Basque Cider Tasting & Pairing

Since 2020 and 2023, Mike, Joe and Jonny at Quality Ferments have been importing unique, high quality and internationally renowned beverages from across the world, into the UK.

At Merchants House, our team are dedicated to pouring Sheffield some of the most intriguing, unusual and exciting products available - including our menu of draught, bottled and canned international ciders, including our Basque favourites Zaipian and Kupela.

Cider is a culturally and historically key part of the Basque region's identity. For centuries where apples grew in such excess and inexpensively, compared to wine graps that proved trickier to cultivate due to the damp Atlantic climate.

From days of seafaring and transporting vast quantities on voyages, to family owned farmhouses and apple presses evolving into modern sagardotegi , it remains as a product and expression of community.

Tourists and visitors to the region will also likely fondly recall "txotx", where cider is free-flowing and poured from great height! You'll often spot Jonny and the bar team honouring this ritual.

Paired Cider & Snacks Tasting

In our intimate events space, The Cove, Joe from Quality Ferments will guide you through 8 ciders to be enjoyed with a bespoke paired menu of snacks, pintxos and dessert. An immersive, intriguing and relaxing evening awaits!

Menu

To begin
Aperitif & Gilda- Our first cider of the evening, served alongside a spicy pickled olive, guindilla pepper and boquerone skewer

All served snack-size alongside 6 ciders to sample
Crispy Pork Belly tossed in warm spicy mayo with crusty baguette
Mortadella & Cream Cheese with crusty baguette
Tuna Salad with Boquerone with crusty baguette
Serrano Ham & Manchego with crusty baguette
Boquerones in Olive Oil with crusty baguette
Spicy Chorizo cooked in Zaipian Cider skewer

Digestif & Dessert
Slice of rich Basque Cheesecake alongside our last cider of the evening.

Arrivals to the bar are from 18:30, and we'll begin the tasting at 19:00.

Bottleshop

Alongside normal bar and kitchen service, you can also purchase cans and both individual and sharing bottles to enjoy at home; the perfect gifts for the aficionados in your life! All ticketholders will receive an exclusive discount for the bottleshop.

If you have any questions, please email bookings@merchants.pub, else we'll look forward to seeing you there!