HARDINGTON AND PENDOMER WI
MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY MEETING HELD IN
THE ROSE & CROWN, EAST LAMBROOK ON
10th JUNE 2009 AT BOLESHAY

PRESENT: 28 members

This was our “Out Meeting” and we met at the Somerset Cider Brandy Company, in Burrow Hill, Kingsbury Episcopi. We were met by owner, Julian Temperley, who told us about the making of cider and cider brandy. Cider apples with wonderful names like Dabinett, Kingston Black and Harry Masters are grown in the beautiful orchards surrounding the site. Julian explained that South Somerset has the best climate for growing cider apples especially some of the old traditional varieties. Somerset orchards are the envy of other cider makers especially those from France.

The juice is fermented in oak vats and after 3 months the cider is distilled in the two wonderful old stills called Josephine and Fifi, who look like something made by Wallace & Gromit! A clear spirit known as Eau de Vie or the Water of Life is drawn off and this is aged in oak barrels which gives the brandy its’ traditional golden colour depending on how long the spirit remains in the barrel. In the barrels the spirit loses a small amount of alcohol through the wood and Julian explained that this is known as the angels’ share, something he has trouble explaining to modern day customs officers who know more about VAT than brewing! The spirit is aged for 3, 5,10 and some special brandy for 15 years before being bottled.

After the tour we went into the small shop and were met by Julian’s wife, Diana, who served us tastings of a Kingston Black Apple Aperitif; which can be served like Sherry or mixed with a good lemonade to make a Pimms style summer drink; Somerset Pomona, delicious served with cheese after a meal; and for a few brave souls a taste of Shipwreck, a 40% proof, 10 year old cider brandy finished in oak barrels from the MSC Napoli which sank off Devon in January 2007.

Elaine Gilmore thanked Julian and Diana for an interesting tour and talk plus delicious tastings. Members were then able to make purchases from the shop and we clanked our way back to our cars in a very happy state! (We did have sober drivers!)

The evening continued in the Rose & Crown at East Lambrook, where president, Jenny Dodd conducted a speedy business meeting before we enjoyed our supper amid much noisy conversation!

BIRTHDAY POSIES: Angela Brooks, June Chivers, Pauline Grassam and Vivien Cherry

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING ON 13TH MAY: these were deemed to be correct and signed by Jenny Dodd.

CORRESPONDENCE:

BOARDS:

ANY OTHER BUSINESS: None

NEXT MEETING: 8th July – Cream Tea at Boleshay

©
Hardington Mandeville
Parish Council
2012