Small Acres Cyder has been awarded the coveted Champion Cider Trophy at the 2021 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show.
The 2017 Small Acres ‘Cat’s Pyjamas’ Cider ($35) received the award, along with the Trophy for the Champion Bottle Conditioned Perry or Cider and Gold Medal at the recently judged awards.
“We’re more than a little excited,” said owner Nick Geoghegan. “We enter these awards to benchmark our ciders against the country’s best and to receive two Champion Trophies, along with a medal for every cider we entered, is more than we could ever hope for.”
The competition received a record 313 entries this year, with an increase in the classes such as experimental and specialty ciders. This reflects the growth of the beer and cider industry in Australia.
“When Small Acres Cyder was first established in 2007 there were not many independent and craft producers in Australia, with the larger commercial producers dominating the scene,” continued Nick.
“The market is becoming more interesting as these small indie producers, such as us, are making an impact. Cider drinkers are expecting more from their ciders which is fantastic for the industry. Our medal winners like the Cat’s Pyjamas and the Norfolk Still are pretty unique styles so it’s great to see them recognised and enjoyed by more people.”
The 2017 Small Acres ‘Cat’s Pyjamas’ is a wild-fermented méthode traditionnelle sparkling cider made from French and English cider varieties grown in Small Acres’ own cider orchard. It is hand riddled and hand disgorged and is a real labour of love. Produced in small volumes, the cider is the producer’s flagship.
Based on a French country house style cider, the Cat’s Pyjamas 2017 has a deep burnt orange colour, aromas of ripe, baked apple sauce and an earthy cooked apple palate complemented by a berry tartness. This late disgorge represents the final release of the 2017 vintage and only remains in small quantities.
2021 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider results:
2017 Small Acres ‘Cat’s Pyjamas’ Cider
- Trophy, Champion Cider
- Trophy, Champion Bottle Conditioned Perry or Cider
- Gold Medal, class 37, Bottle Conditioned Cider
2021 Small Acres ‘Norfolk Still’ Cider
- Silver Medal, New World Cider
2017 Small Acres ‘Pommeau’ Fortified
- Bronze Medal, Experimental & Specialty Cider or Perry
Small Acres ‘Pomme’
- Bronze Medal, New World Cider
Small Acres ‘Poire’
- Bronze Medal, Medium Perry
Small Acres Cyder were also recognised with the ‘Best Cider in Show’ Trophy and gold medal for the 2017 Small Acres Pommeau and a silver medal and ‘Joint Best in Class’ for the 2017 Small Acres ‘Cat’s Pyjamas’ at the 2021 Red Hill Cider Show.
Further information on Small Acres Cyder can be found at www.smallacrescyder.com.au
Distribution: The Small Acres Cyder range is distributed nationally by Wine Depot, and is also available directly at smallacrescyder.com.au
For further information and images please contact:
David Cumming at Define Wine Marketing & Communications: 0414 736 342 or david@definewine.com.au
Nick Geoghegan at Small Acres Cyder: 0418 153 785 or info@smallacrescyder.com.au
Small Acres Cyder was established in Orange in 2007 with the vision to produce a range of ciders made with locally grown cider apples, utilising traditional and authentic production methods. Drawing on their experience in the UK, the founders were frustrated at the lack of premium ciders in Australia and so Small Acres Cyder was born. In 2021 Nick and Jannene Geoghegan took over the business and has continued producing premium ciders from his orchard on the slopes of Mount Canobolas.