Based near Selborne in Hampshire, Mr. Whitehead's Cider Company creates new and interesting cider blends using traditional methods.

Since the age of fifteen, Angus Whitehead has been making the most of the fruits of his garden. Guided by recipes handed down through generations, many experiments were created using all sorts of soft and hard fruit - the airing cupboard was never the same again! One year the apple and pear crop was so good that over 200 gallons of cider was produced. Angus realised the cider was better than any wine he'd made in previous years and this unusually strong cider is still renowned to this day for its longevity and quality.

The hobby grew for a few more years until it was time to think seriously about the future. Small-scale production developed with a local cider company but within a short time Angus saw the potential growth opportunities and decided to go it alone. Over the autumn of 2003, dedicated plans were made, machinery equipment and vessels purchased and 60 tonnes of apples pressed. Whilst the apple juice turned into cider over the winter, accreditations and licenses were obtained, new contracts made and Farmers' Markets booked.

As the spring came to break 50,000 litres of cider was almost ready to be received by the good and the great - but not before intense and rigorous testing in the most harsh and punishing conditions - the local pub!

Almost all the apples and pears Mr. Whitehead's Cider Company use are grown on the south-east facing Hampshire Downs of the neighbouring Blackmoor Farm Estate in Selborne, one of the most respected growers in the south of England. The amount of varieties grown has allowed Angus to create some new and interesting blends, whilst using old and traditional methods to make special ciders throughout the strength range.

Outlets are becoming plentiful - pubs, shops, brewers and off-licences, not to mention Farmers' Markets. Mr. Whitehead's Cider Company will be at over 100 events throughout Hampshire and the south of England in 2008. Here you'll be able to sample three different ciders at any time and as the seasons progress, the range of drinks will subtly change and grow.

Mr Whitehead's prduce a range of top quality ciders:

• Heart Of Hampshire - The mainstay of Mr. Whitehead's Cider Company. A traditional medium-dry cider with a light aftertaste and a golden colour. A respectable 6.0% ABV that deserves to be chilled for an optimum taste.
• Boxing Dog - A strong cider made from apples with a high sugar content, including Worcester and Cox, coming in at an impressive 7.5% ABV.
• Cirrus Minor - A llight summer cider made from a varying blend of apples with a lower sugar content, including Royal Gala, Braeburn, Spartan and Lord Lambourne. Sitting nicely in our range at 5.0% ABV. Awarded 1st place cider at Wallington Beer Festival 2007.
  Cirrus Minor cider
• Newton's Discovery - A revival of a historical light and dry cider made for quaffing whilst you work the fields! At only 3.8% ABV you can keep your head and thirst at bay. This is made from many varieties of apple including Discovery. The pulp is soaked before a second pressing to extract the remaining juice. Awarded 2nd place cider at Wallington Beer Festival 2007.
• Midnight Special Perry - Uses a unique blend of fresh dessert and perry pears, and contains no added sugar, perservatives or flavouring. Midnight Special was awarded a Bronze medal by CAMRA as "Champion Perry of Britain 2006". A 5% ABV medium-dry perry.
• Strawberry Cider - A 4.2% strawberry flavoured cider available at special request.
• Devils Device - An 8.4% scrumpy available at special request.
• Single Variety Ciders - Mr Whiteheads are lucky enough to have access to a wide range of apple varieties, all grown within the boundaries of Hampshire. Some of these are suitable to make interesting ciders without the need to blend with other varieties of apple, or additional ingredients or proccesses. Depending on availablility we have single variety ciders such as: Cox, Worcester, Katy, Spartan, Bulmers Norman, Russett, Braeburn, Eestival, Gala, Discovery, Norfolk Royal, Idared, Jonagold and others.

Mr. Whitehead's Cider Company Limited, Hartley Park Farm, Selborne, near Alton, Hampshire GU34 3HS

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Angus Whitehead undertaking some of the more technical work on his farm

Angus Whitehead filling the cider mill