Drop of the Day - Paynter’s Cider
In the heart of Hawke’s Bay, Paynter’s Cider is redefining what great cider can be, and the awards keep rolling in to prove it.
At the recent dish Tasting Panel, the small-batch cider maker took home Gold for two of its standout creations, Mon Cherry and The Alchemist, and Silver for the crisp, aromatic Pict Pear.
For Paynter’s, cider is more than just a drink. It is a craft rooted in the orchard. They grow and press real cider apples, the kind you will not find in your supermarket fruit aisle. These heritage and specialty varieties bring complexity, structure and depth that ordinary apples simply cannot match.
Mon Cherry is the showstopper. It is a dark, alluring cider crafted with bitter cherry and cider apple tannins. Born out of necessity after Cyclone Gabrielle devastated Hawke’s Bay’s plum crops, it is a true story of resilience, turning leftover cherry puree into a champion drop.
The Alchemist is Paynter’s modern medium cider. It is layered, vibrant and perfectly balanced, with a depth that has earned it a well deserved gold medal and a loyal following.
Pict Pear, the silver medallist, is a refreshing perry with a delicate floral nose, a gentle sweetness and a crisp finish that pairs beautifully with food.
From fermentation to the final pour, Paynter’s keeps things simple and honest. There are no added sugars, artificial flavours or shortcuts. Every bottle tells a story of Hawke’s Bay orchards, seasonal harvests and the skilled hands that transform fruit into something extraordinary.
Perfect Pairings
- Mon Cherry: Our Duck Breasts with Balsamic Spiced Cherries or our Baked Salted Dark Chocolate and Caramel Tart
- The Alchemist: Our Slow-roasted Pork Shoulder with Moko Verde or our Boozy Barbecued Stone Fruit Parcels
- Pict Pear: Our Oysters with Wasabi Mayo and Toasted Crumbs or our Sambal Chicken, Cucumber and Coconut Salad
Where to Find Paynter’s Cider
Available direct from paynterscider.co.nz and select retailers nationwide. Follow the orchard journey on Instagram and Facebook: @payntershbcider.
Whether you are a seasoned cider drinker or simply curious to try something new, these award-winning drops from Paynter’s are well worth raising a glass to.
latest issue:
126
We start by sharing what’s on the dish team’s radar, what we’re watching, listening to and reading. Harry Butterfield puts a twist on his Nonna’s agnolotti, Malissa Fedele reminds us of the importance of fibre, and Phoebe Holden fulfils a long-held dream, sitting down with Yotam Ottolenghi. Autumn is an abundant time, we make the most with pumpkin, kūmara, cabbage, cauliflower, feijoas, apples and pears. We’re dishing up dinners for two, including a Chicken Dumpling Lasagne, alongside easy weeknight meals. We honour our mums, revisit timeless classics, and add a little baking challenge. This issue, we encourage you to slow down, to enjoy writing your shopping list, and spending time in the kitchen. Because even when life feels relentless, there’s always space to share something delicious.