Devon has been producing cider for hundreds of years, and it's still one of the county's most iconic drinks. From traditional cloudy scrumpy to crisp sparkling ciders, local producers continue to make the most of Devon's rich orchards and carefully selected cider apples.
At Devon Hampers, we stock a hand-picked range of ciders from independent Devon producers. Whether you're discovering West Country cider for the first time or looking for a new favourite, here are some of the producers we recommend.
Cider is an alcoholic drink made by fermenting pressed apple juice. The flavour depends on the varieties of apple used, along with the cider maker's methods. Some ciders are dry and crisp, others are sweeter and fruitier, while traditional Devon ciders are often full-bodied with rich tannin flavours.
Cider can be still or sparkling and is produced in a wide variety of styles, giving plenty of choice for different tastes.
Devon has ideal conditions for growing cider apples, with a mild climate and orchards that have supplied local producers for generations. Traditional cider apples such as bittersweet and bittersharp varieties create the balanced tannins and natural acidity that give many Devon ciders their distinctive character.
Many producers continue to press whole apples rather than using concentrate, combining traditional techniques with modern production methods. While Devon is well known for traditional cloudy scrumpy, today's cider makers also produce crisp sparkling ciders, lighter refreshing styles and fruit ciders, giving something for every palate.
Based near Crediton, Sandford Orchards produces a wide range of award-winning Devon ciders using locally grown apples. Working from one of the UK's oldest working cider mills, the team combines traditional cider-making with modern techniques to create everything from crisp dry ciders to fruitier styles.
Sandford Reserve is one of the orchard's finest ciders, created by blending the best cider from each harvest using rare apples grown in old Devon orchards. Matured in vats, casks and large oak foudres before bottling, this 7.4% ABV vintage cider develops complex notes of peach, oak and sherry, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience the depth and character of traditional Devon cider.
Ashridge is known for producing carefully crafted sparkling ciders alongside organic vintage varieties. Using traditional methods and a blend of specialist cider apples, their ciders offer plenty of character while remaining fresh and refreshing.
Made in the heart of Devon, Heron Valley ciders are produced using locally grown cider apples and traditional techniques. Their range showcases the rich, full flavours that have made Devon cider famous, with naturally balanced styles that appeal to both experienced cider drinkers and newcomers alike.
Best known for its award-winning beers, Bays Brewery also produces Windfall Cider, a refreshing sparkling cider made from 100% West Country apples. Light honey in colour with a well-balanced, crisp apple flavour, it's an easy-drinking cider that showcases the quality of local fruit while complementing the brewery's Devon drinks range.
At 4.7% ABV, Windfall offers a fresh, approachable taste that's ideal whether you're already a cider fan or simply looking to discover another excellent Devon producer.
With more than 200 years of cider-making heritage, Hunts Cider is one of Devon's longest-established producers, crafting traditional farmhouse ciders from its home near Totnes. Using fresh-pressed juice from high-quality Devon cider apples and combining time-honoured methods with modern production, Hunts creates authentic ciders full of West Country character.
Wobbler is one of its best-known ciders: a 6% ABV medium-sweet still cider with a well-balanced blend of tannins, sweetness and acidity, offering a rich, traditional taste that's perfect for anyone looking to experience classic Devon cider.
Based near Sidmouth in East Devon, Four Elms has been growing apples since 1962 and produces a range of handcrafted ciders made exclusively from fruit grown in its own orchards. Rooted in Devon's cider-making tradition, the family-run producer focuses on authentic West Country flavours, with each cider reflecting the character of locally grown apples.
Devon Roots is a 5% ABV medium, gently sparkling cider, offering a well-balanced, refreshing taste that's an excellent introduction to traditional Devon cider.
Whether you prefer a crisp sparkling cider or a traditional still style, there's plenty to explore. Our cider hampers bring together some of our favourite Devon producers, making them a thoughtful gift or an easy way to sample a taste of the West Country at home.
Sources:
http://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Cider.html
https://www.devonheaven.co.uk/blogs/news/116564229-whys-devon-cider-special-who-produces-it
https://www.sandfordorchards.co.uk/so-juicy/
https://www.heronvalley.co.uk/collections/ciders
https://lymebaywinery.co.uk/product-category/cider/
https://www.norcottscider.co.uk/
