Of to Somerset for a few days next month (staying in Ilminster) and fancy visiting a cider press whilst we're down there and mayby bring back a few "samples".
Any cider aficionados got any recommendations as to where to go?
Low hanging fruit....
Burrow Hill
http://www.ciderbrandy.co.uk/visitthefarm.html
Plenty of others around there too.
Lovely stuff - have you packed the Nurofen (other brands are available) ?
Not been there for years but remember getting some VERY interesting and yummy stuff from Sheppys Farm near Taunton - sheppyscider.com
Wookey Hole is a bit more than an hour for the OP.Is it old scrumpy from wookies hole or have I been dreaming that?
Wookey Hole is a bit more than an hour for the OP.
But it might be worth the trip - the infamous cider from around that area is Roger Wilkins at Mudgely. The barn and cider press are very accessible and photogenic.
http://wilkinscider.com/
The video on the home page is wonderfully slow paced; if you go there it won't be any faster. As well as cider he has the best Cheddar and Stilton I know of in Somerset. If you aren't driving, take your time, Sample the cider with some cheese before sleeping on the journey home. A perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Best time to be there is late Autumn when the press is active. I went there once and the sight of the Roger and helpers dressed in full oil-skins and sowester hats to protect them against the apple juice dripping from the overhead conveyor belts will stick in my mind for a long time. No camera on that trip but it is on my bucket list of shots in this area.
Edited to add: I've never had a bad head from Wilkins cider; there are absolutely no preservatives or additives. A rare and special thing. Blimmin strong though; 2 pints is more than enough for most people.
Perry's at Dowlish Wake - only a couple of miles outside Ilminster. Very nice cider too (I only touch their sophisticated ones................). Take a look at their web site.
Marc, if you can't see through it, don't drive after it!

Perry's at Dowlish Wake - only a couple of miles outside Ilminster. Very nice cider too (I only touch their sophisticated ones................). Take a look at their web site.
And the winner is..
Popped in there this afternoon and had a taste. Tried the dry & medium dry, chose the medium dry as the dry was extremely, well, dry. Also bought a couple of bottles of Vintage.
Always happy to reccomend a local business. Glad you liked it.