The results of the 2017 cider competition sent shock waves through Haddenham this weekend when Richard Moore was knocked of the No.1 position by new comer George Zieja with his 'Jorj's Cider'. This special batch cider, made from apples from Haddenham allotments, wowed the judges who were unanimous in choosing the winner.
This competition, now in its sixth year, is held each January at the Rising Sun pub and is open to village cider makers who use only Haddenham apples, of which there is always a surplus (particularly wind falls).
A team of threes judges, led by Margot Hodson, Vicar of St Mary's Church and Rector of Wychert Vale Benefice, blind tasted samples of each entry and, using a complex scoring system based on appearance, aroma, smoothness, freshness, fruitiness etc, allocated a score to each entrant.
Richard Moore, whose cider this year was made from apples collected from Snakemoor came Second. He was unable to attend the competition and will be disappointed not to have possession of the wassail cup trophy, but it is rumoured that the secret apple trees that produced his previous winning brew will be flourishing again in 2017, so George had better look out!
In joint 3rd place were Rob Daniel's with his 'Hazey Sunset' and David Lyons with 'Mouse Hole'. In 4th place was Dave Watkins with his 'Cider Dob' and in 5th place was 'Red House' by Greg Smith.
Cider making is extremely easy and Haddenham has a press and fruit mill both of which can be borrowed each Autumn. There are plenty of people who can give help and advice and even lend bottling equipment.
If you are interested in making cider this coming Autumn and would like further information, contact David Lyons on 01844 296174 and consider entering the 2018 competition.
(Photograph courtesy of Michael Zeija)
