Sandford Orchards introduces new vintage ciders

Devon-based cider maker Sandford Orchards has launched a new collection of vintage ciders in the UK.

Aged in oak barrels, Apple & Oak is a 6.7% ABV dry vintage cider, which features bittersweet apple flavours complemented by hints of vanilla and ‘toasty oak’.

With an ABV of 7.4%, Sandford Reserve is a cask-aged cider that “drinks like a smooth, oaky chardonnay” with flavours of honey, Madeira and dried fruits. The new offering can be paired with curry or spicy Asian food.

Meanwhile, The General is a ‘super rich’ vat-aged cider with flavours of Seville orange, plum and baked apple. The 8.4% ABV offering is said to complement a Sunday roast.

Barny Butterfield, chief cidermaker at Sandford Orchards, said: “Every apple harvest has a distinct character. To use the term ‘vintage’ a cider must declare the year of harvest with the age of the cider providing a strong indication of its depth of flavour and maturity.

“A huge amount of effort went into creating our new vintage ciders and we are thrilled with the results. We trialled more than 40 different potential winners before whittling them down to these three, each of which boasts their own unique characteristics.”

The new collection is available nationwide from select retail outlets and via the company’s website, for an RRP of £32.00 for a case of 12 bottles.

Sandford Orchards recently announced that it had invested £1.2 million to expand its bottling and canning capabilities.