CIDER CRAFT/ Artesanía sidrera

There is one thing about cider: it is not only related to drinking, but also to living. In that sense, we can find different retailers and craftsmen devoted to the creation of all kinds of cider stuff. From cider pourers and bottle openers to jewellery and miniatures. Here you can discover some of the cider-related…

AUSTRALIAN CIDERS/ Sidras australianas

While cider apples are relatively rare in Australia, more local growers are introducing them to their orchards. But creative local cider producers also work with table apples such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Royal Gala, producing Ciders that are crisp, refreshing and well suited to their climate. Australian cider and perry tend to fall…

DECALOGUE OF THE CIDER POURER/ Decálogo del escanciador

Pourers must observe an upright, but not rigid posture. 2. The arm which holds the bottle must be stretched up above the head. 3. The arm which holds the glass must be stretched down to the centre of the pourer’s body. 4. The bottle must be held with the index, middle and ring fingers in…

NEW CIDER STAMPS & POSTMARKS/ Nuevos sellos y matasellos sidreros

The Spanish Postal Service will dedicate a miniature sheet to cider and broad beans, two of the Asturian landmarks, as part of the “Gastronomy, Protected Designation of Origin” series. It will be released on 20th March with a 3-euro face value. Envelopes with the postmark of First Day of Emission will be presented at noon…

EDIBLE CIDER/ Sidra para comer

Nowadays, there are many ways to enjoy cider, not only by drinking it. It is obviously not the same, but loads of products are offered to please the sweet-toothed people’s palate. Villa Melba, Aramburu, Don Ramiro and La Fabariega, which uses cider from Los Gemelos cidermill, offer their artisan apple and natural cider jelly. Cider…

CIDER THROUGH MEMORY/ Sidra en el recuerdo

Sparkling or champagne cider is not new in Asturias, as it  started being produced in the XIX century to be exported in overseas trade. And, though some of the best known brands are still active, like El Gaitero or Mayador, some others are in our memories in the form of beautiful old advertising, both in…

A WORLD OF CIDER/ Un mundo de sidra

Cider is a beverage made all over the world and from many different ingredients that provide for a range of flavours and styles; from tart and dry to sweet and rich, clear or cloudy, still or fizzy. Apart from the amazing varieties found in Asturian cider, different countries offer different cider drinking experiences. While English…

CIDER BETWEEN TWO SPRINGS/ Sidra entre dos primaveras

The cycle of our most typical drink takes place during the months between two springs. Once the pumares (apple trees) blossom, the process culminating with the tasting in the llagar (cider press-house) or chigre (cider bar) starts. Before pouring a culín (glass of cider), the following must happen: PICKING: Pañar the apples. The picking season…

THE CONVIVIAL MEAL, A COMMUNAL RITE/ La espicha, un rito colectivo

Espichas, or convivial meals in Asturias, are ritual celebrations when the cider barrel is opened, after an approximately two-month aging. Once a small hole is opened in the barrel, cider is tasted and then, it is plugged again with a wooden spiKE called espicha. This is from which this tasting action takes its name and,…