Belgars Still Perry  Add/Read Comments

The potie handed over a small but heavy parcel the other day. A sample but not a wine. A still perry (pear cider) from the Norfolk based Broadland Wineries. The company has long produced a range of fruit wines - damson, sloe, elderflower, apple and the like and while this is not their first perry it is their first packaged in a 'bag-in-box'; possibly the very first perry seen in the bag-in-box format.

Two versions are available (a medium dry and a medium sweet) with an ABV of 7.5%. Developed specifically for the BBQ and summer market it is made on-site in Norfolk using natural yeasts and flavours and consumers are encourage to enjoy it over ice.

A good deal of customer research helped with the branding and packaging. As for our launch product: Who wouldn't want a nicely chilled three-litre box of medium dry Belgars Perry waiting for them in the fridge when they got home from work?"

"But what's it like?" I hear you cry. The medium-sweet version, for that is what I have in my glass, is very pale in colour, light, refreshing and tastes of apples. And pears. While not dry there is an edge of dryness, exactly like a pear or apple skin can dry out the mouth and a citric-lick on the finish to keep things all grown-up. Certainly better highly chilled or with plenty of ice and great on such a stifflinglying hot day as today. Just watch that (barely noticeable till it's too late) 7.5% alcohol.

Culinary options shouldn't be ignored. How about using in a cream and pear sauce for pork or chicken or make a sweet reduction as an ice-cream sauce.

Broadlands Belgars' Still Perry 3 litre box has a recommended retail price of £5.