Artisan Irish Cider producers Killahora Orchards of Cork, have swept the board at the prestigious Royal Bath & West International Cider Competition, taking medals in three categories, as well as the coveted ‘SUPREME INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION’ award for their Johnny Fall Down – Wild Apple Bouché.
Cousins Barry Walsh and David Watson are the founders & creators, using over 100 Apple varieties from the 200 year old Orchards to make these 3 award winning drinks, which seek to elevate the perception of what can be made from apples, and which have beaten off over 150 entries from around the world to achieve their accolades today.
The Wild Apple Bouché was made in a ‘methode champenoise’ style using wild apples from ancient hedgerow trees, likely descended from the 19th century orchard. As well as the Wild Apple Bouché taking the top prize, their Le Johnny Fall Down Demi-Sec Cider claimed a Bronze in the competitive West Country Style Cider, and their new Poiré took a bronze in the Bottle Conditioned Perry category, (though there is an additional accolade here in that this was the only bottling of this style in the world that received a medal!)
David said “we are delighted with these results in what is considered the ‘Holy Grail’ of cider awards, and the recognition that our slow and natural methods are creating something special“.
Whilst work renovating the ancient Orchards began in 2010 by David’s Father Tim, their cider products have only been commercially available since 2016. In this short time, they have also won Gold medals in Ireland’s Blas na hEireann, the Great Taste Awards, and medals in the International Cider Challenge, the British Bottling Institute and Cider Champion of Ireland.
As well as producing fine Ciders and a Poiré, (made from special Perry pears), Killahora Orchards make a Rare Apple Ice Wine and an Apple Port called ‘Pom’O’. These artisan drinks have received outstanding reviews by top wine critic Jancis Robinson and can be found in many of Corks finest restaurants. ‘
Award Results: http://britishciderchampionships.com/media/International-Cider-RESULTS.pdf
Email: info@killahoraorchards.ie
Twitter/Instagram: @killahora
