Oak Aged Spirit of Cider
Oak Aged Spirit of Cider
£47.50Made from a 2021 cider matured for three years, double-distilled at The Spirit of the Downs distillery in Bolney, then rested seven months on shavings from a Bolney estate oak. Big Nose and Beardy's answer to Calvados, and the reason it earns its place on Ziracle.
In stock
Dispatched directly by Big Nose and Beardy from United Kingdom
UK standard delivery typically 1–3 business days
If you like the warmth of a good Calvados but would rather drink something made in Sussex, this is the bottle to look at. Big Nose and Beardy's Oak Aged Spirit of Cider is a limited edition, and it has a longer journey behind it than most spirits.
How it is made:
- The base is Big Nose and Beardy's 2021 cider, matured for three years
- It was then sent to The Spirit of the Downs distillery in Bolney to be double-distilled
- Oak wood shavings, cut from an oak on the Bolney estate, were added and the spirit was left to mature for a further seven months
What it tastes like: The oaky notes arrive the moment you open the bottle. The tannins have softened the spirit while keeping it smooth, and they add a long finish. You still get the initial apple, followed by warm wood tones and a full mouthfeel.
Key facts:
- Strength: 40% volume
- Size: 500ml bottle
- Style: oak aged apple spirit, the brand's own take on Calvados (a name it is not allowed to use)
- Limited edition
Who it is for: It suits winter evenings and slow sipping, and the brand says it will warm the coldest of cockles. It also works as a gift for anyone who enjoys a good brown spirit, and the 2 Spirit Bundle option makes that easy.
Options:
- Single Bottle
- 2 Spirit Bundle
The Ziracle view: Big Nose and Beardy make their cider with a closed-loop approach. Most apples come from local private gardens and orchards and are hand-picked with volunteers, and pressing is powered by solar, water and human energy. Leftover pomace goes to local pigs and cows. This spirit takes that same cider and gives it a second, slower life.
About Big Nose and Beardy
Big Nose and Beardy specialises in producing authentic Sussex cider, offering a refreshing alternative to mass-produced beverages. Their focus on traditional methods and natural fermentation addresses the desire for enjoyable drinks made with transparency and care for their environmental impact.
What sets Big Nose and Beardy apart is their dedication to a closed-loop production system. They source the majority of their apples from local private gardens and orchards, hand-picking them with the help of volunteers. Their pressing process is powered by a combination of solar, water, and human energy, ensuring minimal reliance on external power sources.
Further demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, the apple pomace remaining after pressing is fed to local pigs and cows, effectively eliminating waste and enriching the local ecosystem. Their packaging, including metal bottle caps, lightweight glass bottles, and cardboard cases, is fully recyclable, reflecting a holistic approach to environmental responsibility from orchard to consumer.