In my Powerstock report I noted, what I have come to see, as an
increasing trend for dedicated cider festivals. Powerstock is of
course a prime example. I have always thought that cider as a beverage
has more than enough variations of flavour and form to excite the
interest of the general public in ‘cider only festivals’. Since
Powerstock I’ve been excited to note two further examples of the
trend. The Drax Arms at Spetisbury near here, is holding a cider
festival on the week end 23/24 th May and has put posters out that
amusingly say ‘ Bring your own mug!’ A few days ago I was visited by
the landlord of The Cricketers in Southampton. He was out and about
with a cider drinking friend collecting cider from local craft makers
for his own cider festival. As he put my B-in-Bs into the back of his
Landrover, I was interested to see a good collection of boxes already
stowed, notably from Mr Whitehead and our good friend Barry in the New
Forest! ( everybody seems to be using B-in-Bs for cider now. I
remember when people thought that I was mad to use them with a live
cider.)
It may be that landlords in this difficult time for pubs, are perhaps
looking for innovative ways to stimulate business, other than the
standard beer festival, but from my perspective I see the trend
developing as a result of the increasing interest and demand for real
cider. I see it in the increasing demand for boxes of cider for
private functions, especially weddings. Here no doubt the economic
aspect of units of alcohol versus cost holds sway, but it is not that
alone. It is the quality and the flavour that they want for their
special occasion. Increasingly I find that people are aware of the
difference when they sample the real thing. In conversations with
several landlords, I’ve been pleased to hear that they are becoming
more aware it too. Yesterday, on my delivery round, I’d dropped my
usual full juice mantra into conversation with one of the landlords. ”
Oh, I can tell the difference, Rose”, he said. ” When I turn the tap
on for a pint of yours, I can really smell the apples”. He is not a
cider drinker, but I’m working on it. The pleasure of that little
aside stayed with me all day.
May I also add as a footnote re cider festivals, there is our usual
little ‘cider only’ festival here tomorrow. We will crown the May
Queen in my orchard followed by a BBQ and cider tasting, from 3 pm. If
you are a local cider maker and would like to bring a small quantity
to donate to the cider table you will be especially welcome.
Rose.
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