• Bob Cork has 40 years of experience in cider making, starting in 1980.
• Initially an apprentice engineer, he transitioned to cider making, thanks to his engineering background.
• He now works as a cider-making consultant, still contributing to the legacy of Showering Cider Mill.

• Showering Cider Mill, made an undeniable mark for a perry called Babycham.
• The mill has evolved over the years, modernizing its equipment while maintaining traditional cider-making techniques.
• During the production of Babycham, horizontal tanks for producing this widely popular drink. At the time they were laid outside and eventually a buidlign was built around the tanks.
• The Shepton Mallet Cider Mill is the second largest mill in the UK and over the years it expanded to include a variety of ciders, while continuing to produce Babycham, the popular Fever brand and today a traditional cider called Showering Triple Vintage.

The Triple Vintage cider, created by the Showerings blends three vintages to produce a high-quality product.

Bob Cork in this episode discusses how it is made using bittersweet and bittersharp apples, fermented with a wee bit of natural yeast and then a cultured yeast. The cider is matured to achieve a balanced, high-quality cider. Key to the cider-making process, is low-temperature fermentation and controlled maturation.

• Bob advises aspiring cider makers to approach the craft with passion, as it requires significant investment and a long-term commitment.
  • He emphasizes the importance of a solid business plan and understanding the market’s cyclical nature.
  • Despite the challenges, he believes in the future of cider, with increasing consumer interest in high-quality, craft ciders.

• CiderCon2025 Promo Code – Once you get to the registration form, towards the end of the first page you’ll reach a section in the form that says “additional registration information” and there is a question: If you have a coupon, please enter code here (case-sensitive): CiderChat
• Totally Cider Tour to the UK – send an email to info@ciderchat.com to get on the wait list for this 2025 tour taking place August 25-31, 2025
• Wassail episode: episode 393: How to Wassail and Drink Hail

Wilding Cider, founded by Sam and Beccy Leach in 2019, uses Regenerative farming practices and a “rural method” to cider making. Based in Somerset the culinary skills of Sam blend with Beccy’s Sommelier palate. Their dedication to traditional orchards and natural fermentations has led to the creation of their standout orchard based ciders and perrys. This process sets Wilding apart, showcasing a commitment to purity, sustainability, and the land.

• Size & Scope: 7.5 acres at the home orchard and additional rented orchards.
• Varieties: Kingston Black, Stoke Red, Porter’s Perfection, and so many more.
• Regenerative Practices

The orchards provide the perfect environment for Wilding’s cider-making, ensuring low-intervention fermentations that align with the Rural Method philosophy.

Sam credits Skyborry cider in Wales for coining the phrase “rural Method”. He explains in this chat that at Wilding Cider Rural Method is an energy-efficient, traditional approach to crafting naturally sweet ciders. It utilizes:

• Cold Winter Fermentations: Utilizing natural temperatures to slow fermentation.
• Low Nitrogen Content: Achieved by using unfertilized orchards for balanced fermentations.
• Minimal Intervention: Avoiding filtration, sulfites, or pasteurization.

This method produces clean, complex ciders that capture the essence of Somerset orchards.

Wilding Cider showcases the Rural Method through their unique blends and single varietals:

• Symphony: A bittersweet blend.
• Comics: Multi-orchard cider built on Browns and Yarlington.
• Single Varietals: Stoke Red and Kingston Black.
• Perry Cider: Carefully macerated to achieve depth and balance.

These ciders are celebrated for their balance of tannins, acidity, and natural sweetness, hallmarks of the Rural Method.

• Website: http://wildingcider.com
• Open Days: Second Saturday of the month, April through September.
• UK: Independent shops and restaurants.
• International: Belgium, Japan, and limited availability in the U.S.

• CiderCon2025 Promo Code – Once you get to the registration form, towards the end of the first page you’ll reach a section in the form that says “additional registration information” and there is a question: If you have a coupon, please enter code here (case-sensitive): CiderChat
• Totally Cider Tour to the UK – send an email to info@ciderchat.com to get on the wait list for this 2025 tour taking place August 25-31, 2025

Jane Peyton, author of The Philosophy of Cider and founder of the School of Booze, brings her deep knowledge of cider and its cultural history to the forefront in this enlightening conversation.

Cider’s Cultural Significance

• The apple as a symbol in global traditions and languages.
• Historical mentions, from Norse mythology to Captain Cook's voyages.

Defining Cider

• Cider is pressed, not brewed, differentiating it from beer.
• Diverse expressions of cider, from tannic and dry to sweet and fizzy.

The Legacy of Susanna Forbes

• A heartfelt tribute to Susanna Forbes' impact on the cider world.

Jane’s Philosophy on Cider

• Advocating for better representation of cider on menus.
• Mainstream vs. artisanal cider perspectives.

The School of Booze

• Jane’s initiative to educate on cider, beer, and more.
• Her work as a writer and accredited pommelier.

• Recommended Reads and Tastings:
  • The Philosophy of Cider and Jane’s other publications.
  • Examples of cider diversity, including champagne-method ciders.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “Slow cider is sunlight in a glass, the liquid expression of the orchard's soul.”
  • “Cider is not apple beer—it’s pressed, not brewed.”
• Ciders and Perries Mentioned:
  • Little Pomona’s offerings
  • Ross on Wye ciders

• Website School of Booze
• B.A. Summers novels Sole Brethren: Left To Their Own Devices & Sole Brethren: If The Shoe Fits

• Hereford Applefest 2024 film - https://www.herefordshirelifethroughalens.org.uk/cider-perry/
• CiderCon2025 Promo Code – Once you get to the registration form, towards the end of the first page you’ll reach a section in the form that says “additional registration information” and there is a question: If you have a coupon, please enter code here (case-sensitive): CiderChat
• Totally Cider Tour to the UK - send an email to info@ciderchat.com to get on the wait list for this 2025 tour taking place August 25-31, 2025