Barrels & Bonfires...

It may be windy out there but... our thoughts are all turning to toasty notes with the impending arrival of Guy Fawkes firework spectaculars.

So, which of our barrel-influenced ciders would we suggest to go with your bonfire evening? Accompanying our Hallowe'en friend here and drawing on our hundred-plus store of barrels, we've selected a diverse trio for you, including a preview of the soon-to-be released Art of Darkness 2021.

And if you fancy your own sneak preview of Art of Darkness, I'll have it on tasting at the cidery today, Saturday 4 November.

Move over Strictly, here's Tiny Dancer 2020. The original tango between time, tannins and barrel, this is blended by good friend of Little Pomona, flying cidermaker maestro, Martyn Goodwin Sharman himself. Primarily Dabinett with a good dose of Harry Masters Jersey, we're drawing on both ex-cognac and ex-Chardonnay barrels here. This gives a kiss of smoke on the nose, enjoyably prickly carbonation, and soft tannins dancing throughout. Match with vintage cheddar, lentil ragout or spicy ratatouille.

Our Sparkling Whisky Cask brings in the malt whisky cask influence, a juicy, peachy cider with creamy sparkles and lingering tannins. Pick out a blue cheese or a well seasoned pork sausage for this one.

Finally, the first sighting of the new Art of Darkness. After a break in 2020, the 2021 vintage returns with poise and elegance. Drawn as ever from our home orchard, it's four-fifths Ellis Bitter aged in cognac barrels with wine-barrel-aged Dabinett and a splash of Foxwhelp. Ripe stone fruit allied with spice and perfume on the nose, there's a beautiful freshness and tannins the texture of wet slate. Beautiful with oven-baked salmon, garlic-and-herb marinaded chicken or roasted, stuffed courgettes. 

Due for release at our Festive Open Day on Saturday 9 December (12-5pm), I'll be popping Art of Darkness on the Cider Club page this afternoon so members can get first dibs, shipping now or storing in Members' Reserve - we'll be revealing our Festive Selections shortly, so you may want to collect together to get free shipping.

In the meantime, if you're around Saturday, I'll be at the cidery 12 to 3pm and would love to see you. Also we'll be popping up at Bromyard's fab Monthly Market tomorrow in the Town Square.

Wassail!

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