Gozón’s fourth Homemade Cider Competition brought together 39 local makers and added a new event: its first cider-pouring competition. José Alberto Menéndez, from Cardo, topped the homemade cider results.
LA SIDRA.— The final took place on 27 September in Lluanco’s Parque Zapardel. Participation reached a record for the event, which the October magazine presents as evidence of the strength of family cider making in Gozón.
A podium spanning generations
José Alberto Menéndez took first prize. Fran Gutiérrez, from Manzaneda, finished second, followed by Deva and Iyán in third. The younger generation’s presence among the winners points to the continuation of this shared knowledge.
The fourth edition builds on a competition covered by LA SIDRA during its second edition in 2024. This time, the local association and council expanded the programme into a weekend of activities.
From the cider mill to the glass
Saturday featured a talk on cider’s historical development and Gozón’s first Cider-Pouring Competition. José Llera, Julio Artime and Raúl Heres were the leading names recognised in that debut.
The programme gave cider service a place of its own, reflecting the importance of learning the pouring technique. Work in the cider mill and skill at serving shared the spotlight.
A tradition enjoyed together
Visitors could discover the ciders and spend time with their makers. As at Morea’s cider festival, the competition also offered a meeting place. That sociability is part of the cider culture sustained by local associations.
Photograph: visitors at Parque Zapardel. LA SIDRA 270, page 60.
