Various Updates from Gabe Cook

1. International Cider Awards: 3-5 March 2026

I am the Chair of this amazing competition which only happens every 2 years. I believe this to be THE global benchmark for cider competitions. It's not the cheapest competition but it is the best. The cost ensures the highest calibre of judges, which are all cider makers. In 2026 they will be from the UK (Josh Faulkner-Elliott - Aston Manor), USA (Christine Walter - Bauman's Cider & Eleanor Leger - Eden Cider), Norway (Olav Bleie - Alde Sider), Japan (Takuro Ikeuchi - Son of the Smith), Belgium (Caroline Woyaffe - Cidrerie Stassen, Latvia (Maris Plume - Mr Plume) and New Zealand (Carmen Gray - Elemental Cider). 

Any cider which places 1st, 2nd or 3rd (Gold, Silver and Bronze like the Olympics) gets assessed twice, by different judges, before being assessed again by all judges for the Trophy round. No other competition in the world dedicates as much time or rigour to the assessment process, with full feedback notes.

So, if you want to test your ciders against the very best in the world then this is the competition for you. CLICK HERE FOR ALL ENTRY DETAILS - deadline for entry is January 31st.  Efforts are being undertaken to create at least one consolidation point in the USA to help reduce the transportation cost!

2. CraftCon: 12-14 March 2026

The UK's only dedicated cider conference is back again for 2026, bigger and better, and being hosted in Taunton, Somerset on the 12th & 13th March.  The schedule has just been released with some great talks, tasting and presentations lined up, including a great contingent from North America.  CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKET.

I will also be hosting a day tour of Somerset cider makers on Saturday 14th March. Tickets are £115pp which includes a tour / taste at three producers - Bere Cider, Harry's Cider and Somerset Cider Brandy Co - return transportation from Taunton and a ploughman's lunch. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Somerset cider in one day with good company! CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKET.

3. Cider Safari

I am launching a new venture in 2026 called Cider Safari.  This will provide exclusive guided tours of UK cider makers.  Public offerings will be made in Herefordshire, but private hire opportunities are available for big and small groups throughout the UK.  The concept is still in development, looking to go live (with a Crowdfunding round) in February 2026 and with the first tours in May 2026.

To keep up to speed with all the latest developments head to cidersafari.com and sign up for updates or email me directly at guide@cidersafari.com

If you have any questions about any of the above activities then do hesitate to reach out to me via email or on +44 7393 210 311 

Wassail!

Gabe

Contact: gabe@theciderologist.com

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