Ashcombe Cider

The White family made cider at Ashcombe from the late 19th century until the 1950s, after which Peter Gratton looked after the orchards for another 59 years and the apples largely went to the cows. In 2012 the Whites' orchards were restored, new facilities built and cider making began again on the estate above Dawlish, near the 12th century church of St Nectan. There is also a wartime story about the British Army banning White's Ashcombe Cider in perpetuity after a particularly wild officers' mess party.

Three organic ciders, all slightly sparkling and all 4.5% ABV: Whites Original and Gratton's Gold, both medium-dry, and the medium St Nectar, which took Gold at the Taste of the West 2022 Awards and first prize at the Devon County Show in 2021. Apples and nothing else, hand-picked, sweetened with their own juice rather than sugar, and not over-processed, so expect a little sediment. Buy from the Ciderworks, where Peter the Cidermeister will talk you through the process, or from selected retailers including Greendale Farm Shop.