with some great pubs and too much cider.

We were not a big fan of the village now its gone a bit trashy with the tourism and trinket shops taking over the place.

But the upside was the Beer and Cider.

Firstly the Cider! A great little shop that sold Cider & Cheese, and not your tourist branded stuff, great Farm stuff, and the name of this great Cider was Wilcox Cider, wonder I like scrumpy, I never know my family name got that far east from the Welsh valleys

In the small shop right by the Riverside Inn (which we went into but it was packed so no room to eat, and they had Cheddar ales on as well) you can buy various ciders straight from the barrel into flagons.

I went for the “tipple” – a mix of Sweet & Dry and the Mrs picked up some smoked Cheddar £5 for both, Bargin.

Another gem in the rough was a great beer shop called West Country Ales they say they have over 100 beers & Cider from across the West country.

I spent 15 mins in there while the Mrs looked around the overpriced but posh cheese shop across the road, the selection of bottled ales was wonderfull.. and I managed to settle on some local brews from Cheddar Ales and one from Bath Ales.

The only downside is which bottle to gift to Rob, as he will no doubt bring me back something from his trip to the Far east of England.

If you are down that way and have room in your boot I would recommend paying them a visit they also give 10% off for Camra members.

Unfortunately I was unable to taste the local beers on tap, as the pub the Mrs decided on for lunch Bath Arms Hotel only had these brews on, but the Courage was not bad.

Anyway go for the cheese and the gorge but stay for the Beer & Cider… it was busy today so I would not like to visit in the heat of summer with the bus loads of tourists!

I mentioned a great pub in Bournemouth recently The Goat and Tricycle, after some research this one is also on the radar, also been Camra Cider pub of the year… Square and Compass

jackandee© All rights reserved.

A friendly, family welcome from the staff, locals and customers of the pub is extended to all who visit the Square and Compass. Undoubtedly a true gem in the heart of Dorset.

Award winning beers and ciders including home pressed traditional cider made by the owner, are the perfect accompaniment to a traditional hot pasty or pie.

Live music is also served up on a regular basis with bands and artists playing at the pub on evenings through out the year.

Anyway good luck to Kate in what ever she does oh and watch out Bournemouth she can get fighty after a few ciders.

Also has a lovely pint of White Bear, from a brewery we both have not tried, Kempsey

then went on the Otley 01 well it would be rude not to..

Earlier on mind you I had a pint of the “new” cider over at ‘spoons “marcle hill cider” a nice but generic cider..

Arthur Daley sent me an invite to my local cider mill’s open day, I went the last few years, and as its about a 15 minute walk from my house will be going again but with sprout in tow, as he likes the walk and we love the cider.

Cider based shenanigans at Llest Farm… from the Gwynt y Ddraig Cider lot, here’s the info….

Start Time:
25 April 2009 at 11:00
End Time:
26 April 2009 at 19:00
Location:
Llest Farm
Town/City:
Llantwit Fardre, United Kingdom
Come and Taste our Full range of Draught Farmhouse Ciders Licensed Bar:
Sat: 11:00 – 21:00
Sun: 11:00 – 19:00

Freshly cooked burgers and sausages by Cegin Crincae
Vegetarian food available by Cegin Crincae

Apple Pressing Demonstrations (subject to fruit availability)

Rural Craft Demonstrations

Welsh Produce Market: Cheese, Olives, Preserves, and Bread.

Mosmar Liquers and Spirits

Some Light Music from Welsh Pipers and Local Band