Show Notes
*Albert won’t be talking about bittersweets* In this new episode you get a break from food content, because the UK’s number one aspirational cider convention – Craftcon – is steaming towards us on April 5th and 6th and Albert and Adam can’t wait. To tell you all about this brilliant event and why you should buy a ticket whether maker, advocate, seller or drinker, we sit down digitally with Lydia and Tom of Artistraw – two of Herefordshire’s most exciting cidermakers and long term stalwarts of Craftcon. We talk about the upcoming convention, including nonexistent seminars from Albert, Adam’s non-nonexistent keynote speech on perry and the host of cider and perry talks and tastings on offer. And we get into Tom and Lydia’s journey as aspirational cidermakers themselves. Albert crafts at @rossciderAdam tries not to con at @cider_reviewJustin was busy @justinwells1346Tom and Lydia make @artistrawcider Get your tickets for Craftcon right here this instant: https://craftcon.co.uk
More from Cider Voice
Recorded in early September 2026, Adam and Albert sit down with the inimitable Lydia Crimp and Tom Tibbits of Artistraw Cider to discuss sweet cider, harvest problems, varieties and rootstocks and much more.
Adam and Justin go into roving reporter mode, doing the Lord's work of completing Rossfest 2027 via a string of on-the-ground recordings. Along the way they'll reminisce about favourite back-vintage Rossfests, taste the 2027 new releases, catch up with other punters, watch the dog show, pair cider with crisps, drink American ciders, buy some ceramics, engage in longsword fights and do their best to clean the barn out of cider at the maker's share and bottle sales. All without Albert cottoning on. Joined by a record number of pod guests (almost as many as we have listeners) join the Cousins Wells on their journey through the best few days in the cider calendar.
The whole gang review all the communication received since we resumed publishing in 2026. We talk about the ciders that stood out this year, the value (if any) of American 'cider' varieties, the consequence of the hottest summer on record to British cidermaking, and a quick introduction to biochar.
Justin swaps spaceship for canal barge this week as the team sits down with Sam Leach of Somerset’s Wilding Cider. We talk about the move from restaurants to cidermaking, natural wine influence and quality of produce. Then we discuss the orchards and terroirs of Somerset and Wilding’s growing business before diving into all things distillation – from apples to methods to spirit that tastes like mustard. Additional shoutout to Matt of Pealer Mill Cider for the extra eau de vie.
With Justin returned from his latest space mission the team reunites for an epic new episode. We meet special guest star and Ross-on-Wye stalwart, Bassie, to learn about his journey from ordinary gaming man to hardened cider-pusher. Then, prompted by a request from a listener, we dive into all things label - what we want to see on them, how best to present information to consumers and who we think does some of the best labels in the game. We even find time for a game of back label 'just a minute'. Have a listen through the usual channels, and get in touch to let us know what you want us to talk about next. Cider Voice is presented by @rosscider @adamhwells and @justinwellsjustin