Foxwhelp

Why you should be excited

Foxwhelp is an ancient English cider apple that’s distinctive and revered by aficionados of true vintage cider.

The story of Foxwhelp

Sadly, few North Americans know what real apple cider is about.

As varied and special as the best grape wines, true vintage cider may be an acquired taste, but it’s also one well worth acquiring.

And Foxwhelp is one of the great cider apples, producing a distinctive cider that’ll knock your socks off if all you’ve had previously is the mass-produced sickly-sweet stuff that’s passed off as cider in most liquor stores.

Suited neither to fresh eating nor to baking, Foxwhelp has its niche as a bittersharp cider-making apple that can be blended or used on its own to make a truly great aromatic and musky-flavoured cider.

A one-trick pony perhaps, but what a trick!

Foxwhelp Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Gloucestershire, England, 17th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Bittersharp and full-bodied, so well-suited to cider-making, but definitely not to fresh-eating or baking.

Appearance

A brilliant red-coloured apple.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in October).

Quality for fresh eating

Not for fresh-eating. It's just not.

Quality for cooking

Ditto.

Quality for cider

Excellent. This bittersharp cider apple is one of few varieties that are considered suitable for making as a single variety cider. This is called a 'vintage' variety. It's reputed to make a cider with a pleasantly musky flavour and strong aroma.

Keeping ability

Good (up to about 2 months when kept refrigerated).