Basque Cider & Snacks Pairing
Guests are invited to a special evening celebrating sagardoa — the proud and ancient cider tradition of the Basque Country. Long before grapes dominated Iberian winemaking, the people of northern Spain cultivated apple orchards and fermented their fruit into cider. Records of Basque cider-making date back nearly a thousand years, when sailors filled their barrels with sagardoa to prevent scurvy on long voyages. To this day, cider remains deeply tied to Basque identity — poured from height to aerate the drink, shared communally, and celebrated during the famous txotx season each spring.
Basque cider (sagardoa) differs from most ciders found in the UK. It is wild-fermented, unfiltered, and naturally still — sharp, dry, and complex, with a briny, farmhouse edge that reflects the region’s Atlantic climate and traditional methods. Each producer’s style tells its own story, and this tasting will guide attendees through the heart of that tradition.
Prices
£35.00
Additional Information
Paired Cider & Snacks Tasting
In the intimate events space, The Cove, Joe from Quality Ferments will guide guests through eight ciders, each enjoyed with a bespoke paired menu of snacks, pintxos, and dessert. An immersive, intriguing, and relaxing evening awaits.
The tasting journey will include:
- Zapiain Gure Sagardoa – a classic and refreshing introduction to Basque cider culture.
- Kupela Sagardoa – bright, lively, and bursting with green apple and wild fermentation notes.
- Zapiain Euskal Sagardoa – beautifully balanced, representing the official PDO of Basque cider.
- Shacksbury x Petritegi ‘Arlo’ – a transatlantic collaboration blending Vermont craftsmanship with Basque heritage.
- Zapiain Euskal Premium (on draught) – served txotx-style straight from the barrel, crisp and zesty.
- Zapiain Joanes de Zapiain – a refined single-apple variety, complex and elegant.
- Kupela Cidre Demi-Sec – a sweeter sparkling take on the Basque classic style.
- Zapiain Bizi Goxo – a naturally sweet cider to finish, perfectly paired with dessert.
Guests can expect stories of orchards, fermentation, and centuries-old traditions — all enjoyed with pintxos straight from the kitchen and poured in the spirit of txotx.
Menu
To begin
Aperitif & Gilda – the first cider of the evening, served alongside a spicy pickled olive, guindilla pepper, and boquerone skewer.
Snack-size servings with six ciders to sample
- Crispy Pork Belly tossed in warm spicy mayo with crusty baguette
- Mortadella & Cream Cheese with crusty baguette
- Tuna Salad with Boquerone with crusty baguette
- Serrano Ham & Manchego with crusty baguette
- Boquerones in Olive Oil with crusty baguette
- Spicy Chorizo cooked in Zaipian Cider skewer
Digestif & Dessert
Slice of rich Basque Cheesecake alongside the last cider of the evening.
Arrivals to the bar are from 18:30, and the tasting begins at 19:00.
Bottleshop
Alongside normal bar and kitchen service, guests can purchase cans and both individual and sharing bottles to enjoy at home — the perfect gifts for the aficionados in their lives! All ticketholders will receive an exclusive discount for the bottleshop.
For any questions, email bookings@merchants.pub. The team looks forward to welcoming everyone!
