From CiderbyRosie blog
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.