Battle of the Cider Barns - Sandford cider-maker Thatchers asks you to choose

Each year, Sandford cider-maker Thatchers releases limited edition bottled ciders in its Cider Barn collection.

As thoughts start turning to harvest, the fourth generation cider-maker is asking cider fans to choose which popular Cider Barn variety they would like to see returning this year.

Thatchers has chosen four of its most popular speciality ciders, the first of which was introduced back in 2008, for people to choose from.

Each cider has its own story to tell, from single or dual apple variety or single orchard, all crafted with love at Myrtle Farm from the tastiest West Country apples.

The shortlist is: single variety Prince William; award winning Redstreak; dual variety Morgan Sweet and Grenadier; and the ever popular 458.

People can take part in the vote via the Battle of the Cider Barns page on the Thatchers website.

All entries will be placed in a prize draw (terms and conditions here) to win the first bottles of the chosen Cider Barn, and an exclusive live tasting session with Thatchers head cider-maker, Richard Johnson.

Here are the contenders

Morgan Sweet and Grenadier

This single variety was first introduced in 2016 crafted from two apple varieties. The Morgan Sweet dessert apple has a wine-like sweetness and body, and is perfectly paired with the refreshing bite of the acclaimed Grenadier culinary apple.

The result is a delicate and refined cider, with a gentle hint of tropical fruit. Morgan Sweet and Grenadier has an ABV of 7.4 per cent.

458

The 458 is crafted from each of the apple varieties found in John Thatcher's Exhibition Orchard.

It's a true showcase for the heritage of the apple, including the complete range of cider apple types, bittersweet, bittersharp, culinary sweet and culinary sharp. This is an 8.4 per cent cider with plenty of body and depth.

Prince William

This is a single variety cider crafted from the modern cider apple variety named after HRH Prince William.

This is a mild and delicate flavoured apple that creates a soft and subtle 4.5 per cent cider with plenty of body.

Redstreak

The Somerset Redstreak apple is high in tannin and big on flavour. It creates a bold, peppery cider with a spicy apple pie flavour, smooth feel and deep rich colour.

The award-winning Redstreak cider has been one of Thatchers' most popular, and has an ABV of 8.4 per cent.

The chosen cider will be announced on Thatchers' social media channels once voting closes on August 15 2021, with the winning cider ready to launch in the autumn.

There will be 15 prizes of a case of the first bottles off the line, and an exclusive live tasting session with head cider-maker Richard Johnson on Zoom.