James Crowden

The South-west of England is justly famous for its wide variety of delicious ciders. Although the drink has been produced there for centuries, over the last thirty years there has been a quiet revolution in the industry characterized by a steady growth in the number of new cider producers. These cider makers vary from small, local companies to well-established outfits pumping out millions of gallons a year.

In Ciderland, James Crowden explores the history and culture of cidermaking (and cider-drinking) from the seventeenth century to the present day, and takes us on a tour around the West Country and beyond, visiting a large number of cidermakers who communicate a rare and infectious passion for their age-old art. He also takes a look at the rise of perry making and profiles the companies dedicated to getting the best out of their local pears. One very important section covers the history of bottle fermented sparkling cider and the evolution of methode champenoise in England from 1632-1662. In addition, Ciderland also includes comprehensive summaries and descriptions of most cider and perry producers from the Channel Islands to Herefordshire. The result is a magnificent companion to a drink that is enjoying a widespread and well-deserved renaissance.

IACP Cookbook Awards 2009: Ciderland - Wine, Beer and Spirits

Ciderland has won the prestigious IACP Cookbook Awards 2009. The IACP Cookbook Awards annually celebrate the year's most outstanding food and beverage publications. The awards program (originally called Tastemaker's) was created to encourage and promote quality and creativity in cookbook writing and publishing and to expand awareness of culinary literature. The IACP Cookbook Awards have become the industry's most coveted acknowledgement of excellence in the cookbook publishing world.

click here to visit the IACP Cookbook Awards website for more information

André Simon Book Awards - Ciderland Winner 2008

Ciderland has won the André Simon Book Awards - this is one of the most prestigious annual awards for food and drink books. The short-list was announced and circulated late November 2008 and the Awards have been presented in London March 2009.

Last Years Winners (2007) 

• Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Nick Fisher - The River Cottage Fish Book
• John Dickie (special commendation) - Delizia
• Philip Williamson and David Moore - Wine Behind the Label
• Charles Metcalfe and Kathryn McWhirter (special commendation) - The Wine and Food Lovers Guide to Portugal

click here to visit the André Simon Web site for more information

Cider is the new wine. For years we used to drink cider with our food and then wine took over. These days there are some fantastic cider producers around and its time for a home-grown cider revolution. This book provides a great insight into the history and the traditional methods of producing first rate cider and perry, a fascinating read.

           Mark Hix

A terrific, well-informed book that should contribute enormously to the history of alcoholic beverages.  
           Tom Stevenson

Intoxicating.

White Close Pippin, Dabinett, Flakey Bark and Gregg’s Pitt: James 
Crowden distils the poetry of cider and the brilliant cidermakers.

Cider is the liquid jewel of the West Country and James Crowden its 
jeweller.

A hogshead of cider distilled to the perfect quintessence of words 
and pictures.

James Crowden celebrates to perfection the renaissance of true cider.

Cider has had no better description since the days of Ralph Austen 
and John Worlidge.

Cider has no better description: read before drinking.

               Tom  Jaine

more info on...Ciderland by James Crowden