Cider and Perry Trials

Rules of the competition, to be judged blind by the competitors

These rules have been adapted from previous years’ rules to take account of the Covid-19 restrictions currently in force.

1. The Trials are open to any maker of cider or perry, with the exception of those directly involved in the organisation of the Trials on the day.
2. Competitors must be at least 18 years old on the day of the competition – 17th July 2021.
3. Online entry forms must be received by 11.59pm on Sunday 11th July 2021 at the very latest.  If the maximum number of entries we can accept is reached before that time, entry will close at that point.
4. Entries should be delivered to Dragon Orchard, Putley, HR8 2RG between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on the evening of Friday 16th July.  We will have some capacity to accept a limited number of entries between 8.30am and 9.30am on Saturday 17th but, if at all possible, please deliver on the evening of the 16th.
5. Entries must comprise at least 2 litres of product.  Any container(s) acceptable.  Containers should be sanitised before delivery.
6. Entries become the property of the Big Apple Association.  Anyone wishing to collect their container(s) should report to Dragon Orchard at 7pm on the 17th July.
7. The organisers reserve the right not to accept any entry that does not meet an acceptable standard of hygiene.
8. The classes will be as follows:
   

   Class 1	Draught dry cider: gravity below 1005
   Class 2	Draught medium cider: gravity 1005 – 1015
   Class 3	Draught sweet cider: gravity above 1015
   Class 4	Draught dry perry: gravity below 1005
   Class 5	Draught medium perry: gravity 1005 – 1015
   Class 6	Draught sweet perry: gravity above 1015

    

9. Entry fee is £4 per entry.  One entry per class, up to a maximum of four entries
10. The maximum number of entries in a class will be 20, decided on a first-come, first-served basis.  The maximum number of entrants (ie makers) will be limited to 60, also on a first-come, first-served basis.
11. Voting will be carried out in three two-hour sessions with a maximum of 20 judges per session.  Voting slips will be issued at the start of each session. Judges will have to declare they do not have Covid symptoms and have not tested positive for Covid-19 in the previous two weeks.
12. Results will be announced at 10.00am on Sunday, 18th July in Dragon Orchard and online.
13. Challenge trophies will be awarded to the Best Cidermaker and Best Perrymaker based on their performance in all relevant classes.  An engraved glass tankard will become the property of each challenge trophy winner.  If there is no clear winner, the trophy will not be awarded.
14. There will be an award for Best Product which can be from any of the classes. If there is no clear winner, the trophy will not be awarded.
15. Lists of the winners will be posted on the Big Apple website after the announcement on Sunday 18th.  Full details of the voting in each class will be emailed to entrants in the relevant classes as soon as possible after the announcement of the results.
16. The organisers reserve the right to request anyone to leave whom they consider to be causing a nuisance or failing to follow given instructions.
17. The organisers’ decision on any matter is final.