Neutral Cider Hotel

Latest Episodes:

Welcome to Drum Talk (Jane Peyton from School of Booze, Ascension's Voss Kveik Cider Tasting) May 31, 2021

Show notes

Join hosts Gabe Cook, Grant Hutchison and Martyn Goodwin-Sharman as they cast out for the funnies at the Neutral Cider Hotel!

But first, Grant brings a good story with a tenuous link to our little cider world, before Gabe reels us back in with puns, before being snared in a trap of "drum talk."

Then it’s onto the news, and a serious one with an insight into the harrowing side of alcohol and craft beer. Ratmagnet on Instagram has shone a light on sexual misconduct from people in the industry through stories, and the guys reflect on the cider industry in this context, with some good news from previous guest Tasmine Fraser for the #NoAppleogies campaign.

This week’s guest is Jane Peyton, through her business, the School of Booze, she provides fun and informative sessions delving deeper into the wonderful world of drinks, from a sensory and historical perspective. And… she also happens to be the UK’s very first Pommelier! The guys chat everything, from Dr. Gabe’s promotion to Professor, the booze on Coronation Street, the joys of being in the pub, etymology and what writing music is like!

Then, it's onto the tasting with Ascension Cider, and their Voss Kveik. An unusual yeast for brewing, matched with an unusual label by helicopter enthusiast Matt Billing. Mixed in with this, is a caption contest featuring our own Grant and Jaye on the promotion of their new shop, which I can’t remember the name of. The good, the bad, and the most confusing captions come up in the judgement of this wonderful couple on the opening of their shop.

Thank you for joining us at the show, and leave us a message at our Speakpipe and join us on our socials below!

The Team:
Gabe is a cider expert: The Ciderologist
Grant has two cider businesses: Re:Stalk and Aeble Cider Shop
Martyn loves to write about cider: CiderShit
The Rest of The Team:
Executive Producer/Editor: Scott Riggs
Music: Billy Kennedy
Connect:
Instagram: NeutralCiderHotel
Facebook: NeutralCiderHotel
Twitter: NeutralCiderPod
Listen and share episodes on our website: https://www.neutralciderhotel.com/
Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/neutralciderhotel

THE TEAM
Gabe is a cider expert: The Ciderologist / Substack
Grant owns a cider shop: Aeble Cider Shop
Martyn loves to write about cider: CiderShit

Executive Producer/Editor: Scott Riggs
Music: Billy Kennedy
CONNECT
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Listen and share episodes on our website: https://www.neutralciderhotel.com

Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/neutralciderhotel
Join the conversation: https://www.reddit.com/r/NeutralCiderHotel/...

Slightly Traveled Individual Man (Felix Nash from Fine Cider) May 23, 2021

Show notes

Join hosts Gabe Cook, Sugar Plum Fairy and Angel Delight as they get their just desserts at the Nigel Cider Hotel!

But first, Gabe brings a story featuring pudding and pandemonium, Martyn warms up for International Cider Challenge which Grant wasn’t invited to, before he goes on to apologise to previous guest Gidon of Original Sin for our reaction to newly released POG Cider!

Then, it’s onto the news, with a special guest! Alex Metcalfe of CAMRA brings the boys up to speed with Cyder Month, featuring audio, video and a spot of Gabe Cook?

This week’s guest is Felix Nash of Fine Cider. He has had a telling contribution to artisanal cider’s renaissance over the last 5 years, establishing his business back in 2014 with a desire to bring exciting ciders to the tables of Michelin starred restaurants. He has not only achieved this ambition, but also heralded a new concept that we at the hotel love; ‘Fine Cider’.

The guys talk about everything, from a cider book that Gabe didn’t write, changing your business model in the face of lockdown and how the world of cider has changed in 8 years. The guys crack three ciders from three producers; Starvecrow Bourbon, Brännland Claim 2018 and Gregg’s Pit Dabinett & Yarlington Mill.

Then it’s onto listener answers? Yes, Martyn threw out a question to the listeners about where they love drinking ciders, so expect accents and bad geography!

Ragnar The Radical (Rainn Wilson from The Office (US), Hogan's Cider Tasting) May 16, 2021

Show notes

Join hosts Creepy Uncle Gabe Cook, Grant the Asshole and Middle-Aged Martyn open up for another week at the Neutral Cider Hotel!

But first, Gabe’s grasp of the English language comes into question, with all its idiosyncrasies, Martyn asks anyone for a job, and Grant had a dinner and a show? Yes, that’s how we’ll put it!

