SANDFORD Orchards’ vintage cider The General has been named the Taste of the West Champion Cider for 2024.

The brew, which is 8.4 per cent alcohol by volume, has previously won gold at the World Cider Awards in 2021 and a gold medal and the category trophy at the 2023 International Cider Challenge.

It is described as “big, bold and super rich” with “fabulous marmalade tannins and a juicy apple pie aroma” and as “a superb complement to gamey meats or a fully-laden Sunday roast”.

Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards Barny Butterfield said: “We are delighted to have scooped another accolade for The General.

“It is the godfather of our vintage range, aged for a minimum of six months in our ancient oak vat.”