A SOMERSET craft cider has been crowned top of the crops after taking home a top prize at CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Championships.

After more than a year of local tasting panels and regional heats, Harry’s Scrummage was selected by a panel of judges from The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) as the best cider in the country.

Each cider in the competition was judged on its individual taste, aroma, flavour and overall appeal.

Made by Harry’s Cider in Long Sutton, near Langport, Scrummage is a blend of bittersweet and bittersharp cider apples, grown by cidermaker Harry Fry and his son Toby in the family farm’s orchards.

It is a well-rounded medium cider, fresh and fruity with a golden colour.
Judges described it as “a sharp but easy drinking cider that stretches to a long lingering and pleasant aftertaste.”

Cidermaker Harry Fry said: “This award is a great achievement for us, in recognition of the hard work our family team has put in over the last few years.

“Scrummage was borne out of my passion for the game of rugby, and it felt well-suited to our family team. 

“We never imagined our orchard would produce champion cider.
“We are all very proud, with a huge desire to continue improving our techniques and achieving further successes.”

Harry’s Dabinett sparkling cider was also recently awarded a Silver award in the International Cider Challenge.

The Dabinett is also the reigning champion of the Arthur Davies Cup at the British Cider Championships, presented to the overall winning cider in the taste and presentation class.

Harry’s Cider farm is open to the public on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.

For more, visit harryscidercompany.co.uk.