Innovation, experimentation and excellence under the microscope in Melbourne

Five people in Melbourne can lay claim to having the best job in the world this week.

They’re busy smelling and sipping almost 150 different ciders from across the country as well as New Zealand, South Africa and Europe, in the 2014 Australian Cider Awards.

The awards are being held in Melbourne for the first time, with judging underway at the William Angliss Institute in the CBD.

Cider Australia President Sam Reid said the awards have grown to record categories, reflecting the increasing popularity of cider products.

“This is the first time we have organised an awards that includes clear definition between `New World’ and `Traditional’ cider to reflect that there is an obvious difference between styles,” Mr Reid said.

In `New World’, the judges will be expecting ciders and perry in a modern, fruit-driven style, that may have less complexity, texture and structure than those in the `Traditional’ classes.

“The general consumer would see `New World’ as American-style cider that is clear, crisp, filtered and bubbly, while the `Traditional’ category is dominated by cloudy samples traditionally found throughout Europe,” Mr Reid explained.

New Zealand based expert Malcolm Reeves is bringing an international perspective to the judging panel, which also includes Gary Baldwin, Behn Payten, Ian Kingham and Wayne Hewett.

“We have today started the first of the 17 categories on offer and will finish the remainder tomorrow. I can honestly say I am extremely impressed with the calibre of cider on show so far,” Mr Reeves said.

“While the results won’t be officially released until the awards ceremony next week, I can predict that there will be quite a few gold medals being awarded.

Winners of the awards will be honoured at a dinner, to be held at the Kelvin Club on Friday October 10th, while cider celebrations will continue with the Australian Cider Festival at Ormond Hall at The Village over that weekend.
Media Note
Photos/overlay vision and interviews are available today and tomorrow. Please contact Sam Reid – 0434734797 – to arrange.

Bookings close tomorrow for Cider Australia Master Class

Fancy yourself a cider connoisseur? Simply a humble consumer who wants to learn more about the methods used to create your favourite tipple?

Then, Cider Australia’s judging master class in Melbourne is the place you need to be.

The event, to be held this Monday, September 29, at the Brunswick Street Cider House in Fitzroy, will be led by New Zealand expert Malcolm Reeves.

Mr Reeves is flying to Australia to be the guest international judge for the 2014 Australian Cider Awards – which have received a record number of entries from around the country.

He is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and passion for perry and cider with an Australian audience.

“The class will cover everything from international cider trends and judging methods to who won the grand final!” says Cider Australia president Sam Reid.

“This is an important precursor to the judging of the Awards, which will start the following day.”

The Master Class will run from 9.30am till noon and finish with a rustic ploughman’s lunch.

Tickets are just $40 including lunch.

But places are limited and bookings close tomorrow – to secure your place, please RSVP to office@cideraustralia.org.au by COB tomorrow.

FAST FACTS

• Cider Australia Master Class: Monday, September 29th @ Brunswick Street Cider
  House in Fitzroy (bookings close TOMORROW!!!!).
• Entries for the Australian Cider Awards have closed with a record number of
  Australian entries and 150 in total over 17 categories.
• Judging of the awards will take place on September 30th and October 1st.
• Winners will be celebrated at a special dinner on October 10th at The Kelvin Club,
  followed by the Australian Cider Festival on October 11th and 12th at Ormond Hall at
  The Village. For tickets to the dinner and festival go to www.cideraustralia.org.au.

For more details or media enquiries, please contact Cider Australia executive officer Jane Anderson on 0434 559 759. You can also keep up to date with the latest news via twitter @cideraustralia

Cider Australia is busily brewing up the best mix of cider, food and entertainment to ensure that its up-coming festival is the biggest and best yet.

More than 1500 people are expected to flock to the Australian Cider Festival, which will for the first time be held in Melbourne, on October 11 and 12.

The weekend celebration will be a relaxed affair to follow on from the industry’s major awards ceremony on the Friday night.

The festival, to be held at Ormond Hall at The Village, will feature up to 30 stalls with dozens of cider and perry styles to sample.

“We are excited about showcasing Melbournians some of the best and most unique ciders from across the country,” Cider Australia President Sam Reid said.

