It’s that time of year again. The 2015 Australian Cider Awards and Festival are just around the corner. Last years awards was a great event for cider fans and producers to catch up about the industry over some of the countries best ciders. Tickets are for sale now. More info after the break.

Cider Australia Press Release

Melbourne’s Ormond Hall is gearing up to host an expanded cider festival that incorporates a record-breaking field vying for Cider Australia’s annual awards.

From October 9th to 11th, the very best cider producers from across Australia will converge at The Village Melbourne to taste, learn and share their secrets to success.

Saturday, October 10th is the date for the average cider appreciator to put in their diaries – a celebration of all things cider will take place at the Australian Cider Festival between 12-8pm.

Cider Australia President Sam Reid said the festival would showcase high quality cider and perry, cider master classes, live entertainment and cider-matched food.

“More than a thousand people are expected to come and sample a diverse range of cider and perry from over 20 local and international producers, brush up on their cider knowledge at a cider master class run by leading industry experts, and talk with the cider makers in person,” Mr Reid said.

“The festival is perfectly suited to cider enthusiasts, amateur cider makers, craft beer and wine lovers and locals looking for a great day out.

“People can register on the day for master classes costing just $15 per session, to learn more about cider styles and how to appreciate this unique beverage.”

Festival entry costs just $20 per person pre-sale or $25 on the door (under 18s are free) and the ticket price includes 20 x 50mL complementary tastings, a tasting glass, festival program and tasting notes.

Meanwhile, more than 150 entries are expected in a record-breaking field of ciders being judged for the Australian Cider Awards, with the winners to be announced at a dinner on Friday, 9th October, also at Ormond Hall at The Village Melbourne.

A four course dinner will be served with a matched selection of 2015 medal winning ciders and perries. The cost is $125 per person and ticket numbers are limited.

A new element of the awards will be an Exhibitor Tasting for entrants to the 2015 Australian Cider Awards on the Sunday after the Festival.

“This is a new initiative intended to build knowledge about cider judging and the Australian Cider Awards”, Mr Reid said.

“Entrants will be able to taste their own cider alongside medal winning ciders and discuss the results with judges”.

Canadian guest judge Claude Jolicoeur, author of The New Cider Maker’s Handbook and internationally renowned for his technical knowledge on cider making, will host a number of cider education classes:

  • Wednesday, September 30th, 9.30-11am – Award Winning Ciders: A Cider Maker’s Perspective. The class will cover macro pleasure vs micro faults, difficulties in adhering to a specific judging style, and clean vs funky. Discussion will focus on understanding the link between cider judging and cider appreciation. An interactive session with the opportunity to taste and discuss a few of last year’s GLINTCAP entries from Quebec. Brunswick Street Cider House – $45 per person including lunch.
  • Saturday, October 10th, 9.30-11am – Cider Producers Forum: Quality Factors In Cider Making. The class will cover apple varieties, blending and fermentation processes and strategies, and the effect of this on the quality of cider. Incorporates an interactive Q&A session. Lounge Bar off Ormond Hall at The Village Melbourne – $25 per person for members of Cider Australia and $65 per person for non-members.

Cider Australia’s AGM will coincide with the awards and visitors to the festival will also be encouraged to sign an e-petition calling on the government to apply its strict new country of origin labelling system to cider, just as it does to fruit juice – so that we can all be guaranteed to know exactly where our favourite drop really comes from.

Tickets and more information available here

Don’t forget to get your Real Cider Reviews merch