Their story
The Somerset Cider Brandy Company was founded by Julian and Diana Temperley at Pass Vale Farm, Burrow Hill, near Kingsbury Episcopi, on the principle that they only make what they grow. In 1989 it became the first fully licensed cider brandy distillery in the UK. The farm grows more than 100 traditional Somerset cider apple varieties in its own orchards, presses cider in vats up to 170 years old, and distils some of it into Somerset Cider Brandy, aged from 3 to 20 years, alongside pomace brandies, aperitifs and fruit liqueurs. The brandy holds Protected Geographical Indication status. The business remains family-run and describes itself as carbon negative.
Own orchards on and around Burrow Hill growing over 100 traditional Somerset cider apple varieties; harvest volume varies sharply from year to year, from around 350 tonnes in 2024 to an expected 1,000 tonnes or so in 2026.
Apples and pears they nameKingston Black, Brown Snout, Stoke Red, Harry Masters
What they make
- Burrow Hill Sparkling Cider dry, sparkling, bottled
- Somerset Cider Brandy 10 Year Old aged apple brandy
- Kingston Black Aperitif single-variety apple aperitif
- Somerset Pomona apple aperitif blended with brandy
- The Keeve bottle-fermented, small-batch series
- Burrow Hill Ice Cider sweet, dessert style
Visiting
Farm shop at Pass Vale Farm, Burrow Hill
Opening times, as they publish them: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, closed Sunday
Tastings: Yes. The Cider Bus trades in the farm yard on Saturdays, April to October; a 30-minute orchard walking trail is open to visitors without booking.
Tours. Guided farm tour and tasting, about 1 hour, £12 per person. Book by phone or email through the Somerset Cider Brandy Company website; there is no need to book just to visit.
Where to buy
- Online, direct from the maker somersetciderbrandy.com
- At the farm or cidery When open
Their events
Occasional events such as live music and circus performances are held on the farm alongside the regular Saturday Cider Bus (April to October); dates are announced on their events page.
Recent awards
- Coopers' Award for Craftsmanship in the Cider Industry (Julian Temperley), Royal Bath & West Show 2026