|
|
| "The
art of distilling has been revived in the orchards of Somerset..." |
| News |
|
| Brussels again |
Last Autumn we had another problem with Brussels.
The Commission decided to rewrite the 197 pages of spirit
regulations which define all the spirits produced in the EC. They
wanted to keep the words 'cider brandy', which are in the current
regulations, but 5 wine making states objected: France, Spain,
Germany, Italy and Greece. They consulted Defra, but in the best
traditions of Munich, our ministry decided to keep quiet. They
didn't even advise the UK distillers that there were problems. As a
result, the words 'Cider Brandy' were dropped.
We have had to approach the Commission ourselves and have been
hugely helped by one of our regional MEPs, Graham Watson, who has
always been a great support. He now heads the European Liberal
Democrats and his 102 MEPs hold the balance of power in Strasbourg.
We had a meeting with the Commission and, while they declined to
amend the regulation they promised to support a Somerset Cider
Brandy application for PGI status. This may take two years and
hopefully we will end up with Somerset Cider Brandy having the same
legal protection as Calvados or Champagne. (The local Tory and UKIP
MEPs were of no help).
In what we think is a huge coup the Calvados producers association
wrote to the Commission in our support and their letter completely
destroys any future objections from the French government. So for
the next two years it's fingers crossed! |
|
| Napoli |
In January 2007 a huge container ship called the
Napoli was beached off the coast of East Devon and, amongst
its cargo, were containers holding some very fine barrels made with
Allier oak, on their way to South Africa to be filled with wine.
We acquired some of these barrels, which had been protected from
the sea by Bibles in Zulu, and after we received legal guardianship
from the Receiver of Wrecks we filled them with 10 year old Cider
Brandy.
After 6 months in the oak we bottled "Shipwreck"
in 50cl bottles in time for Christmas 2007.
The bottles have been hugely well received and we will bottle some
more for Christmas 2008.
A fun story of a superb spirit blended with a little West Country
villainy, which has brought a smile to many all over the country. |
 |
|
|
| New Bond |
This year's distilling is being matured in the new
bonded warehouse which has just been built on the farm. You will be
able to view this live from a webcam shortly.
The new bond means that our control of maturing stock will be
monitored more closely and is part of our quest for quality. It will
also mean that the Customs and Excise will be able to see what we
are up to from their offices in Bristol. |
|
|