“Our industry has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years and as a result we have expanded our awards program and we are growing the festival element to ensure we keep a spotlight on our fantastic, locally-made products.

“And, at the end of the day, who needs an excuse to sit back in the spring sunshine and sip on a few ciders!”

Festival goers can make their way to The Village Melbourne Brasserie for live entertainment and cider-matched food offerings, including pork belly sliders with apple relish cider, pulled pork po boys and pan seared scallops with pork belly.

Entry is from 1pm at the earlybird price of $20 per day (available online at www.cideraustralia.org.au) or $25 at the door and includes 20 x 50mL complementary tastings, a program and tasting notes and a tasting glass.

Producers showcasing their wares will include Batlow Cider, Bilpin Cider, Cheeky Rascal Ciders, Endless Cider, Flying Brick Cider, Frank’s Cider, Hazeldean Forest Farm, Hillbilly Cider, Hills Cider, LOBO Cider, Mock Red Hill, Napoleone Cider, Small Acres Cyder, Spreyton Cider Co, Too Many Chiefs and Willie Smith’s Organic Cider.

For more details, please contact Cider Australia executive officer Jane Anderson on 0434 559 759. You can also keep up to date with the latest news via twitter @cideraustralia or www.cideraustralia.org.au

A continuing growth in the popularity and production of cider has led to the development of the biggest Australian Cider Awards in its short history.

Cider Australia has today officially opened entries for the awards, aimed at showcasing and celebrating the best apple and pear ciders available across the country.

President Sam Reid said Cider Australia is expanding the range of award categories to better reflect the growing range of ciders available in Australia.

Seventeen categories will be judged by internationally-acclaimed expert Malcolm Reeves, from New Zealand, along with Australia counterparts Gary Baldwin, Wayne Hewett, Ian Kingham and Behn Payten.

“Our aim is to move towards a better understanding and appreciation of the different cider styles available in Australia, by producers and consumers alike,” Mr Reid said.

“This follows the approaches used in leading cider competitions overseas where ciders are judged against their stylistic peers.”

Cider and perry can now be entered into the “New World” or “Traditional” category.

In the “New World” categories, the judges will be looking for a modern, fruit-driven style that may have less complexity, texture and structure than ciders in the “Traditional” classes.

There will also be three new and separate categories for ice cider, fortified cider and experimental cider.

“We are hoping to see some interesting and innovative entries in the three new categories and their inclusion is a reflection of the growing maturity of the cider market in Australia” Mr Reid said.

Cider Australia is proud to set the benchmark with the new judging parameters.

“As the category continues to develop and we obtain learnings from the international judges that we bring in each year, it’s natural that we evolve the categories to reflect not only best practice but where the market is in Australia at this present time”, Mr Reid said.

“Of course the key point of the competition is the ability for producers to benchmark their ciders versus local and international producers and enable the continuous improvement in quality in the category that we are seeing.”

You can enter the 2014 Australian Cider Awards online via Cider Australia’s website at www.cideraustralia.org.au.

Entries close on Friday 19 September 2014.

Winners will be celebrated at a special dinner on October 10th at The Kelvin Club, followed by a Cider Festival in Ormond Hall at The Village Melbourne on October 11th and 12th.

 

THE AWARD CATEGORIES AND RULES ARE ATTACHED TO THIS MEDIA RELEASE

 

For more details or media enquiries, please contact Cider Australia President Sam Reid on 0434 734 797. You can also keep up to date with the latest news via twitter @cideraustralia or www.cideraustralia.org.au

 

ATTACHMENT: 2014 Australian Cider Awards

Rules of Entry:

1. Entrants must declare the product as either Cider or Perry and enter it in one of the 17 categories under classes 1 – 11.

2. A product may only be entered into the show once. Entrants may enter more than one product into a category.

3. There is no flavoured Cider or Perry class.

4. Where more than 5% water (in volume) is used in the production processes of a cider or perry (e.g. to reconstitute concentrate or adjust alcohol percentage) such products are to be identified on the entry form. This information is being collected for statistical purposes and will not be available to the judges.

