Longueville House Cider is made by William and Aisling O’Callaghan of the renowned country house hotel and sporting estate, Longueville House, in Mallow, Co. Cork, from their own apples.
Famous for many things – the lamb from the estate, salmon from the river, wine (occasionally) from the small but picturesque vineyard – Longueville even produces (on an ongoing basis) Ireland’s only Vintage Apple Brandy.
It all started when William’s father, the late Michael O’Callaghan, planted 20 acres of Dabinett and Michelin cider apples at the north-west side of the property in 2000. He was a great wine lover, but he also loved Calvados and apples grow better than vines in Ireland.
Although not able to use the name, a similar product could be distilled in Ireland and the 40º Longueville Vintage Apple Brandy is now distilled annually and sold in 50cl bottles. William has recently rebranded the apple brandy and, having taken over from where his father left off, has brought the cider production to another level.
In addition to the Irish Apple Brandy, they now produce two excellent ciders - the original medium-dry Longueville House Cider and the more recent Longueville Mór, 8 per cent ABV which is fermented and aged in the Longueville Apple Brandy casks. It is the only cider made this way in Ireland "And this," says William, "Results in significantly more taste, more character, more flavour - a truly delicious and unique cider." And many agree with him - notably the judges of the 2019 Great Taste Awards, who awarded it 3 stars and a coveted Golden Fork award.
Once harvested each autumn, the Longueville apples are crushed and pressed in a cider press in the cider house on the farm. There are no colourings, additives or preservatives used at any stage during the production and manufacturing process – the pressed juice is just naturally fermented over time, to produce a rich amber-coloured 5º strength cider which is then filtered, lightly carbonated and pasteurised. Longueville House Cider is medium-dry, with a fresh appley flavour, it is naturally thirst quenching and is best served chilled, without ice – the perfect summer drink.
Longueville House Cider, Longueville Mór, and Longueville House Irish Apple Brandy can be purchased direct from Longueville House (www.longuevillehouse.ie) and it is retailed by off licences such as O’Brien’s, Redmond’s, Morton’s of Ranelagh, Donnybrook Fair Dublin and Bradley’s Off Licence in Cork.
