Pigs are in the blood of the Saxby family and now proudly sit on the front of their cider bottles. Following our recent visit to their farm in Northamptonshire, Phil Saxby, AKA ‘The Guvnor’, told us a little bit more about the story behind the Saxby’s brand and delicious ciders.
About:
Originally an arable farmer, Phil diversified into cider making back in 2011 when someone asked if he had any apple trees, as they would like to buy the fruit and make their own juice. He immediately decided to plant some trees for them. While planning the new orchard, the thought occurred to try making his own cider.
Phil tried out his first batch of cider on a home-made press, collecting apples from neighbouring gardens and the roadside. He later admitted it wasn’t the best, but he now had the bug! The new orchard was planted with a blend of cider apples and dessert fruit – a blend Saxby’s still use to this day. The business has continued to go from strength to strength, and Phil uses apples from his own orchards as well as others from Northamptonshire and Herefordshire farmers.
The Brand:
The name was simple, Phil Saxby, Saby’s… But why the pig? That derives from a family business that started in 1904 and finished in 2008, specialising in pork pies and sausages. The story goes that Roger Moore was a massive fan and would eat Saxby’s pork pies on the set of James Bond films! So, the family history has always had a pig connection with pigs and they now carry that on their logo and bottles. Saxby’s pork pies, is now Saxby’s cider, and produced on the farm where the pigs used to be housed. Pigs do still roam the farm but just as pets these days.
Lockdown measures:
Saxby’s have made some great additions this year and have found new and inventive ways to ensure their products can still be enjoyed by all cider drinkers. Firstly the addition of the new Tap Room, in one of the barns, which enjoyed it’s grand opening last week. You can book a barrel in advance for you and your friends. They are also offering cider tours, a great way to see the apple’s journey from orchard to bottle. Finally, to cap off your day with Phil and the team, you can visit the Saxby’s visitor shop and get your hands on their stunning ciders and merchandise.
Ciders available:
Can’t get to their Northamptonshire home? Don’t worry, we have a great range of Saxby’s available at Fetch The Drinks. Where you can order online and have delivery straight to your home! 🐷
Saxby’s Original cider uses a blend of cider and dessert apples. This is a well-balanced, crisp medium cider with a fresh zingy start and a wonderful appley finish.
Saxby’s Traditional Cider is a a medium dry cider, with a long flavour with oaky notes and definitely very moreish!
Saxby’s Cloudy Rhubarb Cider is blended with real Yorkshire rhubarb giving a subtle sweet finish.
Saxby’s Plum cider has been blended with plum juice, the result is a mouth-watering medley of mists and mellow fruitfulness.