Peeling back ciders’ taste complexities

30 Sep 2013

Australian Cider Awards: judging to be held October 9th, in Orange, NSW

Australia’s finest ciders will go head-to-head with some of the best product from across the UK, Europe and New Zealand when the Australian Cider Awards are judged next week.

More than 150 cider and perry products have been entered into the awards, with 30% of entries coming from the UK, France, New Zealand, Belgium, Germany and Ireland.

Cider Australia President James Kendell said 14 award categories would be judged by US cider expert Gary Awdey and Australian connoisseurs Max Allen and Neil Cameron, in Orange, NSW, on October 9th.

Mr Kendell said it was pleasing to see a growth in entries from previous years, confirming the fact that the Australian cider industry is enjoying a remarkable and successful growth.

“These awards are growing in stature both nationally and internationally,’’ Mr Kendell said.

“There are some wonderfully and critically-acclaimed entries from around Australia and it will be interesting to see how they compare to products from around the world, especially the European entries, which definitely have a head-start on Australia as far as production experience is concerned.’’

While taste testing the products entered sounds like a dream job, judging for the national awards is a complex process – with all products tasted `blind’.

“Aspects of appearance, aroma and taste are then assessed and scored, with each cider given a score out of 60. A score of 46.5 to 50.5 receives a Bronze Medal, 51 to 55 a Silver medal and 55.5 to 60 a Gold medal.”

“Gold medal winners are judged against each other to decide the “Champion of Show”, “Champion Australian Cider” and “Champion Australian Perry”.

Winners of each category will be announced at an Awards Presentation Dinner, on Friday October 18th at the Sebel Hotel in Surry Hills. Tickets cost $120 and include a five course meal matched with award winning ciders. They’re available via www.cideraustralia.org.au

For more details please contact James Kendell on 0434086081.