Camra names its cider and perry champions

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has announced the winners of its National Cider and Perry Championships.

The winner of the cider gold medal was Springfield Wobbly Munk, while Dunkertons Perry, took the perry gold medal.

The competition featured ciders and perries from across the UK, with each cider and perry judged on its individual taste, aroma, flavour, after-taste and overall appeal. The top prizes were awarded by a specially chosen panel of judges including publicans, drinks writers and Camra members.

Camra defines “real cider” as a “traditional cider made from freshly pressed apples, with no added flavourings or colourings. Served still rather than force carbonated, real cider is unpasteurised and unfiltered to produce a truly natural and delicious alcoholic drink.”

Cider is made from apples and perry is made from pears.

Alan Wordsworth, owner of Springfield Cider, said: “I’m absolutely delighted, if anything a little surprised because we thought the Wobbly Munk we made the previous year was even better – but it’s gratifying to know it still pleases people.”

Andrea Briers, Camra’s national cider and perry committee chairman, added: “This year it was impressive to see the sheer range of flavour within what was a very accomplished field of entries.

“The quality of ciders and perries was genuinely outstanding in 2013, but the diversity is what really impresses and which makes these beautiful beverages something we think everybody should give a try.”