146 Cider Outlook for 2014...

It has been a bit of a hit and miss affair with this blog over the last 12 months. I have caught up with the news for 2013 and now look to 2014 with enthusiasm for what is in store... and it is all cider related:-)

Last season, I pressed pretty much the same amount of juice as 2012. This wasn't intentional - I wanted to continue to grow the company. However, a few things conspired to ensure that the most sensible thing to do was to stay below the HMRC exemption limit. I am glad I did too if for nothing else but my sanity!

So, the good news is that there is Hampshire Heritage for 2014. And, there is about the same amount of Eastern Delight too. There is not going to be any Wild West though. With all the timings and troubles of the previous season (none of which cidery) I couldn't get hold of the varieties I wanted to make Wild West with any kind of similarity to previous years. So I abandoned it for the time being and instead have focused on two varieties: Kingston Black and Michelin. More specifically, a new 50/50 blend of Kingston Black and Michelin. Once I have tasted it I will let you know what it is like, although I am pretty certain it is going to be a very nice indeed.

The other 'new thing' for 146 is a perry. Don't get any hopes up - I have no idea what varieties went in to it and am not assuming anything about it. The pears are from an unused pear orchard simply called 'Old Pear' and not even the owners know what varieties are planted. So, I took an 'experimental' ton of pears and have made 700 litres to try it out. Can't hurt eh:-)

 

I will post more about the blends and feed additional information through the website (which is slowly being redeveloped). However, this is going to be an interesting year!!