As you embark on your journey through the quaint and picturesque county of Somerset, nestled within the heart of England’s southwest region, you’ll soon discover its rich heritage and bountiful cider culture. From rustic farmsteads brimming with heritage apples to vibrant and bustling cider shops, Somerset is truly an epicurean’s delight. Traditional cider tasting events abound, offering tantalising tastes and intriguing insights into the world of apple cultivation and fermentation. This guide will provide you with a detailed look at some of the best cider tasting experiences Somerset has to offer.
The Orchard Magic of Somerset
In the verdant pastures of Somerset, you’ll find the heart of England’s cider production. Here, orchards sprawl across the landscape, creating a patchwork of lush green and vibrant autumnal colours depending on the season. These orchards are the cornerstone of the cider production process, and numerous operators offer tours to familiarise visitors with the idyllic surroundings and the apple varieties they cultivate.
You might be surprised to learn that the types of apples used for cider-making differ significantly from those you’d typically find in your fruit bowl. Varieties such as ‘Dabinett’, ‘Kingston Black’ and ‘Yarlington Mill’ are traditional cider apples, chosen for their unique flavours and fermentation characteristics. Visiting these Somerset orchards offers a hands-on experience, allowing you to touch, smell, and even taste the apples destined for the cider press.
Farm Tours and Tasting Events
For those of you wanting to dive deeper into the world of cider, Somerset boasts numerous farm tours that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the cider production process. This is an opportunity to immerse yourselves in the pressing rooms, where fragrant apple juice is extracted, then follow the journey into the fermentation vats, and, finally, to the bottling lines.
An integral part of these tours is the cider tasting events. Here, under the guidance of experienced cider producers, you’ll learn about the nuances of different cider styles, from the golden, fizzy delights of keeved cider, the rich and robust flavours of traditional scrumpy, to the delicate and nuanced pleasures of perry. These tasting events usually include an array of ciders, giving you the chance to savour the diversity of flavours crafted by Somerset’s skilled cider makers.
The Cider Shops of Taunton and Bristol
The towns of Taunton and Bristol, situated in and near Somerset, respectively, are home to several cider shops where you can explore a vast range of locally produced ciders. These shops often stock ciders from multiple orchards and producers, giving you the opportunity to compare and contrast the offerings of the Somerset region.
In addition, these shops frequently host cider tasting events, where you can sample an array of ciders and perries, guided by knowledgeable staff who will explain the subtleties and unique characteristics of each beverage. It’s a fabulous way to refine your palate and discover your own cider preferences.
Cider Festivals and Events in Somerset
Finally, Somerset’s cider culture comes alive during the numerous cider festivals and events held throughout the year. These events bring together cider producers, enthusiasts, and newcomers in a celebration of this traditional British beverage.
The most renowned of these is the Somerset Cider Festival held in Taunton, which showcases an impressive range of ciders from across the region. Here, you can not only taste a vast array of ciders but also participate in informative workshops and talks, meet the cider makers, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cider community.
In Bristol, the Bristol Cider Shop hosts a Cider Tasting Day, an event that is highly anticipated by local cider aficionados and tourists alike. This event showcases a curated selection of ciders and perries, inviting you to embark on a journey of sensory discovery.
Whether you are a seasoned cider drinker or a curious novice looking to learn more, Somerset offers a multitude of opportunities to explore and relish in this traditional British drink. From its serene orchards to its bustling towns, Somerset invites you to immerse yourself in its rich cider culture, one sip at a time.
Unveil the Secrets of Cider Making at Burrow Hill
As one of the most established cider farms in Somerset, Burrow Hill offers visitors the opportunity to explore the enthralling process of cider making. A visit to this iconic cider farm allows you to delve into the rich cider tradition that it has been preserving for over 150 years.
Embark on a cider tour that takes you from the apple-laden orchards through the pressing sheds, fermentation vats, and to the cider brandy distillery. At Burrow Hill, you’ll learn about the traditional methods of cider making, which still involve manual pressing and the use of natural yeast from the apples for fermentation.
The cider farm is home to over 40 types of apple trees, providing a diverse array of flavours for their ciders. The orchards also produce the cider apples that are distilled to create Somerset’s famous cider brandy. A tasting session at Burrow Hill is a must-do experience where you can savour its wide range of ciders and cider brandy.
You can also visit the farm shop where you can buy Somerset cider, cider brandy, and more to take back home. Furthermore, don’t miss the chance to see the famed Cider Bus, a distinctive landmark of Burrow Hill which graces the Somerset cider landscape.
Discover the Charm of Craft Cider at Sheppy’s Cider Farm
For a taste of craft cider, a visit to Sheppy’s Cider Farm is a rewarding choice. Here, you can learn about the family’s 200-year-old tradition of cider making. On a cider tour, you’ll be guided through their magnificent orchards, the press house, vat house, and the rural life museum that houses historic cider making equipment.
Sheppy’s offers a cider tasting experience that introduces you to a variety of ciders from their traditional draught to the premium vintage cider. You might also enjoy the taste of their cider perry, a delightful beverage crafted from perry pears.
A visit to Sheppy’s is not complete without stepping into their farm shop. Here, you can find a fine selection of ciders, local produce, homemade pies, and much more. For a true Somerset experience, you can also dine at the Cider House Kitchen where you can enjoy delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients paired with rich cider.
As you traverse the scenic landscapes of Somerset, you’ll soon realise that the cider culture is deeply woven into the fabric of this charming county. From the rolling orchards to the traditional cider farms, the cider tasting rooms, and the bustling cider festivals, Somerset offers a deeply immersive experience centred around this iconic English beverage.
Whether you’re exploring the traditional cider making process at Burrow Hill, savouring the distinct flavours of craft cider at Sheppy’s, or participating in a cider tasting event in Bristol or Taunton, your Somerset cider journey will be filled with rich flavours, tactile experiences and fascinating insights.
No matter the season, there’s always a reason to visit Somerset and delve into its lively cider culture. As you raise a glass of Somerset’s finest, you’ll not only be tasting cider but also sipping on the history, heritage, and the fervour of the people who craft it. So, come explore, taste, and celebrate the world of Somerset cider, where every sip tells a story.