Spirit of Cider Winter Bundle
-5%
Spirit of Cider Winter Bundle
Two 500ml limited-edition apple spirits from Big Nose and Beardy: a 2021 cider triple-matured and double-distilled at The Spirit of the Downs in Bolney, and an oak-aged variant rested for seven months on shavings cut from an oak on the Bolney estate — the closest thing to Calvados made in Sussex.
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Dispatched directly by Big Nose and Beardy from United Kingdom
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Big Nose and Beardy make cider the slow way, from apples hand-picked in Sussex gardens and orchards. This winter bundle takes that same unhurried approach and applies it to something stronger: two 500ml limited-edition spirits, each built from the same 2021 cider base, each telling a different part of the story.
The 2021 Spirit of Cider started as a batch of cider that was matured for three years before being sent to The Spirit of the Downs distillery in Bolney, where it was double-distilled into a 40% ABV spirit. It comes out clear, clean, and mellow — with what the team describes as a distinct appliness. Think fine vodka or schnapps, but with the character of a Sussex orchard behind it.
The Oak Aged Spirit takes that same base and goes further. Oak wood shavings, cut from a tree on the Bolney estate itself, were added to a batch and left to work for seven months. The result is a spirit that announces itself the moment you open the bottle: warm wood tones on the nose, tannins that have softened the spirit without dulling it, and a long finish that moves from fresh apple through to something richer and more contemplative. Also 40% ABV, also 500ml. Also, unmistakably, the Calvados they are not allowed to call it.
Together, they make a bundle worth opening slowly — ideally on a cold evening with nowhere to be.
- 2 x 500ml bottles
- Both spirits: 40% ABV
- Base: 2021 Sussex cider, matured three years before distillation
- Distilled at The Spirit of the Downs, Bolney
- Double-distilled; clear and clean
- Oak Aged variant: rested seven months on oak shavings from the Bolney estate
- Limited edition
About Our Brand 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.