Now in its 12th year, the International Cider Challenge is the most authoritative, respected, and influential cider competition in the world. Judges include some of the shrewdest cider judges in the land – retailers, importers, producers, and writers.
Judges study each cider in turn, considering the appearance, the aroma, the taste, and the finish, before discussing their findings with other judges and reaching a consensus on which medal to award. The level of knowledge and experience of the judges is striking and, for a cider to achieve any kind of medal from such exacting critics is a real achievement.
With a spread of entries from five continents and 60 cidermakers of varying sizes, this year’s ICC saw 16 golds, 53 silvers and 53 bronze medals. Judges included cidermakers, drinks writers, wholesalers, on and off-trade owners and buyers.
This year’s ICC saw a change in categories in an effort to move away from geographical focus, with West Country becoming Tannin Led and New World becoming Acid Led. Tannin Led, Acid Led and Flavoured were the biggest categories, with a reduction in Low & No, Perry and Pear Cider. Golds were awarded across Acid Led, Rosé, Naturally Sparkling, Speciality, Wood Aged, Ice and Tannin Led, which made a comeback after winning no golds in 2021.
The results of the International Cider Challenge (ICC) are in, with Kicking Goat Cider scooping well-earned Silver Medals across the range.
In the Design & Packaging category, Kicking Goat also came out on top as judges awarded the brand the overall trophy and a gold medal.
The judges’ comments included: “Beautiful coated thick paper stock, lovely texture clean crisp. The saturated red looks really good with the red crown caps on different bottles offering a nice signature.”
“The brand is nicely clever and humorous. the name of the brand implies that it has more than the flavour, the little details make the difference: craft elements throughout sit with bold typography. Everything has been well considered, and the range sits with credibility. Kicking Goat Cider will definitely stand out on a shelf – a very appealing bottle.”
Headed up by ICC chairman James Finch who praised the ‘‘exceptional quality’’ adding “It was an absolute honour to be asked back as chairman for 2022, and it proved to be another exceptional year for judging international ciders. I’m not sure there is another cider competition in the world with such a global reach of entries.”