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The cider, apple and orchard traditions of Somerset have been legendary for generations and this 20 year old brandy represents the culmination of this knowledge.
Each bottle is hand-thrown and turned. Colour is spun on the leather-hard earthenware and decorated by incising and slip-trailing the designs. Further colour is added using underglazes and natural oxides, then the pots are finished with a clear glaze. From beginning to end each pot is the work of a single decorator. Their signature joins the number, company name, date and thrower's mark on the base.
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Apples, spring water.
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Too good to mix with anything else.
Drink it at room temperature and dream of Somerset orchards decades ago.
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“The apples are back in force, like ghosts returning to a spirit fire; concentrated, dense and warming.” - Financial Times
“I must confess the product is very good, a most respectable cousin to AOC Calvados, reminding us that for a period of time, Normandy and Britain were ruled by the same kings.” - Christian Drouin in The Art Of Calvados 2024
PGI protection from 2011
Part of The Slow Food Movement
A 10 year old Somerset cider brandy (70cl, 42%), made entirely with apples grown and harvested in our traditional orchards. Such a lengthy maturation gives it complexity, with a Christmas pudding richness, full of subtle bouquets and aromas.
Johnny Leach was the grandson of renowned potter Bernard Leach and son of David Leach. He continued the family tradition at Muchelney Pottery on the edge of the ancient village of Muchelney in the heart of the Somerset Levels.
These bottles were lovingly hand-thrown, using local clays, before being wood-fired in the three-chambered kiln to the high stoneware temperature of 1320°C which created their distinctive 'toasted' finish.