Then it’s onto the news, with the rebirth of Inch’s Cider. A quick history by way of White Lightning, to the green credentials of this new brand, with only a slight problem the guys spot right at the end!

This week’s guest is a big one; Rainn Wilson! Finding fame with his portrayal of Dwight K. Schrute on the American version of The Office, he’s an author, climate change activist and founder of media and entertainment company, SoulPancake. He’s recently turned his hand to the world of podcasting with a new show, Dark Air with Terry Carnation which explores the life of a supernatural talk radio show host caught up in a mystery of his own.

The guys chat about everything, from the head size of actors, Derek Acorah’s dog spirit, the struggles of the pandemic, the nature of fame, Alan Partridge and his new podcast, Metaphysical Milkshake.

Then the guys try a highly awarded cider; Hogan’s Libertine. The guys chat about this award winner with all its accessibility and bold character, and give their verdict.

Finally it’s question time, with a request for certain content, and the guys have a great answer in store for #releasethefoxwhelpcut.

Thank you for joining us at the show, and leave us a message at our Speakpipe and join us on our socials below!

The Team:
Gabe is a cider expert: The Ciderologist
Grant has two cider businesses: Re:Stalk and Aeble Cider Shop
Martyn loves to write about cider: CiderShit
The Rest of The Team:
Executive Producer/Editor: Scott Riggs
Music: Billy Kennedy
Connect:
Instagram: NeutralCiderHotel
Facebook: NeutralCiderHotel
Twitter: NeutralCiderPod
Listen and share episodes on our website: https://www.neutralciderhotel.com/
Leave a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/neutralciderhotel

Banjo Pete Worked At The UN (Gidon Coll from Original Sin Cider) May 10, 2021

Show notes

Join hosts Gabe Cook, Grant Hutchison and Martyn Goodwin-Sharman as they take their hands out of the puppets, and open the Neutral Cider Hotel!

But first, Grant returns with his shop Aeble now open, confused with how many alternative cider fans have been hiding in Scotland, Gabe’s book Ciderology nearly arrives on time, and Martyn has no discernible news, bar an apology. Then, the charitable Gabe utilises his vocabulary to help a charity!

In the news, it's Craftcon 2021, the wonderful Simon Day hosted a fantastic event stacked with in depth talks, and one about kegged cider that a certain Cidershit was a part of! Gabe was interviewed for his upcoming book, with a certain set decoration that needs discussing. Finally Pulpt now have their cider 'Flare' available in Tescos.
The interview this week is with founder and president Gidon Coll of Original Sin cider. One of the true pioneers of modern cider, establishing his brand in New York 1996, with a desire to reconnect America to its roots through an authentic drink. The guys discuss everything; the mundane reality of association meetings, Banjo Pete, pounding the pavements of New York, Royal Bath and West Show, the history of the Newtown Pippin and everything in between!

The guys try a range of Original Sin ciders, with the clean, crisp Hard Cider, the controversial Pineapple Haze, and three different single variety ciders; Newtown Pippin, McIntosh and Northern Spy. There’s a lot of love, a lot of questions, and some absolutely bold claims made in this section!

Finally, it’s game time and Gabe brings a slice of The Big Apple to the cider heads of the hotel, but who gets to take home the crown?!

Thanks for listening. Please leave us a message at our Speakpipe and join us on our socials below.

Hello Cider, Can I Call You George? (George Poole aka Cider George, Cider Branding Design Discussion) May 03, 2021

Show notes

Join hosts Gabe Cook, _____ __________ and Martyn Goodwin-Sharman as they all turn up and record another episode of the Neutral Cider Hotel!

First, Gabe went filming for CAMRA, Martyn released his rarely name-checked In Touch 2 with Pilton, and Grant? Well... you’ll hear!

This week’s guest is one of the bright young talents of British Cider advocacy. Only a year out of University where he studied Graphic Design, Cider George has already worked for the likes of Crafty Nectar, Nightingale Cider and the Discover Cider Campaign. Sitting alongside a day job in a design agency, this cider fanatic blogs, judges and has co-founded the brand new Bristol Cider Club!

The guys chat about everything branding; Fred Durst’s facial hair, feeling bad for the aliens on the can, scary dogs on the bottle, synonymous triangles, a knock about previous guests, peacocks, moustaches and the problem with Yokels! The tasting is varied, covering a lot of ground, from The Newt’s 2018 Dry Cyder, ‘Cider?’ vs OLICID, and the classic branding of Heck’s and Dunkerton’s, this is one that’s a lot up front, with the contents to back it up.

