Sandford Orchards’ Sandford reserve wins more international acclaim with gold at the international cider awards

Devon’s Sandford Orchards, producer of authentic cider created by combining tradition and innovation, is thrilled to have won gold at the International Cider Awards for their Sandford Reserve, which is part of their recently launched vintage collection. This is the second highly prestigious international award bestowed on Sandford Reserve since it was released earlier this year, making it officially one of the best ciders in the world.

Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards comments: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a gold from the International Cider Awards. Sandford Reserve won the only gold in the medium tannic cider class and this follows hot on the heels of its win at the World Cider Awards. This is truly a great achievement which confirms, what we already suspected, that Sandford Reserve is one of the best ciders around. We are so proud that this cider, made in Devon from apples from our orchards, has taken on and beaten the leading ciders from across the globe.”

The International Cider Awards, launched in 1888, is the ‘Oscars' of international cider competitions and is one of the oldest competitions that is judged by cider makers. An International Cider Award is recognition, by fellow professional cider makers, that a cider is an outstanding example of its style. Barny explains: ”This is a peer reviewed award, judged entirely by professional cider makers who have tested some fantastic ciders from across the globe. Amongst this showcase of impeccable products, in the category that represents around 90% of the British Cider Market, Sandford Orchards has marched off with the gold medal. This is the most amazing accolade. We are completely overwhelmed to have received this award. ”

Sandford Reserve (ABV 7.4%), a finest cask-aged cider, is the ‘exhibition’ cider of the recently launched vintage range. Using the pick of the 2019 crop and matured in larger wine casks, Sandford Reserve drinks like a smooth, oaky, chardonnay with flavours of honey, Madeira and dried fruits. It’s the perfect partner for curry or spicy Asian food.

Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK. The area has long been known as one of the most fertile parishes in all of Britain, both for its grasslands and its orchards. Crediton's 'Redlands' boast a unique microclimate, sheltered between Devon's huge moors. Long hours of warm sunshine and mineral rich soils produce the most flavoursome apples for cider imaginable.

Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session ciders including Devon Red, Devon Dry and Devon Mist and fruit ciders; blackberry flavoured Fanny’s Bramble, Berry Lane using perfectly ripe raspberries, Old Blossom made from delicate Elderflower and an invigorating and zingy Cider Ginger. Their recently launched vintage cider collection includes Sandford Reserve, a finest cask-aged cider, Apple & Oak, a fresh oak-finished cider and a mighty vat-aged cider named ‘The General’.