All posts filed under: Features

The Fireblight Menace in 1920s and ’30s New Zealand

Published by Kathryn Bruce

New contributor Kathryn Bruce explores the lessons learned from how New Zealand reacted to fireblight in its first appearance outside the US.

Editorial – EU cider definition creeping closer

Published by Barry Masterson

EU legislators are proposing a 50% minimum juice content for cider, sparking debate about quality and heritage. Barry argues it is not enough.

A 2025 CiderCon Diary

Published by Beatrix Swanson

Beatrix lets us peek into her diary, as she navigates a week around CiderCon 2025.

Magical Maze of Mysteries – Aging Cider

Published by Andrew Massoura

Andrew takes a look at what happens to cider as it ages, then tastes through a mystery box of very well-aged ciders from Ross-on-Wye.

Pyrus Invictus – Barry’s CraftCon 2025 Keynote

Published by Barry Masterson

The text of Barry’s keynote address at CraftCon 2025, looking at the cultural heritage of cider and perry in central Europe, and his efforts to preserve tradition and biodiversity amid modern agriculture.

Cider’s Evolutionary Backstory

Published by Joe Flannery-Sutherland

New contributor Joe Flannery-Sutherland traces the origins of apples and pears, their evolution across millions of years, and how the attraction to early hominids has resulted in the rich cider landscape we now have.

Sour times: Exploring cider vinegar

Published by Brett St Clair

For better or worse, cider and vinegar have always been companions. Brett St Clair explores the nuanced role of acidity in flavoring food and drinks, and extolls the virtues of small batch, natural cider vinegar.