New-look Cider Awards entries open

By Clyde Mooney – editor Australian Hotelier

Cider Australia is open for entries to its 2014 award program, which ushers in a new standard for sophistication in the category.

Again wielding a crack squad of local and international judges, the Australian Cider Awards is growing in line with the booming cider market, and has re-worked the process to move more in line with the feedback it receives from global participants.

This year the awards will be split under ‘Traditional’ and ‘New World’ categories, representing the distinction between old-world mastery and modern, fruit-driven styles that may embody less complexity and texture.

The seventeen award categories now include three new expressions including ‘experimental’ cider, and Cider Australia president Sam Reid the changes are driven by a desire to stay on top of the rapidly evolving category.

“Our aim is to move towards a better understanding and appreciation of the different cider styles available in Australia, by producers and consumers alike.

“This follows the approaches used in leading cider competitions overseas where ciders are judged against their stylistic peers.''

Cider Australia says it is proud to be “setting the benchmark” with the new judging parameters, and the winners will be celebrated at a dinner on 10 October ahead of the Cider Festival at The Village Melbourne on 11 and 12 October.

“As the category continues to develop and we obtain learnings from the international judges that we bring in each year, it’s natural that we evolve the categories to reflect not only best practice but where the market is in Australia at this present time”, said Reid.

Entries close on Friday 19 September 2014. Click here for further details.