Nelson based cidermakers, Redwood Cider Co, continue to prove they are world-class cider producers with their latest win at the International Brewing Awards 2013. They have the distinction of being the only Gold medal winner for cider from outside of the UK – long considered the home of cider.
Their newest innovation in the Old Mout Cider range, Passionfruit & Cider, took out gold and was the only medal awarded in the ‘Cider with other fruits, juices or flavours 5.0 percent ABV and above’ Category.
More than 45 countries submitted their wares across a broad spectrum of producers from regional micro-brewers to multi-national companies.
Of 1000 entries, 96 medals were presented to brewers and cider makers and only four of them were Gold for ciders. Results were announced after a gruelling three day judging session at the National Brewery Centre in Burton-upon-Trent.
Justin Hall, managing director of Redwood Cider Co, is pleased that the new addition has been recognised on such a great, international scale.
“It’s just tremendous to see the judges’ opinions reflect those of our discerning consumers – and be awarded for it with a golden gong. I know our cider makers are equally as overjoyed so we’ll be having a bit of a celebration with the team.”
Old Mout launched Passionfruit (5.8 percent ABV) – a blend of crisp apple cider with real Passionfruit wine – to local acclaim in September 2012. It’s fast becoming a favourite among fans of the Old Mout range.
The International Brewing Awards, which date back more than 120 years, have had an absence of cider categories for some decades, but reintroduced two for the 2013 awards. The response was massive so there are plans afoot to further develop this aspect of the bi-annual awards for February 2015. Ranked as one of the top three selling cider brands in the country, Old Mout Cider products are available throughout New Zealand.
The name Old Mout comes from Nelson’s renowned apple growing region – the Moutere Valley. The Old Mout label was originally attached to a fortified apple wine ‘rocket fuel’ (23 percent) made in the old apple season days.