Finally, it’s back to the listener responses, as Martyn throws out a question; what are your favourite ciders for branding? Featuring Gabe’s history lesson on cider and pigs, and finishing off with a speakpipe about cider events.

Thank you for joining us at the show, and leave us a message at our Speakpipe and join us on our socials below. We’re going to find out who the sentient voice belongs to!

Such A Blade Enthusiast (An Episode About Perry, Tasting Little Pomona, Newton Court, Oliver's, Sheppy's and Le Père Jules) Apr 26, 2021

Show notes

Join hosts Gabe Cook, Grant Hutchison, Martyn Goodwin-Sharman as they wake up on the other side of the bed, in the Neutral Perry Hotel!

Grant and Jaye Hutchison talk about the opening of their crisp and provision shop Aeble, Martyn demands reviews from the USA, and Gabe gives an update for his library of published books!

In the news this week, Gabe reads some sweet unbiased journalism in The Express, and the guys discuss creme eggs, cola and electric hobbs as measurements. There’s always health concerns with alcohol and sugar, and luckily Dr. Gabe is brought back into the hotel for some genuine guidance.

This week’s episode is a dive into one of the most misunderstood beverages in the world: Perry. A fermented pear drink with a difficult reputation, the guys crack a variety of bottles and cans from makers Little Pomona, Newton Court, Olivers, Le Père Julesand Sheppy’s, in an attempt to dissect and understand the beverage in all its forms. Featuring children’s storytelling and Mayhill, what mouse is, Normandy vs UK, and the terrors of a visit from the Perry Fairy!

After the showcase, it’s onto Grant’s Game; Perry the.. People? Famous names with clues and a battle of the finest minds after a few beverages; Gabe and Martyn! Play along at home and let us know which Perry’s were missed on the socials!

Thank you for joining us at the show, and leave us a message at our Speakpipe and join us on our socials below. We’re going to find out who the sentient voice belongs to!

Really Need to Salvage My Curls (Alice Churchward from The Real Al Company, Thornborough's Yorkshire Cider Tasting) Apr 18, 2021

Show notes

Join hosts Grant Hutchison, Martyn Goodwin-Sharman and the Moustachioed Cider Sponge as they open the doors for the Neutral Cider Hotel!

Gabe gets a rename courtesy of Steilehead Cider before Martyn tells a family story and Bobby Jay announces a keyboard fix. The lads then delve into Nightingale Cider’s ‘Cider? Yes!’ campaign, with an apparent nod to the hotel!

In the news, the pubs opened up, slightly, a bit? Then Speakpipe questions in the news? Yes! Including Fourpure rebranding naysayer Stewart, sticker lover Mike and man on the motorway Cider George, with a surprise sentient guest...

This week’s guest is Alice Churchward, a champion of ciders across all styles, and runner of London Cider hotspot Trap! The guys struggle through cans of Black Ace and chat about absolutely everything, from kidnapping strippers, to her own brand cider Crafty Apple, cider makers on chaises lounges, branding and about everything in between. Featuring what might be Gabe’s first swear word, this interview was an absolute joy and each of the guys cried at least once with laughter!

Then it’s onto Thornborough’s Yorkshire Cider. After winning Sandford Orchard’s Breakthrough Cider Maker Award, it’s a bottle the lads loved dissecting!

Thank you for joining us at the show, and leave us a message at our Speakpipe and join us on our socials below. We’re going to find out who the sentient voice belongs to!

An Uber Die-Hard Patriot (Authors Dan Pucci and Craig Cavallo with American Cider, Wyndridge and Pilton's Tessellation Cider Tasting) Apr 12, 2021

Show notes

Join topless host Gabe Cook, with fully-clothed hosts Grant Hutchison and Martyn Goodwin-Sharman as they take down the badminton nets at the Neutral Cider Hotel!

First, Gabe brings joy with a certain celebration including presents for the boys, listeners you can cut the tension with a knife in this section! After the warnings of danger, Producer Scott asks the guys what their plans for the future of the show are, which opens up some hints as to the year ahead!

On the Commodore 64 this week, the guys have a brief chat with the one and only Tom Oliver! A guest in the news section is a first here, and it's for a good cause: two of our previous guests in Oliver’s and Anxo have teamed up to bring some stunning UK ciders to the States, so listeners in the USA can crack some of the wares that we’ve showcased in the hotel.

Then it’s onto the rebrand of Hawkes, which seems to have been cider’s marmite in terms of views! Martyn likes the stickers and Grant doesn’t like the language, let us know what you guys think at our Speakpipe to be included in next week’s episode.

