New Zealand Cider Awards 2015

Nelson Cider Maker Scoops Top Award with Speciality Ice Cider

The New Zealand Cider Industry gathered in Auckland on Saturday to hear the results of the 2015 New Zealand Cider Awards and New Zealand Fruit Wine Awards. Walking away with the Champion Cider Trophy, at the first time of entering this National competition, was Peckham’s Cider, from Upper Moutere, Nelson.

They received a Gold for their Ice Cider, a sweet style of cider from North America, not unlike a dessert wine. So impressive was this cider that it received the top accolade.

Judges from Australia and New Zealand had congregated at Auckland University’s Wine Science department last month to sample 89 ciders, pear ciders and ciders with fruit over two days.

This year saw a new a categorisation process, reflecting the increased number of entrants into the competition, and the improved range of styles now catered for.

New guidelines were created for New World Style Cider (made with culinary apples) and Traditional Cider (made from English and French heritage apple varieties), enabling these distinct styles to be judged separately, and on merit.

Entries were received from all over the country, from Nelson, to Hawke’s Bay to Auckland. Overall, the quality of the entrants was exceptionally high this year, with 70% being awarded a medal. ‘We tasted a number of ciders of great complexity and balance, ranging from the delicate and poised, to the bold and robust,’ said judge, Gabe Cook.

Meanwhile, in the Fruit Wine Awards, Kiwi Estate Winery walked away with the Champion Trophy for their Pukeko Grove Sparkling Boysenberry Wine.

Summarising, Gabe Cook said,’ Cider continues to be a market leader in terms of growth and innovation. Judging by what we saw at the weekend, the future look rosy with NZ cider.’

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