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West Somerset
It’s all about the apples.
Naturally fermented farmhouse cider made from hand-picked varieties gathered from old local orchards.
The cider house
Paul Loader started Loader’s Cider with his son George in 2015, using unwanted cider apples gathered from old, often neglected local orchards. Many of those orchards had once supplied the former Taunton Cider Company.
What began as a hobby developed through several seasons of learning which varieties worked best. Loader’s later earned silver and bronze awards in the farmhouse category at the Bath & West cider competition.
Old orchards, natural fermentation
Loader’s uses hand-picked cider varieties from old local orchards and lets the juice ferment naturally. The result is a recognisably West Somerset style: higher tannin, slightly lower acidity, a soft palate and plenty of apple character.
Harvest time
The orchard harvest is at the centre of Loader’s identity: traditional trees, mixed fruit and practical seasonal work that keeps valuable Somerset cider apples in use.
The fruit
A mixed harvest gives Loader’s the tannin, softness and apple depth associated with West Somerset cider.
The harvest
Apples are collected from local orchards and brought together for pressing when the fruit is ready.
The blend
The final character comes from bringing varieties together rather than asking one apple to do every job.
Cider range
The core farmhouse cider averages around 6% ABV, although individual batches can vary. It can be served naturally dry or blended to the required sweetness.
Still, naturally fermented cider with mature tannin, balanced acidity and a soft West Somerset profile.
A 5% bottled cider with medium body and sweetness, increased tannin and plenty of character.
Monty’s Gold is a lighter 4% sweet cider; AppleNatch is a drier 5.5% selection with less tannin and a firm bite.
Availability varies by batch. This page uses information published by Loader’s Cider alongside Orchard Route’s direct conversations with the cider maker.
For pubs and venues
Already an On The Level customer? Add Loader’s to your usual order. Otherwise, contact Orchard Route directly to discuss current formats, availability and delivery.