This week’s guests are Dan Pucci and Craig Cavallo, fresh from their release of a jingle worthy book; American Cider! Encompassing a full historical, pomological, cultural and geographical assessment of the diversity of cider from their home nation, American Cider sheds light on what I, and many others, call the most exciting cider scene on the planet.

The guys chat everything in cider from both sides of the pond! From the false narratives and the forefathers, the great 'can' debate, where the scene is now and which place makes the best cider! They’re two wonderful people, and their collaboration is an awesome read!
Speaking of collaborations, the guys were fortunate enough to crack Tessellation; a team up of titans Wyndridge Cider and Pilton. It’s a marriage of the UK and American cider scenes, and a perfect match for the authors of each territory’s tomes.

This week’s question is now at the top of the list for Speakpipe, and definitely one the guys loved!

The Best Of Fahrenheits (Soham Bhatt from Artifact Cider) Apr 04, 2021

Show notes

Join Countryfile host Gabe Cook, and regular hosts Grant Hutchison and Martyn Goodwin-Sharman as they finish the egg hunt at the Neutral Cider Hotel!

First, Gabe makes promises that the other guys can’t keep and gets topless in Dymock, Grant explains recognised meteorological terms in Scotland, and Martyn gets ready for The Good Measure’s summer ahead! Grant plants ahead for his future, with an eye on a sneaky scrumper from a certain factory, and our San Diego superstar producer Scott lands a lucky glass of Roger Wilkins’ cider, before Dr. Gabe marks his words once again in the Hotel.

In the news this week, the guys have a very brief chat about Craftcon 2021, featuring show favourites Ross on Wye and Cider Women to name but a few. If you’re in the cider trade, it’s definitely one to check out.

Our guest this week is Soham Bhatt, the co-founder of one of the best Cideries in the USA. Established in 2014 as a passion project between 2 friends, Artifact Cider Project is now a by-word for excellence in contemporary cider making. The guys chat everything in modern cider, from the springing of spring, to branding in cider, the commercial and the art form, fruit ciders and a sucker punch of criticism for Chris Martin! It’s a full chat that the guys loved, and the appearance of American Trains sparked a lot of joy to the English!

The listener questions come by way of Germany and the United States, featuring a slick limerick and canned wordplay!
Thank you for tuning in and checking out the Neutral Cider Hotel podcast!

The Opposite Of The Midas Touch (Rachel Hendry from J’adore Le Plonk and Burum Collective, Templar’s Choice Dry Cider Tasting) Mar 28, 2021

Show notes

Join hosts Narcissus Gabe Cook, Rant Hutchison and Mart of Darkness as they soak up the springtime sunshine and admire the daffodils at the Neutral Cider Hotel!

First, Gabe slags off the mountains of Ethiopia and praises his hometown of Dymock, in which he filmed a love letter to daffodils for the tv show Countryfile. Martyn builds some mild hype for his collaboration with friends of the show; Little Pomona! And Grant as been looking for a soulder to cry on with a missing key, and none of the otel staff are able to elp.

Then, onto the news where the guys jump to the US of A for a bad deal, with C&C’s 93% loss in the sale of Woodchuck Hard Cider. Naturally, there’s confusion on the number, but the guys have fun chatting like Wall Street for a second on the pod! Featuring the first appearance of the American Finance Correspondent.

Our guest on the show this week comes at cider from a wine background, publishing her own newsletter on the subject called J’adore Le Plonk, as well as one of the co founders of Burum Collective, checking into the Neutral Beer hotel, it’s self described ‘wine unprofessional’ Rachel Hendry! The guys chat about everything, from the extensive use of horse of knowledge, to cow’s taste buds, safe spaces in alcohol, Crempog pairings and spelling socials correctly!

This week’s cider is the Templar’s Choice Dry Cider, a Normandy cider full of character and history, and a label that gives the guys something to talk about!
Thank you for tuning in and checking out with us at the Neutral Cider Hotel! Reach out to us on our social media pages or leave us a voicemail on Speakpipe (below).

The Team:
Gabe is a cider expert: The Ciderologist
Grant has two cider businesses: Re:Stalk and Aeble Cider Shop
Martyn loves to write about cider: CiderShit
The Rest of The Team:
Executive Producer/Editor: Scott Riggs
Music: Billy Kennedy
Connect:
Instagram: NeutralCiderHotel
Facebook: NeutralCiderHotel
Twitter: NeutralCiderPod
Listen or share episodes on our website: https://www.neutralciderhotel.com/
Leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/neutralciderhotel

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