Overview: Commonwood Farm has secured two one-star accolades at the Great Taste Awards for its Vintage Sparkling Perry and Honey Spiced Pear Brandy Liqueur. Based in Tenbury Wells, the sixth-generation family business continues to operate under the guidance of Bruce and Sarah Starkey.
The Full Story
The awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, are recognised as the world’s most coveted food and drink accreditation scheme and are judged blind by a panel of more than 500 industry experts. Judges described the Vintage Sparkling Perry as a delicate, pale perry with a beautiful, pale, and sparkling appearance. On the palate, the spirit displays brightness of flavour and considerable structure, featuring punchy, herbaceous savoury and brandyish notes with a sophisticated dry finish.
The Honey Spiced Pear Brandy Liqueur was commended for its honeyed gold appearance and enticing, gently-spiced orchard brandy nose. Judges found a clever and well-achieved balance on the palate, noting that the honey softens the spirit without being cloying. Sarah Starkey stated, “We are absolutely thrilled to bring home two Great Taste awards.” She added that having traditional perry and craft liqueur recognised by the industry’s top palates is incredibly validating.
Production & Profile
The operation relies on slow, patient production methods and the incredible heritage of the Teme Valley land. The Vintage Sparkling Perry is highlighted as a good showcase for traditional, bottle-fermented perry.
Brand & Industry History
Commonwood Farm is a sixth-generation family business dating back to 1887. Bruce and Sarah Starkey currently operate the farm in Tenbury Wells.
What This Means
The recognition serves as a testament to the slow, patient production methods employed by the producers. It validates the heritage of the Teme Valley land through the eyes of industry experts.
Consumer Takeaway
Drinkers can expect a sophisticated dry finish and a gently-spiced orchard brandy nose from these award-winning bottles. The release offers a traditional, bottle-fermented perry experience alongside a honeyed gold liqueur with considerable structure.
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