THE International Brewing & Cider Awards has announced its esteemed cider judging panel – and one member is from Cornwall.

The panel includes internationally acclaimed cidermakers, bringing together their expertise and perspectives from key cider-producing regions all over the world.

Master cidermaker and judge of this year’s competition, Sean Houghton from Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, is a revered cidermaker who has a deep understanding of the UK cider tradition.

He has gained national recognition for producing consistently great tasting cider from the heart of Cornwall.

Gabe Cook, head of  cider judging, said: “We have some of the best cidermakers in the world judging this prestigious competition, and its their participation which underpins the International Cider Awards’ credibility.

“Now is such an exciting time for the industry, and with a whole new world of cidermakers producing innovative products, recognition for the technical skill and taste of your product by commercially practicing cidermakers, will ensure products stand out from the crowd. If you want to showcase your product and see how they fair amongst the best in the world, there is no better competition.”

Other judges for the competition include:

  • Christine Walter, owner and head cidermaker at Baumans Cider, USA 
  • Takuro Ikeuchi, head brewer at Son of the Smith, Japan
  • Dr Amalka Woodall, product and material technologist at Heineken, UK
  • Olav Bleie, founder of Alde Sider, Norway
  • Tano Collada, oenologist for the El Gaitero Group, Spain
  • Maris Plume, owner of Mr Plume Cidery, Latvia

The International Brewing & Cider Awards will take place in March 2024 at Depot Mayfield in Manchester, UK. Cidermakers from across the globe are invited to enter their finest ciders to be blind judged by an international panel of commercially practicing expert cidermakers from around the world, and gain recognition on an international stage.

Entries for the awards closes on February 1 2024.