The eighth Restalla la Sidra brought the Caudal valley’s family cider makers and commercial ciders from Xixón together in Morea. Nava was the guest municipality at an event combining a competition, tastings, food and music.
LA SIDRA.— The festival took place on 3 October at Campu la Ilesia. It was organised by the Asociación de Llagareros Artesanos del Caudal with support from Ayer Council. The report in LA SIDRA 270 highlights an occasion that once again put small cider makers in the spotlight.
Three makers recognised
The eighth Caudal Artisan Cider Makers’ Competition recognised Jaime Álvarez, Cherines Álvarez Buylla and José López. Visitors could also sample the entries during the morning session by purchasing the commemorative glass.
Nava’s presence strengthened links between cider-producing municipalities. Inviting a guest area and offering public tastings was already part of earlier editions of Restalla la Sidra, including the 2023 event featuring Gozón.
From family production to commercial cider
A tasting of commercial ciders from Xixón followed at seven in the evening. The shared programme introduced visitors to two approaches with common roots but different production scales and working practices.
Food also had its place, with a tasting prepared by the IES Valle d’Ayer hospitality school and an outdoor espicha. The El Gumial pipe band and Los Jimaguas supplied the music.
Keeping a shared tradition alive
These cider gatherings offer more than awards. They provide opportunities to compare ciders, exchange knowledge and sustain an interest passed from one generation to the next. In Morea, that collective dimension was once again central to cider culture.
Photograph: award recipients and participants at Restalla la Sidra. LA SIDRA 270, page 56.