5. Where sugar, apple juice concentrate or other sugar substitutes are used in the production processes specifically to increase alcohol percentage or to adjust sweetness, such products are to be identified on the entry form. (The use of sugar or substitutes where its sole function is to promote the secondary fermentation process for products entered into classes 4 and 8 does not need to be advised).

6. Entrants must have in stock at the time of entry a minimum of 225 litres of each product entered into classes 1-8, and 100 litres of each product entered in classes 9-11.

7. All entries must be available for sale in Australia at the time of entry.

8. The organising committee reserves the right to audit compliance in regard to entries.

9. An entry form and an entry fee must accompany each entry. Entries not accompanied by the fee and entry form will not be accepted. Entry charges for 2014 remain at $45 for members of Cider Australia and $55 for non-members.

10. Each entry will consist of 4 x 750mL bottles, or 8 x 375mL bottles or equivalent volume. Entries become the property of Cider Australia. The entries winning medals and/or best in class will be showcased at the Presentation Dinner through being matched by the judges to one of the courses served. We are asking that appropriate medal winners contribute 2 x cartons (9L or equivalent) to be served at the dinner. Additional carton/s, if required, will be purchased at wholesale prices by Cider Australia from the producer to ensure we have sufficient stock for serving. Only the selected winners will be asked to supply extra stock for the dinner. We trust that you will agree with this move to publicise the top products in this way and will be prepared to provide this support to the dinner.

11. Entries may be in any container less than 2L (glass, can, PET other) all closures permitted. At present the show is not able to receive or dispense keg formats.

12. Entries must have a Cider Australia label securely attached on each bottle/container, these can be printed when entering or from the website at a later date. Labels will not be sent out.

13. All entries and fees must be received by the organisers by Friday, 19th September 2014. No late forms or fees will be accepted.

14. Ciders and/or Perrys to be entered into the Awards must be delivered to;

Cider Australia Awards – c/o Past Last & Present.

51 Leather Street, Breakwater, Geelong, VIC 3219

between 8th September and 19th September 2014.

15. The judges’ decision is final.

16. The judges reserve the right not to award medals, prizes or certificates in each class.

Force Majeure and Modifications

If an event beyond the control of Cider Australia prevents the smooth running of the Cider Awards, Cider Australia cannot under any circumstances be held responsible. Cider Australia reserves the right to cancel the Awards, to alter the proposed date, to shorten, lengthen and change the conditions and running order. Responsibility will not be incurred by Cider Australia and therefore no compensation can be sought by participants.
 Cider Australia cannot be held responsible for any theft, loss, delay or damage during the transport of entries.

Audits

Cider Australia reserves the right to cancel wrongly completed or incomplete entry forms and to eliminate any entry that does not comply with the regulations. Cider Australia reserves the right to have any of the winning entries analysed by an approved oenological analysis laboratory and, subject to the results of the analysis, to take whatever action they consider necessary. Cider Australia is is the only organisation authorised to settle any disputes.

Categories Accepted:

1A New World Dry Cider [max. 1005 SG]

1B Traditional Dry Cider [max. 1005 SG]

2A New World Medium Cider [between 1005-1012 SG]

2B Traditional Medium Cider [between 1005-1012 SG]

3A New World Sweet Cider [min. 1012 SG]

3B Traditional Sweet Cider [min. 1012 SG]

4 Bottle Conditioned / Methode Champenoise Cider

5A New World Dry Perry [max. 1005 SG]

5B Traditional Dry Perry [max. 1005 SG]

6A New World Medium Perry [between 1005-1012 SG]

6B Traditional Medium Perry [between 1005-1012 SG]

7A New World Sweet Perry [min. 1012 SG]

7B Traditional Sweet Perry [min. 1012 SG]

8 Bottle Conditioned / Methode Champenoise Perry

9 Ice Cider/Perry

10 Fortified Cider/Perry

11 Experimental Cider/Perry

Explanatory Note

The classification into New World and Traditional ciders acknowledges the wide range of ciders available in Australia, and seeks to present groups of ciders to the judges that are to be judged against their stylistic peers. New World could equally be defined as Contemporary and is expected that ciders and perry in these classes will be in a modern fruit driven style, acknowledging that they may have less complexity, texture and structure than Traditional classes.

