Evening Visit to Killahora Orchards
A group of members of the Munster Wine & Dine spent a very enjoyable evening on a tour and tasting at Killahora Orchards near Glounthaune yesterday (Tuesday). Barry was our enthusiastic guide as we got both our whistles and our feet (aside from those who had brought wellies) wet in a most delightful way.
Some of us had already marked Killahora products, including Johnny Fall Down cider, the Pom 'O Apple Port and their unique Rare Apple ice wine, among our favourite things. Those who hadn't come across them before were converted on this tour and tasting. And Barry (and his cousin Dave) who are responsible for this innovative orchard have more in the pipeline.
For more details on Killahora Orchards please check my January post here. Photos (and a few comments) from Tuesday's tour follow.
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| Blossom on a very young red fleshed apple tree. Rosé Cider? |
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| Barry (striped top) finds a very stragglers under the crab tree. Lots of chat from Barry including pruning tips and also the fact that cows don't like tannins! |
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| Spray in the more established but still young orchard. The pears behind have already shed their blossom. |
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| Promise of good things to come |
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| Cork Harbour views from the orchards, above and below |
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| Checking on how the grafts are taking. |
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| Keeping out the rabbits. "We thought at first we and the rabbits were on the same hymn-sheet but soon found out they had their own agenda." |
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| In full bloom. Not a crab tree, but a wilding and one of the most promising they found in the hedgerows/ It is coming in for particular attention "grafting the bejasus out of it". "We're going to keep the wild ones going, to include in our mix." |
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| The tasting line-up (some of it!). "We work on what the year gives us." "In the cidery, we do as little as possible to it." |
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| Another view of Cork Harbour |
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| This Killahora tree appears on the Pom'O label. |
