Change - the bad and the good

Let’s get straight to it: keykegs are becoming popular and people ask why we do not have them. Don’t we hold eco values? But those values are the reason we don’t have them: recycling. Key kegs, for those who do not know, are plastic barrels for wine or beer on draft. Salesmen of product packaged in this way are somewhat, well, diffident on the subject as they push their product. So here are the facts: they are only recyclable through one company currently in the UK, who take payment to take them away, and who undertake this as a "marketing exercise” we understand. There are no recycling facilities in the UK so they are crushed and taken to Holland. They are more expensive than traditional steel kegs and one can only imagine that the keg:cost-of-content ratio is, well, interesting! One of our most important beer suppliers insists that their beers are only supplied in traditional kegs for all the reasons stated, and we are pleased… and for the same reasons we shall stay true to our Bag-in-Box wines!

But don’t think we’re against change – far from it. After all these years we are listing a few different UK ciders on the boards! My first rule now is avoid ciders made with concentrate and concoctions that have fruit juice added - it’s all Fanta for adults, and you won’t find it at St. JOHN. Not doing a shout out for anyone in particular but there is a world of local ciders and delicious perrys made in ways, and from orchards, that will turn your head. Whilst we remain true to the Breton Cider that we have listed since the beginning, some 25 years ago they couldn’t afford proper boxes, the bottles came loose and with king caps, dare I say a little rusty sometimes. We are pleased to see these other ciders join our much-loved Breton – and here’s a tip, try some of them with your pudding! Mmmm.”