Cidermakers say summer heat boosted booze levels

For orchards and vineyards across the UK, the record-hot summer has impacted their alcohol products, which could hit the shelves a little stronger next year.

- HARRIETTE BOUCHER

The long, hot and dry summer period has meant that fruit like apples, grapes and berries were much sweeter when harvested. As a result, drinks like cider and wine will have a higher alcohol content when first made.

Susan Vaughan, the director of Celtic Marches, which makes cider on a family farm in Herefordshire, said: “It's too early to say how this will affect the taste of our ciders, but early pressing is showing richer, bolder flavours than in previous years, with more warmth.

“The sugar levels in the apples are really high, which certainly leads to higher alcohol content.”

Ms Vaughan said that, due to the warmer weather, they decided to harvest their apples at least a week in advance. She said this year's crops were unlike any they have seen in recent times, with record levels of sugar in the apples and grapes.