The use of water and fresh juice substitutes for fermentation has been included on the entry form as a requirement to be specified but has not been kept as separate classes.

The definitions of Cider and Perry are those of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and all entries in classes 1 – 9 should also comply with the WET Act definitions of Cider and Perry.

Where a product made from a mixture of apple and pear is in transition between classes and does not comply with the definitions in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (in particular that Cider may contain no more than 25% pear juice and Perry no more than 25% apple juice), it is ineligible for entry into classes 1 – 8. If entered into other classes, the percentage of each component (i.e. Apple 45%, Pear 55%) should be identified on the bottle label.

An international expert will headline the judging panel for Cider Australia’s national awards New Zealander Malcolm Reeves has almost three decades’ experience with cider judging and is looking forward to tasting the best of the best from Australia’s expanding industry when the awards are held in Melbourne later this year.

Mr Reeves was last year honoured with the Fruit Wine and Cider Maker’s NZ Trophy for his contribution to the industry. He consults globally on cider making and has extensive experience researching and teaching in wine science and technology.

Joining Mr Reeves on the judging panel will be four other cider connoisseurs.

Gary Baldwin (Director and Owner of Wine Network Consulting) will chair the panel.

Expertise will also be provided by Wayne Hewett (wine/cider maker at Rebello Wines), Ian Kingham (Category Lead Beer at Woolworths Liquor Group) and Behn Payten (wine/cider maker at Punt Road Wines).

Judging will take place at the historic Kelvin Club in Melbourne’s CBD, with judges deciding the best products in 17 award categories – 3 more than previous years.

Cider Australia president Sam Reid said it was necessary to review and expand the award categories to reflect the evolving cider market.

Mr Reid said he was expecting entries from more than 50 of the country’s leading artisan and boutique cider and perry makers, who continue to push the envelope developing products that are receiving acclaim from industry leaders across the globe.

“We are looking forward to presenting this quality judging panel with some unique products from across Australia,” Mr Reid said.

More details of the categories will be announced later this month when the awards are officially opened for entries.

Winners of the awards will be honoured at a dinner, to be held at The Kelvin Club on Friday October 10th, while cider celebrations will continue with the Australian Cider Festival at Ormond Hall at The Village over that weekend.

Media Contact: Cider Australia executive officer Jane Anderson on 0434 559 759. More details will be available in the coming weeks on Cider Australia’s website www.cideraustralia.org.au or twitter @cideraustralia.

Host city announced for National Cider Awards and Festival

Melbourne has been chosen as the city to host this year’s Australian Cider Awards and 2014 Australian Cider Festival.

Cider Australia president Sam Reid said the events have been held in NSW in past years but the organisation wanted to expand and celebrate the growing success of the industry across the country.

The annual event attracts around 50 of the country’s leading artisan and boutique cider and perry makers, battling it out for bragging rights as the best product in the country.

“The awards are growing in stature in line with the expanding and maturing industry in Australia,” Mr Reid said.

“Last year’s international judge was so impressed with the variety and quality of cider products presented for judging.

“He also commented about the wonderful passion displayed by the cider makers, who are constantly pushing the boundaries to ensure Australia is internationally recognised as an innovative and respected cider region.

“We expect this year’s awards to be even bigger and better, which is testament to the drive and dedication of our local producers.”

The awards dinner will be on Friday, October 10th, with a cider festival to run at Ormond Hall at The Village on Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of October.

“It is exciting for us to feature Melbourne in this year’s schedule of events and we are looking forward to announcing more details about judges and the awards program in the coming weeks,” Mr Reid said.

Media Note: For more details or to arrange interviews/photos please contact Cider Australia executive officer Jane Anderson on 0434 559 759.
www.cideraustralia.org.au Twitter: @cideraustralia

A Tasmanian cider producer has vowed to strengthen the integrity of labelling laws to ensure the industry’s future is not jeopardised by `fake’ alcopop-style cider.

The co-owner of Huon Valley organic apple cider Willie Smiths, Sam Reid, was voted as president of Cider Australia, after the peak body held its AGM in Canberra last week.

