The glory of crafting your own cider

I love a tipple at the end of the day, especially a cold cider at the end of a hot summer's day working the land.

We live rurally, and 15 minutes from the nearest shop. So, on those days that you realise you forgot to buy cider last time you were in a shop....doh! 

These days, well, I just go to my own store, and help myself to a Cider I brewed myself, from apples I picked just yards from my house, on trees that I planted and reared myself. No greater feeling !! or is that just me? 

The delights of growing apples Trees, for cider (and for baking, for eating straight off the tree) are a wonder. 

Just as wonderful as being able wander down to the market garden - a 2 minute walk from the house - and pick vegetables for dinner. you can't get much fresher than that!

Anyway, back to the cider. It's certainly an art. Not quite as simple as chucking the apples in a barrel to ferment.

And it takes a time. A few months of bubbling away, and then a few more months of storage before its ready, and a few other steps too. So you defo need to be organised, way ahead of time. 

Yet, the whole process is just so enticing and exciting, and fills you with a sense of anticipation, especially when you finally get to open your first bottle of the season. The flavour - it tastes of summer, it tastes of joy, it tastes of deep satisfaction, it tastes of independence. 

And even if it all goes wrong with the fermentation, well, then you just get to make apple cider vinegar instead. Win win! 

If you fancy, home-grown, home-brew then head on over to our Cider Apple Tree collection and check out what varieties we have on offer.

And soon you'll be able to make your very own artisan cider or if you want a whole orchard you can supply others.