Cider Voice 63 - Blending

Adam takes advantage of Albert's temporary absence to perpetrate a shameless celebration of the joys and virtues of still cider with one of its leading advocates and creators, James Forbes of Little Pomona. We talk about what makes great still cider (and what makes still cider great), challenges and potential pitfalls, varieties James likes working with, how brilliant it is with food and much more. Have a listen, and let us know some of your own favourite still ciders!

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.    Find Artistraw Cider at https://www.artistraw.co.uk/

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

We've talked to death about varieties on the pod – we've even discovered the definitive BEST (twice). But we've never talked about bringing them together in a blend.* So Albert and Adam sit down to rectify that. Why do you blend? How do you blend? What do you blend? When do you blend? It's all here, alongside meandering chat about wine, whisky and our own flagship blends. (Yes, Adam's calling a cider he's only made once and not even started selling yet his 'flagship'.) Also featuring blends from Ross-on-Wye and @rullorchard Albert is master blender @rosscider @adamhwells mixes stuff optimistically @threewellscider @justinwellsjustin is still taking small steps for a man *We may have done and forgotten. We can't rule it out.

Whilst we love all of full-juice cider's rich tapestry (honestly), dry cider is what has captured the hearts of our team most completely. In this episode Albert and Adam talk all things dry cider - what it means to us, why we love it so much, myths and misconceptions around dry cider ... and why 'dry cider' in and of itself is such a broad definition of a mind-blowingly diverse tapestry of drinks. Albert makes dry cider @rosscider Adam still occasionally writes about it @adamhwells Justin's rations it in space @justinwellsjustin

We may have had something of an off-year, but the Cider Voice Tree is once again bearing fruit! In our return episode we briefly touch on what we've been up to since we last troubled the airwaves, then plunge into a discussion of our recent visit to Normandy - high stem trees, varieties, cows, Calvados and all. Albert makes cider @rosscider Adam works in wine again @adamhwells Justin is lost in space @justinwellsjustin Follow us on instagram @cidervoice

Join the Broome Farm Orchard Walk audio story. This is a narrative discussion between Albert, our regular host, and his father Mike and his brother Martin, of the Johnson family at Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry Company in Broome Farm, Herefordshire. This is the complete audio story of their new orchard walk - a free to access walk with a choice of a 2.5km or 5km route, with 27 information signs, two picnic areas, an orchard library, a bike rack, and fully signposted directional signs. The audio for this episode was recorded and edited by neighbour and friend of the farm, Paul Kennedy. This episode is meant to be enjoyed whilst on the walk, but it may work for you as a way to transport yourself to our farm from whereever you discover this podcast!