Mr Reid said he and his new committee, which includes representation from Victoria, South Australia, NSW and Tasmania’s Dickens Cider, had agreed on a full agenda to lobby for the best interests of producers and consumers.

“The AGM confirmed our focus on ensuring the Federal Government’s taxation regime supports a sustainable cider industry in Australia, and strengthening the integrity of cider labelling laws,” Mr Reid said.

“Addressing these issues is crucial for the continuing sustainable development of a quality led cider category in Australia, which benefits regional economies around the nation.”

“Our goal is for consumers to understand more about cider production and the differences between ciders, and for the label to support consumer choice.

“At the moment, it is not possible to tell what is in a beverage labelled cider – a lot of popular `ciders’ contain nothing but artificial flavours and sweeteners, allowing them to be sold quite cheaply.

“It is important that there is credibility in the labelling laws to allow consumers to make informed choices on the products they drink.”

Mr Reid thanked the outgoing executive committee members for their invaluable contribution to Cider Australia during a period of rapid growth in the sector: James Kendell, from Small Acres Cyder; David Pickering, from CiderOz; and Neal Cameron, from Australian Brewery.

“Cider Australia is proud of the work done to date to establish the industry at the forefront of consumers’ minds,” Mr Reid said.

“If we are successful in our fight for better labelling laws, then that will give the industry even more confidence to keep investing in innovative new products that support local communities and value-add to farming districts across Australia.”

Cider Australia Executive Committee
President – Sam Reid, Willie Smith’s Organic Cider (TAS)
Vice Presidents – Warwick Billings, LOBO Cider (SA) and Sean Pendergast, Bilpin Cider (NSW)
Secretary – Nyall Condon, Flying Brick Cider Co (VIC)
Treasurer – Karina Dambergs, Dickens Cider (TAS)
Marketing Manager – Rich Coombes, Batlow Cider (NSW)
Website Manager – Mark Ellis (VIC)

For more details, please contact Cider Australia executive officer Jane Anderson on 0434 559 759.
www.cideraustralia.org.au
Twitter: @cideraustralia

A new Cider Australia executive committee has vowed to strengthen the integrity of labelling laws to ensure the industry’s future is not jeopardised by `fake’ alcopopstyle cider.

The peak body representing dozens of cider and perry producers across Australia, held its AGM in Canberra last week.

The co-owner of Tasmanian organic apple cider Willie Smith’s, Sam Reid, was voted as president of Cider Australia.

Mr Reid said he and his new committee, which includes representation from Victoria, South Australia, NSW and Tasmania, had agreed on a full agenda to lobby for the best interests of producers and consumers.

“The AGM confirmed our focus on ensuring the Federal Government’s taxation regime supports a sustainable cider industry in Australia, and strengthening the integrity of cider labelling laws,” Mr Reid said.

“Addressing these issues is crucial for the continuing sustainable development of a quality led cider category in Australia, which benefits regional economies around the nation.”

“Our goal is for consumers to understand more about cider production and the differences between ciders, and for the label to support consumer choice.

“At the moment, it is not possible to tell what is in a beverage labelled cider – a lot of popular `ciders’ contain nothing but artificial flavours and sweeteners, allowing them to be sold quite cheaply.

“It is important that there is credibility in the labelling laws to allow consumers to make informed choices on the products they drink.”

Mr Reid thanked the outgoing executive committee members for their invaluable contribution to Cider Australia during a period of rapid growth in the sector: James Kendell, from Small Acres Cyder; David Pickering, from CiderOz; and Neal Cameron, from Australian Brewery.

“Cider Australia is proud of the work done to date to establish the industry at the forefront of consumers’ minds,” Mr Reid said.

“If we are successful in our fight for better labelling laws, it will give the industry even more confidence to keep investing in innovative new products that support local communities and value-add to farming districts across Australia.”

