On a girls' holiday up north recently, we didn't have plans to stop in at Spreyton but a twist of fate brought us right past the cidery on our way from Devonport to Cradle Mountain--and I couldn't not stop the car.
I've tried a couple of Spreyton's ciders in the past and liked them--the Dark (featuring hops) and the Bright (the lightest and sweetest of all five). I enjoyed being able to try the Vintage, Perry and Classic as well, and we ended up walking away with a bonus bottle of the Perry, of all five.
Spreyton's tasting paddle of all five varieties plus a bonus bottle of your favourite variety, all for $10, is spot on. The tasting is presented stylishly in a wooden holder with the names of each variety printed into the holder, so very easy to remember! We were guided through the tasting by a handsome Spreyton Cider gent, which is always a welcome addition, and without us even asking he suggested we could share a paddle rather than spending the $10 each. This designated driver says thank you.
Being from the south, I'm a semi-regular visitor to the Huon's Willie Smiths and Pagan cider cellar doors, so I have to draw a comparison. For cost, it was great--WS charge $12 a pop for their tasting paddle of four varieties, a little more cider in each taste but no takeaway bottle, and your tasting is DIY once you're handed the paddle. Pagan don't charge a cent and Harry takes you through the full current range of varieties including some cellar door specials, but that's part of the reason Pagan get five stars from me.
But back to the cidery at hand. Spreyton have a really lovely setup out here, a wonderful covered space with plenty of picnic tables overlooking a section of the orchard, which would be particularly stunning when the trees are in bloom or covered in fruit!
All being said, Spreyton--I like the cut of your jib. Keep up the good work. read more