CAMRA has announced that the best Perry in Britain is made by Ross-on-Wye’s Lewis Scott of Cleeve Orchard Cider and Perry. The winner was revealed at the Reading Beer and Cider Festival, home of the National Cider and Perry Championships.

The competition follows more than a year of local tasting panels and regional heats that culminated at the Reading Beer and Cider Festival last week.

Cleeve Orchard’s Perry won the title by impressing the judges with its floral and full-bodied flavour, which had a hint of smoke in the aftertaste.

Andrea Briers, Chair of CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Committee said: “Huge congratulations to Lewis for his exemplary products. As we know, cider and perry flavours can vary significantly from year to year and harvest to harvest, so seeing such distinct quality is incredibly important. Lewis has also worked with CAMRA to campaign for greater support for small producers, and is a great example of how a local producer of the area can gain national recognition with a quality product.”

Receiving the award Lewis declared himself bowled over. “It’s been an amazing year” he said, “when we won for our Perry at The Royal Three Counties Show and then Best Producer in Herefordshire I knew we had a product people really enjoyed, but a national first against really stiff competition caps it all. It’s been a team effort with my son Joe and we’re both thrilled to be able to help keep this wonderful drink and tradition alive and well”.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.