Cider Country

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Join James Crowden on a captivating journey to explore the ancient origins of cider, revealing a rich culture that has connected farmers, makers, and drinkers for centuries. Longlisted for the 2021 Andre Simon Food and Drink Award, this narrative delves into the deep-rooted history of cidermaking in Britain, a story that has yet to be fully told. Crowden traces cider's origins back to myth-infused Mediterranean civilizations and the wild apple forests of Kazakhstan, uncovering how an irresistible apple traveled from east to west. Through conversations with cider experts, farmers, and historians, he reveals the fascinating evolution of cider in Britain, where monks, pirates, and politicians became its earliest enthusiasts. The nation’s true love for cider blossomed post-Reformation, sparking a thirst for knowledge and innovation that led to the creation of sparkling cider, predating Dom Pérignon's champagne by forty years. In the present day, Crowden meets a new generation of cider makers who continue to innovate despite challenges, sharing a unique philosophy that has endured through time. Spanning centuries and continents, this exploration tells the story of Britain through the culture, craft, and enjoyment of its most iconic rural drink.