440: Jane Peyton Keynote |Hereford AppleFest Banquet

440: Jane Peyton Keynote |Hereford AppleFest Banquet

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist January 1, 2025 Duration: 47:55

Jane Peyton, author of The Philosophy of Cider and founder of the School of Booze, brings her deep knowledge of cider and its cultural history to the forefront in this enlightening conversation.

Cider Chat 440 Jane Peyton at Hereford AppleFest Banquet 2024
Jane Peyton at Hereford AppleFest Banquet 2024

Key Points Covered

Cider's Cultural Significance

  • The apple as a symbol in global traditions and languages.
  •  
  • Historical mentions, from Norse mythology to Captain Cook's voyages.

Defining Cider

  • Cider is pressed, not brewed, differentiating it from beer.
  •  
  • Diverse expressions of cider, from tannic and dry to sweet and fizzy.

The Legacy of Susanna Forbes

  • A heartfelt tribute to Susanna Forbes' impact on the cider world.

Jane's Philosophy on Cider

  • Advocating for better representation of cider on menus.
  •  
  • Mainstream vs. artisanal cider perspectives.

Cider Chat Ep: 440 Jane Peyton's Philosophy of Cider

The School of Booze

  • Jane's initiative to educate on cider, beer, and more.
  •  
  • Her work as a writer and accredited pommelier.

Highlights from the Philosopher of Cider

  • Recommended Reads and Tastings:
    • The Philosophy of Cider and Jane's other publications.
    •  
    • Examples of cider diversity, including champagne-method ciders.
  •  
  • Memorable Quotes:
    • "Slow cider is sunlight in a glass, the liquid expression of the orchard's soul."
    •  
    • "Cider is not apple beer—it's pressed, not brewed."
  •  
  • Ciders and Perries Mentioned:
    • Little Pomona's offerings
    •  
    • Ross on Wye ciders

Contact for Jane Peyton

Mentions in this Cider Chat


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: 100

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