Introduction |
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Despite
his surname, Keith Orchard didn't gravitate towards the manufacture
of Cider and Perry until he purchased a 200 year old farm in the picturesque
Wye Valley. Having lain abandoned for over 10 years, hidden in the over
grown orchard was a treasure trove of Cider Apple and Perry Pear trees
that seemed perfect for the manufacture of Keith's chosen tipple. |
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Many
of the varieties still remain a mystery, until Keith immersed himself
in the British Cider making tradition and befriended various knowledgeable
aficionados, to rekindle one the old traditions of the farm once more.
Keith
considerers a good Cider or Perry to be comparable to a good wine, in
that it can be taken with a meal or as a refreshing evening drink. Moreover,
being the natural drink of Gloucestershire he also thinks that Perry
should be promoted as the county drink. |
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| Perry
and Cider are both fairly strong in comparison to commercially available
beers and lagers, and few come in at naturally under 5.6% strength by
volume. In
March 2005 Whilst clearing an old barn to start renovation works, an
old 45 gallon metal drum left buried under artefacts turned out to be
full of cider! The barrel had a sealed plastic lining, the contents
were fine and still drinkable, with an abv of 7.8%. Having made enquiries
it was believe the barrel was at least 40 years old. (See how the local
press covered the story here) |
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In the year
2002, Keith aquired a second orchard, not far from the Wye Valley. Planting
new trees in both orchards, he is looking towards the future.
Coincidentally, Keith has found that one of the old popular
Cider apples was the Backwell Red, named after the village he grew up
in. Needless to say this variety was one Keith felt drawn to and which
he has since planted in abundance. |
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Orchards
Cider and Perry is available at many of the agricultural shows around
Gloucestershire and Monmouthshireas well as local shops, pubs and restaurants
in the Wye Valley.
With this website, however, Keith is looking to broaden his outlets and the availability of his Cider and Perry, so is open to any enquiries or suggestions. |
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Orchard
Cider and Perry will be at the following vents throughout summer of
2008 |
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Chepstow International Horse Trials 17 & 18th May The Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival 20-22 June 2008 Penhow Summer Show 5th July S Wales Shire Horse Show Abergavenny - 26th July Chepstow Show 9th August Monmouth Show 28th August Caerwent Show - 6th Sept Usk Show - 13th Sept Forest Showcase dates tbc Oct also available at the 'Slow Food Market' Corn Street, Bristol 1st Sunday in the Month |
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