Kilmegan Cider, a small family-owned business, has been making waves in the world of traditional Irish cider production. Nestled in the picturesque County Down, Northern Ireland, Kilmegan Cider is dedicated to creating high-quality, handcrafted ciders that showcase the region's rich apple-growing heritage. In this blog post, we'll explore the company's background, the story behind the business, the people involved, their product range, and instances when their products have been used or mentioned by well-known people.
Kilmegan Cider: A Taste of Tradition and Quality.
Company Background - A Legacy of Apple Farming from the 1800s to Today
Kilmegan Cider was founded in 2012 by Andrew Boyd, a passionate cider enthusiast and apple grower. Boyd was inspired by his family's long history of apple farming in the County Down region, which dates back to the 1800s. Kilmegan Cider prides itself on its commitment to traditional cider-making techniques, using only the finest locally-sourced apples and natural ingredients.
The Story Behind the Business - A European Adventure Sparks a New Business
Andrew Boyd's love for cider began during his travels in Europe, where he discovered the rich variety of ciders available. This inspired him to embark on a journey to learn the art of traditional cider-making. After years of research and experimentation, Boyd decided to turn his passion into a business, and Kilmegan Cider was born. The name "Kilmegan" comes from the townland of Kilmegan, where the cidery is located and where Boyd's family has been farming apples for generations.
The People Involved- The Heart and Soul of Kilmegan Cider
Kilmegan Cider is a true family affair, with Andrew Boyd at the helm. His wife, Karen, is responsible for the business's administration, while their two children, Jack and Emily, assist in various aspects of production and sales. The family's dedication to their craft has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including a Great Taste Award and a Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Award.
Product Range - A Taste of Tradition
Kilmegan Cider offers a diverse range of ciders, including:
Traditional Dry Cider: A crisp, dry cider made from a blend of dessert and culinary apples, offering a refreshing taste and a clean finish.
Elderflower Cider: A unique cider infused with wild elderflowers, giving it a delicate floral aroma and a subtle sweetness.
Sloe & Bramley Apple Cider: A blend of sloe berries and Bramley apples, creating a rich, fruity cider with a sharp, tangy twist.
Crab Apple Cider: Made using 100% crab apples, this cider has a vibrant acidity and a distinctively tart flavour profile.
Detailed Information on Their Products
Kilmegan Cider uses only the freshest, locally-sourced apples to create their ciders. The apples are hand-picked, washed, and milled
before being pressed to extract the juice. The juice is then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to ensure a consistent flavour profile. Kilmegan Cider's commitment to using natural ingredients and traditional techniques results in ciders that are free from artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives.
Kilmegan Cider-Inspired Product on: Lecale Harvest's Cider-Braised Pork Belly
Whilst the actual cider products are not yet on Allster.co we do offer a delectable product inspired by Kilmegan Cider – the Lecale Harvest's Cider-Braised Pork Belly. This mouth-watering dish features tender pork belly, slow-cooked to perfection in Kilmegan Cider, infusing it with the cider's unique and rich flavours. Lecale Harvest, known for its commitment to high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, has created this culinary masterpiece that celebrates the best of Irish cuisine and showcases the versatility of Kilmegan Cider in cooking. Explore this Kilmegan Cider-inspired product on Allster.co and elevate your dining experience with a taste of tradition and innovation.
Kilmegan in the spotlight
Kilmegan Cider has caught the attention of several well-known figures in the food and beverage industry. Renowned chef and TV personality, James Martin, featured Kilmegan Cider on his show, "James Martin's Saturday Morning" in 2020, where he used the cider in a delicious recipe. Additionally, Kilmegan Cider has been praised by the likes of food critic and writer, Joris Minne, and BBC Radio presenter, Kim Lenaghan.
Conclusion - Celebrating a Commitment to Quality & Tradition
Kilmegan Cider's commitment to quality, tradition, and craftsmanship has earned the company a dedicated following and numerous awards. By embracing their family's apple-growing heritage and championing the natural flavours of the region, Andrew Boyd and his family have created a range of exceptional ciders that showcase the best of Irish cider-making. Although Kilmegan Cider's products are not currently available on Allster.co , we encourage you to explore other high-quality, artisanal ciders on the platform and experience the world of traditional cider for yourself.