472: Perry to FOMO — A Cider Dinner to Remember in the Malvern Hills

A Toast to Perry and Place

Enjoy an intimate recording from the 2025 Totally Cider Tour_UK Edition. This unforgettable evening featured James Forbes of Little Pomona, leading guests through a cider dinner pairing in the Malvern Hills located on the border of Herefordshire and Worcestershire in England.

James presents both a welcome Perry, Ciders and a very special aperitif.

We beging with Brut Rosé Perry, crafted from perry pears co-fermented with local damsons. James shared how whole damsons are fermented via carbonic maceration to extract their rich color and flavor before being pressed with early season pears. The result: a radiant sparkling Perry with deep fruit notes and remarkable finesse.

"We actually ferment the damsons whole in CO₂ and then co-press them with the first pears. It gives a whole new layer of aroma and flavor." — James Forbes

A Cider for the Table

Next up was a single varietal Stoke Red cider, a rarity from Little Pomona's usual blends.
James described it as a "fully fermented" cider that is balanced and dry yet vibrant, with a whisper of natural sweetness from the Rural Method. This approach captures the cider before all sugars ferment out, creating harmony between acidity and fruit. Check out Wilding Episode with Sam Leach on the Rural Method

"Stoke Red is one of my top three apples. In a less ripe vintage, that touch of sugar brings perfect balance."

Select Cider Apples

Dinner continued with Egremont Russet, a still cider with a light sparkle.
The russet's golden skin and nutty depth create an almost wine-like cider. Notes of pineapple, anise, and honey appeared with each sip, echoing the richness of the food and the rustic charm of the evening.

"FOMO" Caps the Night

Dessert brought out a treasure: Little Pomona's "FOMO"—a playful nod to France's Pommeau. Only 192 bottles were made, combining distillate from Bramley apples and Kingston Black juice aged in chestnut barrels. It lent a sweet, amber nectar with layers of floral and plum notes, it was the perfect close to the evening.

James Forbes with FOMO

"We called it FOMO—a faux Pommeau—because you don't want to miss out on this one."

The Spirit of the Malvern Hills

The evening concluded with words from Deborah Fox CEO of the Malvern Hills Trust, who shared the rich history and heritage of this cherished landscape—home to ancient Perry pears, cider orchards, and centuries of cultivation.

Ria Windcaller and Deborah Fox

"We keep the hills unbuilt, un-encroached upon, and un-urbanized. …The Perry pear and cider have always been part of this land's story." Deborah Fox

Contact info for Little Pomona

• Website: https://littlepomona.com

Past episodes featuring Little Pomona

• 126: Little Pomona's Big Ciders! | Herefordshire, UK
• 181: The Cider Insider | 100 Craft Ciders to Drink Now
• 460: James Forbes on Little Pomona's Ciders & Legacy

Contact info for Malvern Hills Trust

• Website: https://www.malvernhills.org.uk

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