Traditional products combined with modern marketing methods have proved a fruitful combination for North Devon cider maker Peter Hartnoll of Ostler’s Cider Mill

Peter first started producing cider at Ostlers Cider Mill in Goodleigh 17 years ago and over the years has added cider vinegar and chutneys to the output from the 1,200 apple trees he planted on what was previously unused and bramble-strewn land.

Interest has grown steadily and the onset of a website has given an extra boost, with products now being dispatched nationwide.

source: North Devon Gazette – Cider making is in the family.

International Cider & Perry Competition Results 2009

The results of the International Cider & Perry Competition held at the
Cider Museum on Wednesday 13th May 2009 are as follows.  The judges
were:  Mr. Bob Chaplin of Gaymer Cider Co, Somerset; Mr. Peter
Mitchell of Mitchell F&D Ltd, Worcestershire and Mr. Patrick Shave,
Proprietor of The Hop Pocket Wine Company Ltd, Bishops Frome,
Herefordshire.  A total of 120 entries were received from 35
cidermakers from throughout the United Kingdom, Canada and the USA.

OVERALL CHAMPION  -     Once Upon A Tree Ltd, Putley, Ledbury,
Herefordshire
(Single Variety Cider – Kingston Black)

Class 1 – Dry Cider
First                   Ralph’s Cider & Perry, New Radnor, Powys
Second                  The Amazing Cider Company, Ledbury, Herefordshire
Third                   Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry Co Ltd, Peterstow, Herefordshire

Class 2 – Medium Cider
First                   Burrow Hill Cider, Martock, Somerset
Second          H. Weston & Sons Ltd, Much Marcle, Herefordshire
Third                   Gwynt-y-Ddraig Cider, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan

Class 3 – Sweet Cider
First                   Thatchers Cider, Sandford, Somerset
Second                  Knights Cider, Aston, Birmingham
Third                   Blaengawney Cider, Newport, Gwent

Class 4 – Perry
First                   Gwatkin Cider Co. Ltd., Abbey Dore, Herefordshire
Second                  Gwynt-y-Ddraig Cider, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan
Third                   Stuart Cooper, Checkley, Herefordshire

Class 5 – Single Variety Cider
First           Once Upon A Tree Ltd, Putley, Ledbury, Herefordshire
Second          Oliver’s Cider & Perry Ltd, Ocle Pychard, Herefordshire
Third           Thatchers Cider, Sandford, Somerset

Class 6 – In-Bottle Fermented Cider or Perry
First           Oliver’s Cider & Perry Ltd, Ocle Pychard, Herefordshire
Second          Cidrerie St. Nicolas, Canada
Third           Newton’s Cider & Perry, Leominster, Herefordshire

Class 7 – Best Presented Packaged Cider or Perry
First           Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm, Truro, Cornwall
Second          Gwynt-y-Ddraig Cider, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan
Third           Once Upon A Tree Ltd, Putley, Ledbury, Herefordshire