West Country cider producer Bridge Farm Cider is feeling particularly proud after presenting their limited edition Jubilee cider to the Queen herself.
Bridge Farm Cider, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has toasted the Queen\'s Diamond Jubilee by offering a limited edition run of 6000 bottles, named after one of Her Majesty's Dorgis (a cross-breed of a Dachshund and a Corgi).
Sandy Steele-Perkins from Bridge Farm Cider said: "We are all thrilled to have had this opportunity. We released the special edition Jubilee Cider dedicated to Her Majesty's companion Cider, who is one of three Dorgis of the royal household. Alongside Cider, Vulcan and Candy are Willow, Monty and Holly – the three Corgis.
Owner Nigel Stewart personally selected the best cider made with traditional cider apple varieties from the orchard he planted at Bridge Farm to make the Jubilee cider.
Nigel Stewart commented: "This is a celebration in a number of ways, Her Majesty's visit ties in with our own milestone celebration. Everything seems to have aligned for us."
All the fruit is harvested from the farm's own orchards and a selection of orchards all within a 20-mile radius.
The Diamond Jubilee Sparkling Artisan cider features a dog as part of its label, the design of which is inspired by the late poster artist, Tom Eckersley.
Mr Steele-Perkins said: "We have carefully designed the label after the style of British graphic design at the time of Her Majesty's coronation in 1953.
"Everyone at Bridge Farm Cider feels exceptionally honoured and proud to have been given the opportunity to personally present this special edition bottle to Her Majesty."
Nigel chatted at length with the Duke of Edinburgh about the traditional methods used to produce this new artisan cider; the Duke took a particular interest in the different Somerset varietal types of apples that were pressed to make the cider. Her Majesty seemed touched by Bridge Farm Cider’s dedication.