157: County Cork's Killahora Orchards | Ireland

157: County Cork's Killahora Orchards | Ireland

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist December 5, 2018 Duration: 1:04:44

Killahora Orchards of County Cork is located on the southern tip of the Emerald Isle a.k.a. Ireland and was once the center of the world butter market.  Historically it is also known as the "rebel city". Today it is a thriving city with Michelin star restaurants and makers like Barry Walsh and Dave Watson of Killahora Orchards in Glounthaune.

Killahora Orchards began to be replanted in 2011.

Replanted because Killahora Orchards today, it was found, was also an orchard dating back as far as 1838. This was discovered on Ireland's OS (Ordinance Survey) Maps. As such there are wilding apple trees on the fence line linked to the Malus sylvestris (this apple tree usually has thorns).

157 Barn: Cider Chat Killohara Orchards

Barn on the hill at Killahora Orchards

In 2016 Killahora entered the commercial market as Johnny Fall Down cider, but as the brand evolves they are now making Johnny Fall Down a brand of cider under the Killahora Orchards label.

There are 130 varieties of apples and 30 different pears.

Dave Watson planted the orchard. His father Tim Watson tends it. Barry Walsh is Dave's cousin. Barry is crowned the Booze Geek, while Dave is considered the Tree Geek.

 

Killahora Orchards Products

  • The Wild Apple Bouché won the Supreme International Championship for International Ciders at the Royal Bath and West cider competition in June 2018.
  • The Rare Apple Ice Wine which was made with Bitter Sweet and Bitter Sharp apples really set this Irish version of an ice cider apart.
  •  Rare Apple Ice Wine made with bitter sweet and bitter sharp apples[/caption]
  • Pom'O is and Apple Port or what the French would call Pommeau.

At the end of this chat hear Barry Walsh sing a wee bit from the Irish Folk Drinking Song "Johnny Jump Up". Learn more about its history here.

Contact Killahora Orchards

Website: http://www.killahoraorchards.ie/

Address: Killahora, Glounthaune

Cork

Telephone: 021 486 8177

eMail: info@johnnyfalldown.ie

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There’s a whole world in a glass of cider, and Cider Chat is your invitation to explore it. Hosted by award-winning cidermaker and writer Ria Windcaller, this podcast travels far beyond the bottle to meet the people who make the global cider culture so vibrant. Each conversation is a journey-you might find yourself in a heritage orchard learning the history of forgotten apple varieties, in a bustling taproom with an importer explaining regional traditions, or in a kitchen with a chef pairing cider with unexpected foods. The discussions get into the delightful nuances, too, whether that’s the semantics of what we even call this drink or how the concept of terroir translates from soil to sip. It’s not just about production; it’s about the community, the travel, and the stories that fermentation unlocks. This is for anyone curious about the craft, history, and sheer enjoyment of fermented apple juice in all its forms. So, pour a glass and settle in for a series that feels like a wide-ranging, informative, and genuinely good-humored chat with friends who happen to be obsessed with cider. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for every effervescent, tart, or sweet sip, hearing directly from the growers, makers, and enthusiasts who are shaping this drink’s exciting present and future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 501

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