Bittersharp · 32 trees planted · confidence high
A Somerset heirloom producing vintage-quality bittersharp juice with a near-perfect tannin/acid balance, one of the short list of varieties usable as a single-varietal. WSU measured the highest tannin of any variety in this group (0.28%), so it is the most reliable structure contributor here despite its low sugar. Its outstanding scab resistance and shade tolerance make it arguably the best-suited bittersharp for a wet maritime site like the Olympic Peninsula, and its late bloom makes it a useful pollenizer for Brown Snout and Dabinett.
Disease: Highly resistant - possibly immune - to apple scab, hence the synonym Neverblight; broadly pest and disease tolerant and will tolerate shade. Susceptible to fireblight. Slow to bear (6-8 years) and twiggy, needing substantial pruning. Highest juice yield in this set at 286 mL/lb.
Discrepancies: Harvest: UK sources say late Oct-Nov and that it needs a cold chill to ripen, but WSU Mt Vernon harvests 9/30 - recommended late Sep-early Oct per WSU as climate-local. Bloom: pomiferous group G (latest, ~5) vs WSU bloom 5/19 - recommended 4 per WSU. Tannin: pomiferous lists 4.3%, which is implausible as percent tannic acid and was discarded in favor of WSU's 0.28%. Biennial: WSU records alternate bearing Yes, upgrading an earlier moderate call to high.