I was originally an arable farmer but diversified into cider making back in 2011, when someone wrote to me asking if I had any apple trees, as they would like to buy the fruit to make into juice. I decided to plant some trees for them. While I was planning the new orchard, the thought occurred to me to try making my own cider. So I visited the West of England and took some advice from cider makers there.
I tried out my first batch of cider on a home-made press using apples from neighbouring gardens and from the roadside … admittedly not the best, but I had got the bug. So my new orchard was planted with a blend of cider apples and dessert fruit – a blend I still use to this day. The business has continued to grow since then, and I use apples from our own orchards as well as others from Northamptonshire and Herefordshire farmers.
Saxby’s ethos is to produce high quality, authentic cider using fruit from English trees embracing both traditional and modern techniques, for a flavour that can be enjoyed by everyone. Cider doesn’t have to be a large production line drink. Neither does it have to be bland or too niche for the masses.
