The fifth annual Cider Challenge was held at the Castle Forbes Bay Recreation Ground on Saturday, November 23, drawing a fully subscribed crowd of over 50 cider enthusiasts.
The event has grown to become arguably the largest gathering in Tasmania for amateur cider makers, with all cider available for tasting proudly produced by the challengers themselves.
Deciding which of the nine competitors crafted the best cider was no easy task; it required careful tasting, deliberation, and plenty of spirited conversation.
With entries of exceptional quality, the challenge of choosing a winner was tougher than ever.
In true cider challenge tradition, all tastings were conducted “blind,” so no one could vote for their own creation-even if they wanted to.
Participants simply had to pick the cider that delighted their palate the most.
After some strenuous and focused tasting (purely for research purposes, of course), votes were tallied using the new 1, 2, 3 ranking system, and a clear victor emerged.
Rob Ham, current president of the Castle Forbes Bay Recreation Club, founder of “Huon Cider Makers” (aka the “Bad Apples”), and all-round good guy, took out first place with his outstanding Kingston Black cider.
Close on his heels was Tony White, aka “Braeside Brute,” who debuted in the competition with his innovative Sundowner Combo.
A graduate of the 2023 Cider Making Class, Tony rose to second place like the fizz of freshly popped cider.
Third place went to perennial favourite Andrew Poh, who impressed with a smooth and easy-drinking blended cider, perfectly described as “lazy and palatable.”
Winners received prizes generously donated by Franks Cider and Brew Tas.
A big thanks to Naomi and Peter for their support of this unique celebration of cider.
And while this year’s challenge has wrapped up, the “Bad Apples” are far from idle.
If cider, whether drinking, making, or simply talking about it, is your calling, check out the Huon Cider Makers Facebook page and keep an eye out for their next exciting venture, which is yet to be “decidered!”
