453: Homage to Perry Legends by Tom Oliver at AppleFest | UK

Celebrating Perry’s Past, Present, and Future

Tom Oliver began his keynote by saying, "At this year’s Applefest Banquet, I had the honor of lifting a glass to the people behind the pear—specifically Perry. It wasn’t just a toast to the drink itself, but to the incredible commitment behind its preservation and craft."

Tom Oliver

Three Perry Legends

Charles Martel

• Known for his Stinking Bishop cheese and peri-based products.
• Catalogued disappearing peri pear varieties, creating the first national collection at the Three Counties Showground.
• His book on Gloucestershire pears remains a landmark work.

Jim Chapman

• Solicitor turned perry champion.
• Discovered the Hartbury Green pear and launched the Hartbury Orchard Centre.
• Now curates over 100 varietals displayed annually at the Malvern Autumn Show.
• Prefers dry, still perry—no bubbles, no fuss.

Kevin Minchew

• Perry pioneer bottling single varietals long before it was fashionable.
• Crafted standout perries like Gin and Huffcap in whiskey barrels.
• His final release, Last Hurrah, is a 23-year-aged marvel at 11% ABV.

Why Perry Matters

"Each of these individuals helped elevate Perry to something worth saving, savoring, and sharing. Their legacies shape not just what’s in our glass—but how we think about heritage, land, and tradition.

Let’s keep their torch lit. Raise your glass—Perry!" quote from Tom Oliver