CIDER makers in Wales are toasting their success after a record number of entries in this year’s Welsh Perry and Cider Championships, and renewed consumer interest in the traditional beverage.
The awards come as cider enjoys a resurgence in popularity, with new research claiming that a glass of cider a day could help keep the doctor away.
The Welsh toast “Iechyd da” meaning “Good Health” takes on a new meaning for cider drinkers, as scientists now say that cider could have health benefits.
This is good news for the Welsh cider and perry industry, whose annual Welsh Assembly Government sponsored championships at Abergavenny saw a record 87 entries from cider makers from across Wales.
Richard Williams of Glynneath made history by winning the 2007 Champion Perry of Wales Gold award for the second year running for his Bragdy Brodyr “Silver Lady”.
A teacher at Aberdare Boys School, Richard began making cider and perry as a hobby four years ago. He only makes enough for family and friends and is “chuffed to bits” to have won twice in a row.
“We thought that last year was a one-off, because we are competing against established names in the cider and perry industry,” he said.
The 2007 Champion Cider of Wales Gold was awarded to Springfield Cider from Monmouth for their “Old Barn”.
A strong and fruity cider, at 7.2% abv, it is made from single variety late season Dabinett apples, which are carefully selected and hand-picked before being washed in natural spring water.
They are then freshly pressed using traditional methods, with no additives or preservatives used.
Experts now say a glass of cider is full of antioxidants, and in many cases, they are as high as those found of red wine, which is recognized for its ability to help stave off some diseases.
Both drinks are rich in phenolics, a type of antioxidant credited with the ability to ward off cancer, heart disease and stroke.
The findings could have important implications for health, and for the cider industry. This is good news for the Welsh cider industry, says Alan Golding of the Welsh Perry and Cider Society.
“The resurgence of demand for cider is encouraging, because real cider is set to follow the rise in profile that real ale achieved over the last 30 years. It’s now important that the top quality gastro-pubs and restaurants in Wales support the drinks by having them available as this would considerably help awareness,” he says.
“It is unfortunate that many of the most well known ciders in the UK are cold, fizzy keg products which have been produced artificially rather than naturally.
“We hope the awards will encourage people to try some real Welsh ciders and perries which are made naturally, and are uniquely mellow, aromatic and refreshing.”
As cider’s popularity grows, it could have positive benefits for the Welsh countryside too, with growers rejuvenating existing orchards and planting new ones.
“Planting more cider orchards will have positive knock-on effects for the Welsh agri-food industry and rural economy as a whole,” says Tony Griffiths, Welsh Assembly Government Regional Agri-Food Manager.
“Not only is planting new trees good for the environment, but producing top quality niche products contributes to Wales’ natural image which is vital to attracting tourists and businesses alike.”
MORE DETAILS: Leigh Roberts on (01656) 788336
For more information on Welsh cider and perry go to www.welshcider.co.uk
Competition results in full:
20 07 CHAMPION CIDER OF WALES
Gold = Springfield Cider - Old Barn
(Alan Wordsworth, Llangovan, Monmouthshire 01291 691018 /www.springfieldcider.co.uk )
Silver = Old Monty - Kingston Black
(John Jenkins, Garthyml, Montgomery, 01686 640899)
Bronze = Toloja - Drunk Dewi
(Kevin and Nikki Sweet, Lampeter, 01570 471295 www.welshcider.com)
2007 CHAMPION PERRY OF WALES
Gold = Bragdy Brodyr - Silver Lady
(Richard Williams, Glynneath, 01639 720693)
Silver = Seidr Dai - Burgundy
(Dave Matthews, Cardiff, 02920 758 193)
Bronze = Troggi - Old
(Mike Penney, Earlswood, Monmouthshire, 01291 650653)
BEST NEWCOMER 2007
Raglan Cider Mill
(James Perks, Raglan, Monmouthshire, 01600 780258)
CATEGORY WINNERS
DRY CIDER
Gold = Springfield Cider - Old Barn
Silver = W.M.Watkins - Tom Putt
Bronze = Seidr Dai - Monmouthshire Heritage
MEDIUM CIDER
Gold = Old Monty - Kingston Black
Silver = Gwynt-y-Ddraig Cider - Old Timer
Bronze = Blaengawney Cider - Blindfold
SWEET CIDER
Gold = Toloja Orchards - Drunk Dewi
Silver = Blaengawney Cider - National Treasure
Bronze = Seidr O Sir - Cantrefdy
SPIRIT CASK CIDER
Gold = Old Monty - Traditional
Silver = Blaengawney Cider - Full Fat
Bronze = CJ’s - Oak Barrel
BOTTLED CIDER
Gold = W.M.Watkins - Ty Bryn Cider
Silver = Springfield Cider - Farmhouse
Bronze = Ty Gwyn - Dry Cider
DRY PERRY
Gold = Seidr Dai - Burgundy
Silver = Raglan Cider Mill - Barn Owl
Bronze = Ralph’s Cider - Dry Perry
MEDIUM & SWEET PERRY
Gold = Bragdy Brodyr - Silver Lady
Silver = Three Saints - Laughing Juice
Bronze = Bragdy Brodyr - Crystal Lady
BOTTLED PERRY
Gold = Troggi - Old
Silver = Troggi - Broom
Bronze = W.M.Watkins - Ty Bryn Perry
SPIRIT CASK PERRY
Gold = Troggi - Kilgwrrwg Glen
