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Meet the maker: Nick Showering
A scion of the family who brought the world Babycham tells Douglas Blyde about his decidedly more premium offering which shares much with wine…
If cut, would you bleed cider?
We’ve been in the same town since Gabriel Showering moved to Somerset four centuries ago, though have “only” been making ciders for 180 years. So if I told you “no”, my ancestors wouldn’t be very happy with me…
Who, from history, would you wish to share a bottle of Showerings with?
Dom Pérignon. I’d love to hear his feedback on Showerings. It would be quite the celebrity endorsement for the brand if he called it: “the best sparkling drink I’ve ever tried…” Imagine!
What makes Showerings special?
The key to its character arises from the balancing act of assembling three vintages. The older years bring depth lifted by our most recent year.
Is it terroir-led?
Terroir is as important for fine cider as it is for wine. It isn’t just about Somerset’s soil and temperate climate – which happens to be perfect for apple growing; it is also about knowing how the trees are spaced and how and when they are sunned.
Who else is involved in nurturing the apples from tree to bottle?
Our two Bobs. Head cider maker, Bob Cork is incredibly well respected in the world of cider and is regularly invited to judge international cider competitions. And Bob Wady is our grower, looking after everything from planting trees to delivering picked apples to the mill, which is just seven miles from the orchard.
How best should Showerings be enjoyed?
Enjoy it like wine, ideally chilled in an oversized, stemmed white wine glass, with slow-roasted pork shoulder or a Somerset lamb curry. It also currently chimes with the cheese course at the three Michelin-starred, The Waterside Inn.
Is it true you come from the family which brought the world the famous Babycham?
It certainly is! The iconic Babycham is a proud part of my heritage. My family were also involved in other historic brands including Britvic, Harveys and a large portion of the brands now owned by Pernod Ricard.
What is Babycham actually made of?
It is a Champagne Perry, applying traditional method techniques to pears, which are naturally a very delicate fruit compared to grapes – which is why it makes for a fantastic drink.
Would you ever sell the Showerings brand to the highest bidder?
Depends on what the bid is! Joking aside, it’s not something I’m thinking about. I love making fine cider and being able to share it. I’d find it hard to put a price on the enjoyment I get from that.
What are you qualified in?
I’ve been in and around the drinks industry since I can remember. Talking recipes around the dining room table or selling cider door-to-door during university. My professional training however is in Accounts, having qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
What was it like to undergo the experience of appearing on BBC’s The Apprentice last summer?
I had a lot of fun. I learnt about myself and even learnt a few things about business. The early mornings were a slight shock to the system, though!
What is your motto?
I have two. “Sicut Serpentes, Sicut Columbae” which translate to “Be as wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” This was my school’s motto and has stayed with me. And, working in cider, my second has to be “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.”
Are your parents proud of you and the Showerings mission?
I hope they are. I think every child has an inner part of them which wants to make their parents proud. I’d also hope my ancestors were proud of the cider we are making today, continuing to innovate to create category-defining cider.
Tell us something surprising about yourself?
I was a child chess prodigy before I got distracted by cider.
Can Showerings change the world for the better?
If Showerings can continue to operate sustainably while bringing a little luxury to people’s lives, then I believe we can…
To list Showerings: contactus@showerings.co.uk
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