Their story
McCrindles is a small cider and perry maker at Little Loiterpin, Blakeney, in the Forest of Dean, run by James McCrindle, who presses whole-juice cider and perry from fruit grown in his own orchard. He is also known for running cider-making courses through Kate Humble's rural skills centre near Monmouth. The range is lightly sparkling, bottle-conditioned and sold mainly by appointment, at local shows such as the Forest Food Showcase and the Three Counties Show, and through Forest of Dean markets, plus nationally through the online retailer CiderOnline. McCrindle won British Champion Perry Maker at the Bath & West Show and a People's Choice award at the Three Counties Show, both in 2014.
Own orchard at Blakeney in the Forest of Dean, holding a range of cider and perry fruit varieties; specific varieties not published.
What they make
- Medium Cider crisp, medium-dry, lightly sparkling
- Dry Cider full-bodied, dry, lightly sparkling
- Perry bottle-fermented
- Sweet Cider occasional
- Core Cider occasional
Visiting
Visiting is by appointment only; phone ahead for collection or delivery.
Tours. Cider-making courses are run through Kate Humble's rural skills centre near Monmouth, not at the Blakeney orchard itself; no separate tour of McCrindles' own site is advertised.
Where to buy
- Online, direct from the maker cideronline.com
- At the farm or cidery When open
- Forest Deli, Coleford Stockist
Also sells at the Forest Food Showcase, the Three Counties Show and local Forest of Dean markets.