Australia’s Boutique Producers Win Big at the Australian Cider Awards

October 15, 2015
By Alana House
Proving that you don’t have to be big to make good cider, it was Australia’s boutique producers who sweeped up the major awards at the Australian Cider Awards on Saturday.

Best in Show went to Tasmania’s Willie Smith’s limited edition cider, 18 Varieties, which was also named Best Cider and Best Australian Cider or Perry. Chief Cider Maker at Willie Smith’s, Dr. Tim Jones says 18 Varieties is its best product yet, made from a total 18 Huon Valley cider apple to showcase to consumers the quality of cider apples in Tasmania, with the hope of one day restoring the island to its former glory as the ‘Apple Isle’.

Sam Reid, co-owner of Willie Smith’s also said the win highlighted the producer’s presence in the category.

“We couldn’t be happier with this product, because it showcases what is great about Willie Smith’s – we are small enough to make really interesting cider, but large enough to get it out to enough people to start to educate and influence the category”, Mr. Reid said.

Willie Smith’s is planning on releasing limited quantities of 18 Varieties to independent bottle shops soon. A 750ml bottle will retail for $40.

Boutique cider producer, Small Acres Cyder also picked up a big win at the Australian Cider Awards, receiving nine medals across its portfolio.

Co-owner of Small Acres, James Kendell said: “To win an award for every cider entered indicates that Small Acres Cyder is producing consistently good ciders across the range.”

Orange-based Borrodell Vineyard also won a medal for its Heritage Apple Cider, while Adelaide Hills business, The Hills Cider Company, walked away with two best in class awards and Rebello in the Mornington Peninsula received Best in Class in the inaugural ‘cider with fruit’ category with its Cheeky Rascal Passionfruit Pink Lady.

Cider Australia Vice President, Warwick Billings, said judges were impressed with the standard on display as they worked their way through 155 entries across 18 classes.

“This year there were almost double the number of medals awarded resulting from a significant increase in bronzes, which indicates that Australian producers are refining their cider making skills,” Mr. Billings said.

“With such rapid improvement in the overall quality of our local ciders since the awards began five years ago, we expect to see even more exceptional Australian ciders in future years.”

All of this year’s winners can be viewed online, at: www.cideraustralia.org.au
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