There has been so much cider news over the last little while here in Australia and around the world. I thought it better catch you lot up.

GABS Cider News Round Up

Napoleone on tap

Napoleone ciders on tap at GABS

The last weekend of May saw GABS winds up its Australian tour in Sydney. I went along to the Saturday session. By this stage only 1 of the cider kegs had been kicked. St. Ronan’s festival cider must have been good if it had sold out that early. 27,600 people visited GABS in Sydney and Melbourne. This was an increase of 22% on last year. The peoples’ choice went to the Barrel-aged Sour Cherry Cider from The Hills Cider Co. A bit of a left field cider. Personally my picks of the show were Batlow’s “Saison Cider” and Spreyton’s “Cidermakers Choice”. Hopefully these will make it into bottles soon so I can give them a proper write-up.  The Auckland leg of the tour is on this weekend, hurry tickets are selling fast

Willie smiths at GABS

Willie smiths at GABS The Willie Smith’s cidermakers showing off their wild ferment cider.

World Cider Day

3rd of June saw the first annual World Cider Day.  The Idea came out of Germany but was quickly picked up by Cider Australia, who have just declared 2016 the year of Australian Cider. The news about the event came out very close to the day itself. As the day progressed, twitter lit up with punters photo’s, bars specials and producers well wishes. The event is set to be even bigger next year with the possible introduction of of a special edition Untappd.com badge.

Bill Bradshaw Judging at the Australian Cider Awards 2016

If the name of Bill Bradshaw doesn’t ring a bell with you, you should probably go and read the multi award-winning book World’s Best Cider: Taste, Tradition and Terroir, from Somerset to Seattle, co-authored with British writer Pete Brown. I’ve read the book cover to cover too many times to count.
Bill is coming at a very important time for Cider Australia as the organisation moves its focus to developing the category of Craft Cider in the coming year.

“There are lots of opinions of what determines ‘craft cider’ around the globe and Bill is across all of these many definitions. While he is here he will be presenting to producers, drinkers and customers his perspective on what make a craft cider which will no doubt be a lively debate! Our focus moving forward is on engaging with retailers and consumers to build knowledge about different cider styles and ensure we’re all speaking the same language when describing ciders”, noted Mr Reid of Cider Australia.

The awards will be officially opened for entries in early June. Winners will be announced at a gala presentation dinner on the evening of Friday 7 October.Tasting paddle

2016 Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival

Looking to get some pork on your fork and some cider in your schooner? Adelaide has the event for you.

The 2016 Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival running from 8-10 July at the Adelaide Showground is now less than a month away. The incredible gathering of brewers and cidermakers is the largest ever seen in South Australia. It will now be enhanced by the arrival of the ‘Crafty Container.’ 18 taps of constantly changing beers and ciders. BBQ chefs from around Australia and South Africa, matched with great music. It’s sure to be a great weekend. Tickets are still available from adelaidebeerfest.com.au

Are there any other cider news or events coming up in your neck of the woods please let me know in the comments below.

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