Welsh Cider Company Sponsors CAMRA book

From Brew Wales

Gwynt Y Ddraig, the Welsh Cider and Perry Company, have given their support to CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, by sponsoring their new book, called 'Cider'.

Bill George, Operations Director at Gwynt Y Ddraig, said, “CAMRA have always supported us over the years and and it was a great opportunity for us to be asked by them to sponsor a book on cider and perry. Since Gwynt Y Ddraig first started back in 2001, our ciders and perries have been on the bars of hundreds of CAMRA beer festivals throughout the country and have won many awards, including Champion Cider and Perry of Britain.

‘Cider’ is a lovingly-crafted exploration into the world of apples and pears, celebrating some of the industry’s pioneering characters and events, whilst travelling the length and breadth of cider country to form one of the most comprehensive cider and perry publications to date.

‘Cider’ is written, compiled and visualised thanks to a collaboration of leading experts on the subject, bringing together freelance journalists, producers and even self-confessed enthusiasts from the CAMRA membership! Due to this panel of knowledge, no stone is left unturned for the reader, with information on where to find cider retailers at home or abroad, how to match cider with food, and, as a light-hearted aside, how to produce your own cider or perry!

Andrea Briers, Chair of the CAMRA National Cider and Perry Committee, said, "This book is a lavishly illustrated, true insight into the world of cider and perry making, and one that captures some of the characteristics making this industry so treasured. The cider and perry world is simply brimming with diverse customs and history, and to a majority of people this element of Britishness remains undiscovered."

In homage to the work of European producers, ‘Cider’ also devotes attention to Spanish, French, Austrian and German producers that have influenced the industry. As the book notes, ‘the temperature climate of Europe’s Cider Belt gives rise to a landscape and a culture that’s all pastures and orchards.’

Domestically, cider is currently undergoing a revival in the noughties, and ‘Cider’ lovingly reports that, ‘In the past five years, the number of producers has blossomed and more real cider and perry is now being produced than 15 years ago. Most of these cidermakers are hobby producers, though several are reaching the tipping point where they are able to pack their day jobs in and produce full time.’

Briers continues:
"CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Month in October has been a catalyst for change over the last few years and has really helped raise the reputation and renown of craft producers. The aim of this ‘Cider’ book is to make more consumers aware of one of Britain’s oldest drinks, and to champion the delights of fresh, well-crafted produce coming from some of the nation’s most innovative artisans."

‘Cider’ is published on Wednesday April 15^th, and is available from all good retailers, as well as from the CAMRA shop (www.camra.org.uk/shop), priced £12.99 for CAMRA members, and £14.99 for non-members.

Gwynt Y Ddraig Facts:

• Gwynt Y Ddraig was founded in 2001 by local farmer Bill George and his nephew Andrew Gronow
• 450 tons of fruit were pressed last year
• Orchard Gold Cider was commended in the True Taste Drink (Alcoholic) awards 2007/8
• Gwynt Y Ddraig Farmhouse Sweet was judged “Best Sweet Cider” at the Bath Cider Festival 2008
• Gwynt Y Ddraig Perry was voted Champion Perry of Wales at the Welsh Cider Festival 2008
• Gwynt Y Ddraig have previously won Champion Cider and Perry of Britain, as judged by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.
• Gwynt Y Ddraig open days 2009: Saturday 25^th (1100-2100) & Sunday 26^th April (1100-1900)

Further Information:

Bill George, Operations Director, 0779 106 6240

or

Andy Gronow, Production Director, 0779 106 6257

Llest Farm, Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd, RCT, CF38 2PW

www.gwyntcider.com