Cattle farmer turned brewer wins coveted cider award

Ron Gibbon, of Moorlands Farm Cyder, has won the East Midlands and Yorkshire cider of the year award by the Campaign for Real Ale, for his Medium Sweet Cyder.

The North Newbald-based brewer beat 16 other producers from Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Yorkshire, who were invited to supply a real cider or real perry for the competition.

His 6.4 per cent strength cider was chosen in a blind tasting session by a judging panel that included experienced cider drinkers and novices from across the country.

Mr Gibbon, who spent 18 months developing his cider before unleashing it on the public, said: "We are really surprised but absolutely delighted and honoured to have won this highly regarded competition with a cider that was only released for sale in February 2010.

"This year we have come so far in a few months and our thanks must go to all our customers and David and Alan at Hull and East Yorkshire CAMRA.

"We use traditional methods of production, but see cider drinking as a pleasant and modern thing to do."

Mr Gibbon decided to try his hand at cider-making after learning his friend had an orchard full of unpicked apples.

He produced 5,000 litres of medium-sweet cider last season, which is available across Yorkshire, and is planning to plant his own orchard.