Somerset’s oldest cidermaker, Sheppy’s Cider, are celebrating multiple gold medal success at the coveted International Cider Awards. Established in 1888 and evolving consistently over time to reflect an ever-changing cider industry, the International Cider Awards aim to reward and recognise the innovation, attention to detail and hard work that goes into cider production.
The judging took place over three days, covering multiple categories across sweet and dry styles. Sheppy’s beat off stiff competition from more than 182 ciders entered by 62 cider producers from 24 countries, including small and regional to multi-national manufacturers.
Sheppy’s took a clean sweep for:
200 Special Edition - Tannic Cider category. Celebrating 200 years and six generations of cider making, made from a blend of the very finest traditional cider apples. Also recently voted ‘Cider of the Year’ by The Stable Bar and Restaurants chain
Classic Draught – Modern Cider category. A famous Classic Draught cider made with a carefully selected blend of Somerset’s finest traditional cider and dessert apples.
Low Alcohol Classic Cider – Low Alcohol category. A beautifully light and crisp low-alcohol cider with a refreshing apple taste. The cider delivers the same flavour profile as its traditional cider, but with less alcohol.
The accolades are of particular importance to Sheppy’s as they are the modern equivalent of the award’s sixth generation and current Master of Cider, David Sheppy’s grandfather won in the 1930s, which started Sheppy’s on it’s road to becoming one of the most distinguished cider makers in the country.
Master of Cider, David Sheppy comments: “We are beyond thrilled to have won three gold medals across three categories. The success has a particular resonance with me having followed in my grandfather Stanley’s footsteps. He crafted the early prototype of our Gold Medal cider, which won two gold awards at an earlier version of the same awards in the 1930s. My family has since been making premium cider for over 200 years and we are incredibly proud of our heritage and the skills we pass from generation to generation, which are at the heart of everything Sheppy’s does. It’s fantastic for Sheppy’s to have been recognised at this level again!”
Speaking of this year’s medal winners, Ruth Evans MBE, Director of Brewing Technology Services who oversees the awards, said: “It brings me great pleasure to announce the medal winners, and no small measure of pride to be involved in our fantastic industry. These awards are a bastion of excellence, and we are always sincerely impressed by the talent of the medal winners. With each round of awards, the standards are pushed ever higher. Competition is fierce, and receiving a medal is an achievement to be truly proud of. My congratulations to all!”
The International Cider Awards will culminate with the medal presentations at London’s Guildhall, where members of the international brewing and cider-making community will come together to discover and celebrate the 2019 trophy winners.
