Fatty Bampkins Cider Takes Top Honors

SOUTH CASCO, ME – Blacksmiths Winery is excited to announce that Fatty Bampkins Ciders scored the highest ratings for cider in the recent Beverage Testing Institutes World Beer Championships. The Dry Cider scored a 97 Platinum rating and the original cider was given a 95 — gold. The dry cider is one of the driest ciders on the market with only 1 gram of residual sugar per 12 oz.

Fatty Bampkins Cider is made from fresh pressed apple cider from Maine, fermented with three unique yeasts in bourbon and rye barrels. There are no added flavorings, colors or sugar. The cider is styled after the ciders of England and Ireland, producing a dry, crisp style.

Stephen Linné, Blacksmiths’ Winemaker said: “The concept for Fatty Bampkins came from a trip to Ireland. I enjoyed the refreshing ciders that were available in Ireland and noticed the popularity of their ciders. I hoped to introduce this style of cider to the American consumer. Now we are very happy to see that this style of cider is catching on and is being recognized in cider competitions ”

Blacksmiths Winery has been producing wine since 1999 and cider since 2006. Production has increased annually. The winery produced 15,000 gallons in 2011 and expects to exceed 30,000 gallons this year. The cider is currently available in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Vermont will be added to the distribution as soon as production allows.

The Tasting Room and Winery are at Route 302 and Quaker Ridge Road in South Casco. Visitors can sample the wines. Information is at www.blacksmthswinery.com and www.fattybampkins.com .