In 2016 we started by using apples from a 1 acre orchard on the farm and pressing the juice in our garage. Little did we know that our drinks would become so popular. In recent years we’ve converted more of the farm to growing apples, and as the whole farm is certified organic by the Soil Association, this certification includes the orchards. We built a production unit in one of the orchards, which we call ‘Apple HQ’. As demand has outstripped what we are currently able to supply, we’ve had to decide whether to buy certified organic apples, which would allow us to certify our drinks as organic or use our own judgement in sourcing apples produced without chemical or fertiliser use, but uncertified as organic. We choose the latter, which addresses the huge and growing problem of food waste by making use of surplus local apples that wouldn’t otherwise be harvested.
Harvesting additional apples from local places allows others to get involved (such as schools and community projects), as well as making use of many of the traditional and varied orchards in an area often referred to as ‘apple and cider’ country. For example, in recent years, as a result of the effect Covid has had on many businesses, we were approached by the National Trust in Somerset, who manage orchards at Montacute House and Barrington Court. As they struggle to recover from the wider impact Covid had on their shops and cafes, we are working with them to ensure that their apple harvest is still put to good use. These orchards, in particular, have provided us with an abundance of rare and traditional varieties, for which we are grateful. We hope they will continue to recover and to continue this fruitful relationship.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are aware of any trees that you think might interest us, with organic or equivalent management. We will be delighted to swap surplus apples (and pears!) for drinks.
Our AWARDS
We are delighted with each and every one of our awards, and thank our customers for their continued support.
Our current awards include: Gold at both the British Cider Championships and the Somerset Cider Championships for Still Dry Cider.
Gold at the British Cider Championships for Kingston Black single variety Apple Juice.
Winner of the Traditional Cider Category at the National Fruit Show for our Sweet Still Cider.
Gold awards from Taste of the West for blended variety Apple Juice, Kingston Black single variety Apple Juice, Orchard Brue low alcohol Apple Juice, Dry, Medium and Sweet Still Ciders, both Dry and Medium sparkling Ciders, Somerset Breakfast Cider and Apple Cider Vinegar.