Bittersweet · 41 trees planted · confidence high
A chance Herefordshire seedling found around 1850 and popularized by the H.P. Bulmer cider company, named for the large russet patch at the calyx end. It gives a dark cider with soft tannins and nutty, butterscotch notes, and is valued as a dependable tannin contributor in blends. Its very late bloom (latest in this group) makes it a strong frost-avoidance choice, and it is one of the few cider varieties proven suitable for mechanical harvest; the fruit does not store and should be pressed soon after picking.
Disease: Susceptible to apple scab and fireblight. Upright/semi-spreading spur bearer prone to limb splitting under heavy crop - benefits from support or training. Very low blind wood (1.0) and good juice yield (281 mL/lb).
Discrepancies: Biennial: nursery sources (Trees of Antiquity, Roots to Fruits) call it a heavy biennial producer, but WSU records only semi-alternate bearing - recommended moderate per WSU. Class: WSU classes it Bittersweet even though its measured tannin (0.16%) sits below the 0.20% LARS bitter threshold; kept BSW per WSU's own assignment, but expect softer tannin than English-grown fruit. Bloom (late) and late harvest agree across all sources.