Intoxicating! Bumper apple crop produces super-strength ciders

THE long, hot summer has led to bumper apple crops this year producing some cider so strong businesses are unable to sell it to pubs.

- By Ed Chatterton

Months of sunshine led to higher sugar levels in fruit, which raised the alcohol content.

As a result, cider makers have been unable to sell the 8.5% booze to the pub trade. Rob Clough, of Charnwood Cider in Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, said his apples and pears were proving sweeter than ever.

But he admitted it was not "necessarily a good thing".