The Touchwood Cider Story
In 1984, Nigel Smith arrived at Woodlands farm in Cornwall. On arrival he find an old cider barn and a worn granite trough. All that remained of an apple-growing past. That same year, Cornwall County Council launched an initiative to rescue historic Cornish apple varieties. Inspired, Nigel began a lifelong task of introducing old varieties of Cornish and Somerset apples.
Starting with empty fields where not a single apple tree stood, he dedicated himself to planting. He filled his orchards with a diverse collection of apple varieties, each one a thread in the rich tapestry of Cornish horticultural heritage.
Year after year, Nigel has been planting. What began with a solitary granite trough is now a living, breathing archive of apples. A testament to one man’s commitment to bringing a forgotten landscape back to life.
Today, with nearly 30 different types of apples, the fruit is traditionally crushed and pressed. The fermentation process relies solely on the natural yeasts found on the apples, and the juice is then racked and aged for over 12 months. Before adding sugar. The apple juice is carefully blended to create the perfect balance.
The Touchwood cidery produces a Traditional Cornish Still Cider, along with 3 sparkling ciders. Their award winning Touchwood Cornish Sparkling Cider 5.5%, Touchwood Tropical Cider 3.8% and their non-alcoholic Touchwood Low-Cider 0.5%
Touchwood Cider is produced at Woodlands Farm and is available across Cornwall at these establishments.
- Acorn Theatre Penzance
- Cusgarne Farm Shop Truro
- Driftwood Spa Pub and Brewery StAgnes
- Touc Inn @ Cornish Bank Falmouth
- The Cornish Farm Shop St Agnes
- The Silo Bar South Torfrey Farm, Fowey
