Glastonbury Abbey's Prize winning cider

Glastonbury Abbey is  a mystical site, that has a 2000 year heritage of prayer and worship, but it will now be also renowned as being the site of an apple orchard that has beaten over 360 other entries to take the award of Supreme Cider Champion at this years Royal Bath and West Show.

The apples that won the award are grown on the same site as the original 14th century orchard  where Glastonbury monks produced cider.

The Award of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers’ Cup for the Supreme Champion Cider’ is the most prestigious prize given to Cider, and was selected by senior judges, including, Nick Bradstock, President of European Wine and Cider Association, and well-known food writer Tom Parker Bowles (who is also the son of Camilla, Duchess of (formerly Camilla Parker Bowles).

Julian Temperley of the Somerset Cider Brandy Company who pressed the cider told the media: “Over the past 700 years cider apples have been harvested at Glastonbury Abbey. We are delighted to continue this age-old tradition and be part of the ongoing history of this delightful orchard set within the sacred walls of the Abbey. Today we celebrate the humble apple and its delicious, honest flavour - it is wonderful to be part of this story.’

To date, only 3,000 bottles of the award winning cider have been produced but if you wish to sample it, bottles are currently on sale at the Glastonbury Abbey’s gift shop.