GIG Trip Part 1 - to Waulkmill Cider, Langholm

22nd April 2015

 

Waulkmill Cider is based at Burnfoot Farmhouse, Langholm. This is a listed building dating from the 18th Century. Chris Harrison has run Waulkmill Cider since its creation in 2010. Despite having worked for a large national brewery for many years, Chris left his job, and the country, and went to start a new life in France. However the beginning of the financial crisis brought that to an end and he came home to live with his parents and look for a new job. Finally deciding that he didn't want to work for anyone else he began to look for a business for himself. Research led him to discover that there were no cider makers in Scotland and therefore no competitors here either!

 

Chris began to look more closely into the process, deciding he wanted to make real cider, using local apples, traditional machinery and oak barrels. Because he didn't want to use additives the fermentation process took a long time and he began by selling apple juice until the cider was ready.



Despite many in the trade not believing that cider could be made in Scotland, Chris persevered, and he now make over 30 varieties. The Campaign for Real Ale recently gave Chris a Gold Award for his perry - recognition at last! As perry pears are in short supply in Scotland and Chris know of only 8 trees, he can only make about 2000 litres a year. It was so popular however that it sold out very quickly and Chris has now decided to make pear cider to fill the gap. His business has gone from 1200 litres in his first year to about 20000 litres this year. As well as cider Chris makes a variety of vinegars and a very tasty spiced punch. However as his products become more well known orders are increasing and Chris is busier than ever.

 

Chris tries hard to keep a low carbon footprint with his business, even selling his waste apple pulp to a local farmer. He still fills and caps bottles, and sticks the labels on by hand but has invested in a hydraulic press this year in order to press more apples!

A lot of his time is now spent sourcing apples from orchards in Scotland to ensure his product is the best it can be and is always looking for good suppliers. He also attends Beer Festivals to promote his brilliant Scottish products and spread the word that cider can be made in Scotland.
 



Chris gave us a complete tour of his business before providing lunch, with cider of course, in his "pub"



 

Needless to say there wasn't much left by the time we'd finished!!

 

Everyone agreed it had been a great start to our day out.