Results of the Australian Cider Awards 2011 (www.cideroz.com) provide a glimpse of the diversity now available in our exploding market for apple and pear (perry) ciders.
The competition pits imports against local products, freely mixing perry and ciders from craft and large-scale producers. It even provides separate classes for products “using water and/or sugar in production”.
Surprisingly, the judges found but one gold medallist among the hundred-odd entrants. The gold medal winner, Henney’s Dry Cider (UK), just pipped its cellar mate, Henney’s Vintage Cider (silver medal) for top spot in its class.
The other silver medallists were: Henney’s Sweet Cider, Domaine Dupont bottle fermented Bouche Fermier and Reserve (Normandy, France), The Hills Cider Company Dry Perry (Adelaide Hills), Napoleone Pear Cider Traditionelle (Yarra Valley) and Matilda Bay Dirty Granny (Australia).
Phoenix Beers imports and distributes Henney’s and Domaine Dupont.
Copyright © Chris Shanahan 2011
First published 9 November 2011 in The Canberra Times