A local farmer has made some of the best apple cider in the province and has the awards to back it up.
Hector Delanghe, owner of Delhaven Orchards, and his son Mark recently won first place in the Ontario Sweet Apple Cider contest at the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention held in Niagara Falls.
Delanghe said eight judges went through categories such as flavour, sweetness, aroma, and sediment amount, to pick the best cider. He said there were 10 different samples to judge at this year's contest.
"None of the judges know whose cider they are judging," he said. "They mark from about a one to 10 and they each put a rating on [the ciders]. At the end of the day when everybody has sampled them, they add up to see who got the most points."
Delanghe said they haven't seen specific notes from the judges in regards to the ciders but a full report is expected within the next six weeks or so. In terms of what makes Delhaven Orchards' apple cider better than the others, Delanghe said it may have something to do with the different apple varieties used in their blend.
"Of course, there's a secret blend but the thing is, it's so secret... sometimes I have to go look for it," he said.
To name a few varieties used, Delanghe said their blend consists of some McIntosh, some Red and Golden Delicious, and a few others.
"We've never made cider out of one or two apple [varities] it has always been a blend," he said. "I think that's where you really get a good flavour."
Over a 10 year span, the local farmers have walked away seven times having cracked the top three rankings at the apple cider contest -- two were for first place, two for second place, and three for third place.
"We feel pretty good about that," he said.
"If you're looking for some good cider, you know where to get it," laughed Delanghe. Delhaven Orchards is located at 8182 Talbot Trail in Blenheim.