The Cider Mill Ciderkin, 4.0% ABV,
500 ml bottle, Dunnes Stores
amongst the finest drinks produced in Ireland.
A cider for harvest-time or indeed any other celebration. The aromas are not as delicate as some reviewers write; they are expressive, undoubtedly so, and hint strongly enough too of
DRINK OF THE WEEK
"...ciders of exceptional quality and character.”
Cider Mill Ciderkin Harvest Session, 4% ABV, 500 ml bottle, Dunnes
“Mr Jenkinson’s Revival Series are amongst the finest drinks produced in Ireland.”
It may be best as a summer or harvest-time drink but we enjoyed this Ciderkin on a dull mid-winter evening. The aromas are not as delicate as some reviewers write; they are expressive, undoubtedly so, and hint strongly enough too of the orchard (more or less what you'd expect).
The liquid itself is clear and is well populated with microbubbles rising to the top. On the palate, it’s light, crisp, and refreshing. Full of tangy apple and tropical fruit flavours, with a slight sweetness though the balance is spot-on. And, at 4% ABV, it is ideal for a pleasant session.
Mark Jenkinson is by now well known for using time-honoured methods (if you haven’t already done so, you must try his “keeving” bottles). Ciderkin Harvest Session is an age-old style made from the second pressing of bittersweet and sharp Irish apples.
These Ciderkins were used for centuries as part-payment for farm labourers' wages. This practice was outlawed in 1887 but persisted for many years afterwards.
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The Cider Mill says the series is a celebration of Irish Cider Heritage …. “We are dedicated to reviving Ireland’s lost cider-making traditions.. creating ciders of exceptional quality and character.”
Brief reviews on a few of his ciders:
His Cockagee Irish Keeved Cider here
Check out his Cockagee Perry here
His Windvane cider here
Jenkinson’s Cider Mill describes cider as “A refreshing alcoholic beverage made from 100 % apple juice, fermented and made in the same way as wine and often called apple wine in other countries. An excellent alternative to wine as a food accompaniment that deserves more exploration…”
* “Mr Jenkinson’s Revival Series – Ciderkin; Windvane and Lamhog – are amongst the finest drinks produced in Ireland.” - McKenna’s Guides 2017.
Christmas Rocks at Rock Farm Slane
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| Carina Conyngham of Rock Farm |
The Christmas farmers markets at Rock Farm Slane are a convenient one-stop-shop for your Christmas dinner essentials this year. Organic turkey, ham and roasts, organic vegetables (including the crucial brussel sprouts) and lots of delicious festive fare from the Slane Food Circle all under one roof. Bring the family along and make a day of it on Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22nd or Friday 23rd December from 11am to 4pm.
What could be more festive than Rock Farm Christmas Market in the old Hay Barn, twinkling with lights and bedecked with Christmas trees. Every enticing stall is dressed up for Christmas, featuring special hampers and Christmas gift packs making browsing for last minute presents a pleasure. We’ll have artisan food, arts and crafts stalls competing for your attention with an abundance of yuletide gift ideas and treats. These include Slane Food Circle members Rock Farm Slane, The Cider Mill, Boyne Valley Farmhouse Cheese and Newgrange Gold Rapeseed Oil.
Take time out and treat yourself to coffee or lunch with some homemade festive favourites. Time out just for you in our spacious seating area while yuletide music plays in the background. There’s even a nice loop walk through the farm around the glamping area, where children can burn off some energy and work up an appetite
Rock Farm Christmas products include organic turkey and ham, pork, beef and the popular Organic Christmas Breakfast Pack, perfect for Christmas morning. The turkeys are Hockenhull bronze turkeys, slower growing than standard white turkeys and carefully chosen for their flavour and taste. Like all the stock on Rock Farm, they are raised organically. Turkeys must be pre ordered.
Add a little treat like a wheel of Boyne Valley Blue or a selection of Mark Jenkinson’s delicious ciders to enjoy over the festive period. You won’t be caught out this year when unexpected guests arrive. Rock Farm vouchers are a great gift option, either for Christmas products or a general voucher which can be redeemed against anything from glamping to farm tours.
All Rock Farm and Slane Food Circle Christmas products are available to order by email (shop@rockfarmslane.ie) for collection during Christmas week (21st-23rd December) from the Christmas Markets. Christmas orders can also be collected by arrangement from Dublin collection points.
Choose Rock Farm this Christmas and taste the difference.
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