Small Acres Cyder has marked its eighteenth year in style, taking home three Gold medals at the prestigious Japan Cider Cup 2025. In total, the Orange-based producer claimed five medals across the competition, which featured 106 entries from 11 countries.
Established in 2002, the Japan Cider Cup is Japan’s leading international cider competition. Open to both domestic and international entries, the Cup is judged over several rounds by cider consumers in Japan, food and drink professionals, and renowned cider experts from around the world.
This inclusive methodology ensures that the awarded ciders resonate with both everyday consumers and industry judges, reflecting a comprehensive appreciation of quality and craftsmanship in the cider industry.
“We are delighted to receive this recognition,” said owner and cidermaker Nick Geoghegan. “As we prepare to celebrate Small Acres Cyder’s eighteenth birthday (and the fifth year under our family’s stewardship) this is a wonderful start to the 2025 awards season.”
Geoghegan attributes the success to the cidery’s unwavering focus on traditional methods and quality fruit. “In recent years, the broader cider market has followed trends seen in craft beer, experimenting with exotic flavours and combinations. While that can be fun, it can also be a distraction. We’ve stayed true to our roots: full-juice ciders made from outstanding local apples and pears. That focus continues to bear fruit.
“We believe that ongoing innovation within the cidery, and our commitment to orchard quality, will keep lifting our ciders to new heights.”
This year’s results continue a strong run for the boutique producer, with 100 percent of the ciders it entered receiving medals in 2024.
The Small Acres Cyder cellar door and cidery is located in Nashdale, just outside Orange, NSW. The region has a rich apple-growing history, dating back to 1875. By 1945, over 1,600 hectares of orchards had been planted in the area. While the region now supports a range of agricultural ventures, local growers continue to champion Orange as Australia’s finest apple-growing district.
Awards:
• Gold Medal, Modern Dry: Small Acres Cyder Heritage Blend
• Gold Medal, Modern Sweet: Small Acres Cyder Pink Lady
• Gold Medal, Spirits: Small Acres Cyder Pommeau 2021
• Silver Medal, Modern Sweet: Small Acres Cyder Femme Fatale 2023
• Bronze Medal, Modern Perry: Small Acres Cyder Sparkling Perry 2022