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Where can I buy scrumpy?

Scrumpy is easiest to buy from cider farms in the West Country of England, such as in Somerset and Devon, and in Herefordshire, either at the farm or from the maker's own website. Festivals, specialist shops and pubs sell it too. "Scrumpy" has no legal definition, so check the label for strength and how it was made.

Updated

Key facts

  • What the word means. Cambridge Dictionary defines scrumpy as "a type of strong cider". [1] A US extension guide uses it for dry base cider from bittersweet apples, "particularly if it is unfiltered". [2]
  • Not a legal category. UK duty law defines cider, not scrumpy. A scrumpy is taxed as cider only if it meets the cider rules: fermented from apple or pear juice, at least 35% juice, and under 8.5% ABV. At 8.5% or more it falls into "other fermented products". [3]
  • Where the style comes from. BJCP 2025 describes C1C English Cider as "a regional product originating in the West Country, a group of counties in the southwest of England", made from bittersweet and bittersharp apples. [4]

Where can I buy scrumpy?

  1. From the makers. Start with makers in Somerset, Devon and Herefordshire (links below) and check each maker's website for a farm shop, web shop and opening times.
  2. From real-cider producers. CAMRA keeps a searchable directory of real cider and perry producers, which leads to their farm shops and websites. [5]
  3. At festivals and in pubs. Festivals often pour farm ciders by the glass; see what a cider festival is.
  4. Online. Makers' web shops and specialist retailers are covered in where to buy cider online.

How do I find scrumpy near me?

Look for cider makers near you rather than for the word itself. Because "scrumpy" is informal and not a legal term, a similar dry, tannic, unfiltered cider may be sold as farmhouse or traditional cider; see the glossary entry for farmhouse cider. For the regions that grow bittersweet apples, see where cider is made in England.

What should I check on the label?

  • Strength. Drinks over 1.2% ABV must show their actual alcoholic strength under UK and EU food labelling rules. [6] [7]
  • Juice and concentrate. CAMRA's campaign definition says real cider "should never be concentrated then diluted". [8] UK law itself allows juice from concentrate. [3]

Related answers: where to buy craft cider in the UK · English vs American cider

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Cider and perry are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly; in the UK it is against the law to sell alcohol to anyone under 18.

Questions

Is scrumpy stronger than ordinary cider?

Often. Cambridge Dictionary calls scrumpy "a type of strong cider". [1] There is no legal strength for scrumpy, though: in the UK a drink of 8.5% ABV or more is not taxed as cider at all. [3] The label shows the actual strength.

Why is scrumpy often cloudy?

Many are sold unfiltered. A US extension guide notes that dry cider from bittersweet apples is often called scrumpy "particularly if it is unfiltered". [2]

Sources

  1. scrumpy (definition) — Cambridge Dictionary
  2. Hard Cider Production & Orchard Management in the Pacific Northwest (PNW 621) — Washington State University, Oregon State University and University of Idaho Extension
  3. Alcoholic products technical guide: section 2, alcoholic products — HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)
  4. 2025 BJCP Cider Style Guidelines: C1C English Cider — BJCP
  5. Find real cider and perry producers — CAMRA
  6. Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Article 9: List of mandatory particulars — legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives)
  7. Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (official EU text) — EUR-Lex (Publications Office of the European Union)
  8. Cider & Perry: what makes it real — CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale)

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