The apple of Corey’s eye

Deloraine local Corey Baker relaxes at Red Brick Road Ciderworks in Deloraine.

Photo | Mike Moores

Feburary 2019 | Karl Gammler

A NEW business has opened up in Deloraine that will appeal to those who enjoy a tipple. Red Brick Road Ciderworks and Hells Gate Gin have opened a combination cider- and gin-making facility and cellar door situated at the former Bodyworks at 30 East Parade, overlooking the Meander River.

The business has already proven popular with locals and tourists alike, with plenty of parking and regular visits from food vans being a highlight on certain weekends. Corey Baker and his partner Karina Dambergs are no strangers to satisfying people’s curiosity about all things cidery.

At their sister business, the Ciderhouse in Launceston, customers have been experiencing an amazing range of Tasmanian craft products, local food and local beverages such as cider, mead, wine, beer, and whisky. But the time has come to move their base of operations to Deloraine where the couple reside with their young daughter, Beatrix. Their approach is simple, real cider made from real fruit by real people.

Apples and pears are sourced from fourth-generation Tasmanian growers, using traditional Tassie apples such as Geeveston Fanny and Orange Pippin where possible. All cider is fermented and processed on site under strict guidelines with no added sugar, water, concentrate, flavours or colours. The ciders are unrefined, unfiltered and unpasteurised, all carbonated by natural secondary fermentation. Red Brick Road’s core range includes Dry Hopped Cider, Sparkling Cider, Scrumpy, Cider Rosé and Perry. But cider isn’t the only beverage being made. The new Hells Gate Gin is proving so popular that a larger distiller is being made to satisfy demand. And for something different, there is local craft beer available on tap and a selection of Tassie whiskies and wines.

Opening hours are not set in stone. Summer is busy, with the whole bar and serving operation being taken to festivals such as The Taste of Tasmania and Mona Foma. However, when the main bar is absent from Deloraine, their customised converted minivan is a sight to see and can still satisfy your thirst. The cellar door is open on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 12.00-6.00pm and on Friday, 12.00-8.00pm. At other times, if the cellar door is open, just drop in to say ‘G’day’.