FOOD + DRINK
IMPRESSIVE DOUBLE WIN FOR JAKE ’ S DRINKS
Jake ’ s Drinks , the beer and cider arm of Balfour Winery , has utilised its award-winning wine principles and attention to detail with some impressive globally recognised results .
The cider , which comes from orchards surrounding Balfour Winery in Staplehurst , not only won a trophy at the International Cider Challenge , but Jake ’ s Cider was also the only English drink to be recognised with a trophy at Global Cider Masters . One of the most prestigious competitions in the world , leading drinks experts tasted blind to find the ultimate examples , with Jake ’ s beating off competition from Somerset , Devon , America , Sweden and beyond . Meanwhile , Jake ’ s IPA won gold at the Global Beer Masters , while Jake ’ s Lager picked up silver .
Commenting on the win , head wine ( and cider ) maker Fergus Elias said : “ We are delighted to well and truly put Kent on the map as a centre of excellence for cider production , alongside our award-winning wines . What ’ s equally satisfying is that we ’ ve achieved these in the right way ; using local ingredients , sustainable practices and all set within a landscape you can actually visit .
“ We apply the same principles to all our drinks , whether beer , cider or wine . These are the drinks made , and enjoyed , by winemakers like me and my dad , Owen . That ’ s always been our principle at Balfour , to make drinks we enjoy drinking - and we ’ re over the moon that the judges agreed ”.
CANTERBURY ’ S COOKING WITH PRODUCED IN KENT AND ZOOM EVENTS
Produced in Kent have announced a new partnership with Zoom Events to revamp Canterbury ’ s annual food festival , with plans to make the newly named ‘ Canterbury ’ s Cooking ’ festival bigger and better .
The festival will now include a Produced in Kent area showcasing Kentish fare and crafts alongside comedy nights and a cookery demo stage featuring renowned local chefs .
Canterbury ’ s Cooking will be held in Dane John Gardens between 22 - 24 September 2023 .
KENT TRIUMPHS AT GREAT TASTE 2023 !
Announced on 1 August , a host of Kentish produce have been awarded coveted and distinguished stars by Great Taste – the world ’ s largest food and drink accreditation scheme based entirely on taste .
Across 89 judging days in Dorset and London , a group of more than 500 judges conducted comprehensive blind taste tests on 14,195 entries which were submitted from a staggering 109 different countries .
Products from the South East won not one , but an impressive 745 awards . 548 x 1-stars , 182 x 2-stars and an impressive x 15 3-stars have been scooped including : a ‘ tasty ’ double win for Kentish Oils & Condiments ; who were awarded 1 Star for their Kentish Oils Rapeseed Oil blended with Garlic and Herbs and 1 Star for their Kentish Condiments Garden Herbs Vinaigrette . The judges praised the rapeseed oil ’ s “ Lively , raw , green , peppery flavour with a delicate thread of garlic running through it ”; a 1-Star for Kent ’ s favourite crisps , Kent Crisps for their Oyster and Vinegar flavour , synonymous with Whitstable ’ s famous oysters , with judges exclaiming : “ We really enjoyed the crisp , crunchy texture of these golden crisps . They had a good classic , slightly sweet salt and vinegar flavour … A crunchy and golden crisp that has a welcoming vinegar flavour and a salty , rounded umaminess .”; and a Great Taste 2-star for Tonbridge-based Charrington Fruit Farms for its AmaZing Zari single variety apple – no mean feat as only 11 % of entries received a 2-star ; noted as being “ above and beyond delicious ”.
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