28
Escarpment Magaz ine
fal l
2011
One of the more
interesting buildings in The Blue Mountains is the Thornbury
Village Cidery, along Highway 26 in Thornbury. But what’s more interesting (and
delicious) is what is created inside. Originally the Cidery produced “Peeler Premium
Light Cider” but in June, 2011, Beer Barons, a world-class producer, importer and
distributor of unique and premium brands of alcohol, announced the acquisition of
the Thornbury Village Cidery and launched a new cider, “Thornbury PremiumApple
Cider” into the Canadian marketplace. Thornbury Premium Cider is a truly original
Canadian cider that tastes like a traditional English cider: dry, crisp and premium.
It’s made with 100% fresh-pressed local apples and crafted in the 100 year old
Thornbury Village Cidery on Georgian Bay, giving this cider it’s unique character.
The apple packing industry came to Thornbury in the 1880’s and in 1932 John
Mitchell of Mitchell Brand apple products built one of the first large apple processing
facilities in Canada, right next to the old railway line (now the Georgian trail). This
historic building is of course, now home to the Thornbury Village Cidery. Situated
in the heart of apple country, the Cidery has been in production since 2007 and op-
erates a state of the art production facility.
Cider Master Doug Johnson creates this light, easy to drink, champagne style cider
with just a very slight hint of apple. With a background in biochemistry and over 20
years of experience in various types of fermentation and apple processing, Johnson
brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Thornbury Village Cidery. The fact
that he’s crafting this unique drink in Thornbury, Ontario, also pleases the cider mas-
ter. Thornbury is in the heart of Ontario Apple country with a base of knowledge-
able, experienced apple growers. The Cidery couldn’t be in a better place.
In 1977 Thornbury’s own Golden Town Apple Products Ltd., installed a small press
to produce unfiltered apple juice. They presently have the most modern equipment
and techniques to process and transport their apple products. Thornbury Village
Cidery sources its fresh-pressed apple juice (not from concentrate) directly from
Golden Town.
The most popular types of apples grown in this area today are McIntosh followed
by Honey Crisp, Northern Spy, Ambrosia and Gala all of which are shipped across
Ontario and around the world. The Cidery uses a special blend of Ontario apples
to get the exact flavour profile needed for its Thornbury Premium Cider.
Fresh apple aroma and flavour, Thornbury Premium Cider boasts a light body with
a refreshing balance of sweetness and slight acidity. The flavour remains bright and
distinct throughout a long sparkling finish. It pairs well with a wide range of foods,
but is especially great with BBQ ribs, chicken, salmon, seafood and pork. Enjoy with
a splash of orange juice for a unique brunch experience.
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from the
a new taste
HARVEST
STORY | CARA WILLIAMS
FEATURE
|
there’s a new taste in town