Last week saw the Royal Bath and West Show take place in Shepton Mallet. One of the finest rural events in the land, it is also home to the
Great British Cider Championships. I was most kindly invited by the organising committee to judge the
International Championships, alongside famed
drinks writer and
cider maker, Susanna Forbes. My judging this category was most apt since I had not long returned from my global jaunt (stay tuned for the next blog!) plus we were joined by 3 separate groups of cider makers and orchardists from the USA during the show.
The standard of products was amazing as ever. Congrats to Angry Orchard for taking out the top prize!

The lineup

The Champion International Cider: First Flora by Angry Orchard

Sometimes judging requires getting your nose in. All the way in.