Cider Australia Executive Committee
President – Sam Reid, Willie Smith’s Organic Cider (TAS)
Vice Presidents – Warwick Billings, LOBO Cider (SA) and Sean Pendergast, Bilpin Cider (NSW)
Secretary – Nyall Condon, Flying Brick Cider Co (VIC)
Treasurer – Karina Dambergs, Dickens Cider (TAS)
Marketing Manager – Rich Coombes, Batlow Cider (NSW)
Website Manager – Mark Ellis (VIC)

For more details, please contact Cider Australia executive officer Jane Anderson on 0434 559 759.
www.cideraustralia.org.au
Twitter: @cideraustralia

Award winning and innovative cider producers will converge on Canberra this week for an Annual General Meeting with a twist.

After 30 Cider Australia members thrash out policies and political plays at the third-annual meeting, they will show off how successful their industry is fast becoming at a number of fun events open to the general public.

The Cider Australia AGM will run this coming Thursday from 10am at Gorman House Arts Centre, where the main agenda items focus on taxation as well as labelling laws for better product integrity.

Then the fun begins!

A Tap Takeover will be held at The Durham, in Green Square, Kingston, where more than 20 ciders will be available for sample – 10 on tap and over 20 more in bottles.

Cider festivities at The Durham will extend throughout the weekend.

“It’s a great opportunity to mingle with producers and industry experts, hear about the craft of cider making and the key issues of importance to the industry,” said Cider Australia President James Kendell.

“Cider is quickly becoming a very popular beverage and we are so proud of our niche and craft producers from all over the country. This is a great way for the general public to acquaint themselves with some of the best cider makers in the business and hear about our future vision for the industry.”

Tap Takeover runs from 5pm to late with free entry, canapés and snacks plus fantastic giveaways throughout the night.

On Friday, between noon and 2pm, there will be a Cider Tasting at Plonk Beer & Wine Shop, Fyshwick Markets, with free samples from a vast array of cider makers.

Fyshwick Markets is running an Apple and Pear Festival all weekend.

Participating producers include AB, Apple Thief, Batlow, Bilpin, Custard & Co, Darkes, Dickens, Dr Pilkington’s, Frank’s, Henry of Harcourt, Hillbilly, Hills, Jolly Miller, LOBO, Magners, Napoleone, Small Acres, Spreyton, Stassen, Sydney Cider, Too Many Chiefs and Willie Smith’s.

Media Note: President James Kendell will be available for media interviews after the AGM. For more details or to arrange interviews/pictures please contact executive officer Jane Anderson on 0434 559 759.

High level political talks and some more relaxed cider tastings will form the
centerpiece of Cider Australia’s AGM in Canberra this March.

A lack of integrity around labeling laws in Australia as well as the future of cider taxation will be key issues discussed during the meeting on Thursday, March 6, at Gorman House Arts Centre.

Once the meeting is complete, a `Tap Takeover’ and cider tasting event will be held in the capital to celebrate the growing popularity and diversity of ciders available. This is a great opportunity for Canberrans to try some of the high quality ciders that Australia is now producing.

Cider Australia President James Kendell said it would be in everybody’s interest if the Federal Government adopted a better legislative model to classify cider.

“We are looking to agree to a single definition covering cider and perry that will maintain the integrity of the cider industry into the future and provide consistency with international best practices,’’ Mr Kendell said.

“The discussion will also focus on labeling. We want to ensure that the consumer is able to make an informed choice based on what is on the label’’.

Without these changes, Mr Kendell said the Australian cider industry – which employs hundreds of people in small regional communities – was being disadvantaged.

Representatives of the Australian Tax Office have been invited to attend to present, discuss and hear from up to 30 Cider Australia members.

The formalities will be put to one side after the meeting, however, as Cider Australia hosts a Tap Takeover of all 12 taps and the fridge space at The Durham Hotel in Kingston on Thursday night.

While on Friday from 12-2pm, Australia’s biggest ever cider tasting will be held at Plonk Beer and Wine Shop, Fyshwick Markets.

“These two novel events will be a great, relaxed way to show off how wonderful Australian ciders are and hopefully an opportunity to celebrate a successful AGM and toast a bright future for this fantastic industry,’’ Mr Kendell said.

For more details or to arrange interviews/pictures please contact Cider Australia executive officer Jane Anderson on 0434 559 759, or visit www.cideraustralia.org.au.