Chapter I
The Gospel
of Cider
According to Luke
In the beginning there was the apple. And the apple was good. What followed was years of bad cider, fake flavourings, and an unholy disregard for the orchard. Luke saw this, and it was not good. And so the Gospel was written.
The Ten
Commandments
Thou shalt not make ‘fruit’ cider.
Mangos and passionfruit are not a type of apple.
Thou shalt honour thy apple varieties.
Dabinett. Yarlington Mill. Browns. Tremletts Bitter. Respect their virtues, blend them masterfully.
Thou shalt embrace seasonal variation.
Every harvest is different. Own it. Celebrate it.
Thou shalt not use concentrate, flavouring or additives.
Fruit, the whole fruit, nothing but the fruit.
Thou shalt not spell cider with a ‘y’.
This is not up for debate.
Thou shalt covet thy neighbour’s scrumpy.
Respect the tradition. Learn from the elders.
Thou shalt bring the vibes.
Great cider needs great company.
Thou shalt use awesome artwork.
A great cider deserves a great can. If it looks boring, try harder.
Spot the crab.
Thou shalt love thy orchards and keep them holy.
Without the orchard there is no cider. Tend it. Protect it. Worship it accordingly.
Thou shalt drink responsibly.
This is good cider. Savour it. Luke 1:1 — drink well, not fast.