Cider Insights
Ride into the world of Hairy Horse Ciders with these Cider Insights, uncovering the art of cider-making. Explore this page to learn more about the craft.
Our Process
Discover the intricate fermentation process that transforms our handpicked apples into the refreshing ciders you love.
Apple Varieties
Learn about the diverse apple varieties we use in our blends, each contributing to the unique taste profiles of our ciders.
Pairing Notes
Unveil the tasting notes of our ciders, from crisp and dry to sweet and tangy, offering a spectrum of flavors for every palate.
Pairing with Purpose:
Let Your Cider Take the Lead
Cider isn’t just a refreshing drink—it’s an experience that belongs at the table. With vibrant acidity, subtle sweetness, and textural depth, cider complements food in ways that surprise and delight. At Hairy Horse, each of our ciders brings its own character to the plate. Here’s how to pair them for moments that sing.
The Thoroughbred:
Refreshingly Racy & Fleet of Foot
This dry, lively cider made from dessert apples is crisp and clean with medium carbonation—a true all-rounder. It’s the perfect match for lighter fare: fresh salads, grilled chicken, white fish, or a summer cheese board featuring goat’s cheese and brie. It's an ideal introduction to cider with its subtle charm and everyday elegance.
The Draught Horse:
Hard Working and Easy Drinking
Balanced with just the right touch of tannin, acidity, and sweetness, this medium cider pairs beautifully with hearty dishes. Think pork sausages with apple chutney, roast root vegetables, or an aged cheddar. It’s a cider built for rustic flavours, backyard BBQs, and slow Sunday roasts.
The Pinto:
Wild in Spirit, Honest at Heart
Earthy, dry, and infused with the soulful character of Garva, The Pinto brings complexity and intrigue to any table. Serve it with wild mushroom risotto, chargrilled lamb, or anything off a wood-fired grill. It’s a cider with spirit—great for adventurous palates and bold, earthy dishes.
The Unicorn:
A Magical Flight of Flavours
Playful and pretty, with floral notes, a blush-pink hue, and a hint of strawberry—this cider is made for moments that sparkle. Pair it with soft cheeses, duck pâté, or a fresh berry tart. It also shines alongside sushi or a citrusy ceviche. Light-hearted yet refined, The Unicorn makes any pairing feel like a celebration.
The Show Pony:
The Centre of Attention
Tannin-rich, aged in French oak, and made with heritage cider apples, The Show Pony is bold and commanding. It pairs beautifully with strong flavours—blue cheese, charcuterie, roast duck, or anything slow-braised and savoury. This is a cider for special occasions, where depth and complexity take centre stage.
Final Pour
Great pairing is all about harmony. Let the cider lead the way, echoing the flavours on your plate or offering contrast in just the right places. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a curated tasting menu, Hairy Horse ciders bring character, charm, and a sense of place to every bite and sip.
Our Apples:
The Foundation of Every Bottle
At Hairy Horse, we believe that truly great cider begins in the orchard. That’s why we craft our blends from a carefully curated mix of heritage cider apples, classic dessert apples, and modern cider cultivars. Each group brings something unique to the table—structure, subtlety, or sparkle—and together, they create the balance, complexity, and character that define our ciders.
Heritage Cider Apples — Complexity & Depth
We grower our veryy own Heirtage apples: Cox Orange, Yarlington Mill, Kingston Black, Knotted Kernal, The Mother-in-Law, Stokes Red, Dabinett and Tremlett's Bitters,
These traditional varieties have been used in cider-making for generations. Rich in tannins and bold in character, they form the backbone of our more structured and full-bodied ciders. Heritage apples lend complexity, dry finishes, and earthy nuances—perfect for barrel aging and classic cider styles.
What they bring:
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Firm tannin structure
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Dry, robust body
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Nuanced, earthy undertones
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Ideal for aging and dry expressions
Classic Dessert Apples:
Subtlety & Brightness
From the acidity of the Granny Smith to the Floral bouquet of the Braeburn our own classic dessert apples help give Hairy Horse Ciders the kick it needs.
Known and loved for eating fresh, these apples offer crisp acidity, soft floral notes, and gentle sweetness. We use them to lift our blends, soften edges, and add a layer of familiarity. Their light, fruit-forward profile makes them perfect for approachable, easy-drinking styles.
What they bring:
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Bright, clean acidity
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Aromatic and floral tones
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Natural sweetness
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A smooth, accessible profile
Modern Cider Apples —
Flare & Fresh Energy
Newer to the cider world, modern cider cultivars are selected for colour, expressive acidity, and vibrant flavour. They bring a creative edge to our blends—adding flair, vivid aromas, and just a hint of the unexpected.
Unique Cider Apple Cultivars Born in New Zealand. "The cider apple breeding programme is delivering unique flavours and stunning aromatics that will engage and excite global cider consumers". Allan White - The Cider Apples New Zealand
What they bring:
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Lively acidity and punch
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Unique flavour accents
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Eye-catching colour
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A playful twist on tradition
Our Process
Embark on a delightful journey with me as we dive into the fascinating cider making process. My passion for craft cider stems from the love of transforming fresh apples into a refreshing drink that captures the essence of the orchard. In this step-by-step guide, I'll walk you through each stage of creating your own cider, sharing insider tips and techniques that will elevate your brew to new heights. Get ready to unleash your creativity and craft something truly special!
Growing: From Flower to Fruit
Great cider begins in the orchard. We carefully select our apple varietals—heritage and dessert—for flavour, structure, and balance. From the first blossoms of spring to the late-season harvest, we tend our trees with patience and care, ensuring each apple develops the depth and complexity needed for great cider.
Milling & Pressing: Unlocking the Juice
Once harvested, our apples are hand-selected at peak maturity—ripe with the ideal blend of sugar, acidity, and tannin. We tip the fruit directly from our bins into our processing plant, where they’re milled and gently pressed to extract the freshest juice. From variety to timing, everything is chosen to get the best out of the fruit.
Fermentation & Aging: Science Meets Craft
The fresh juice moves to stainless steel fermenters, where we carefully manage temperature and sugar levels. Yeast and nutrients are added at just the right moments to guide a clean, vibrant fermentation. Once complete, we rack the cider and transfer it to French oak barrels, allowing it to mature, deepen, and round out in flavour.
Finishing Touches: Blending, Carbonation & Bottling
From start to finish, every step of the process is in our hands. Once fermentation and aging are complete, we carry out careful testing, filtration, and tasting. We blend for balance, carbonate with intention, and package everything ourselves—on-site, with precision and pride. Every bottle that leaves our cidery is handcrafted and fully traceable
Ready to Taste the Journey?
From hand-picked heritage apples to our careful fermenting and oak-matured finish, every cider we make is a true labour of love – crafted with curiosity, care, and a splash of imagination. We hope you've enjoyed this behind-the-scenes peek into what makes each Hairy Horse cider special – from orchard to bottle, and everything in between.
Got questions, feedback, or just want to say hello? We'd love to hear from you.
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