Lepola Drinks
Lepola ciders are handcrafted in Ylönkylä Salo, Southern Finland. The man behind the cider is Aaron. Aaron is from Australia and has now settled in a small farm called Lepola, in Finland.
The apples used in the Lepola ciders are 100% Finnish origin from local orchards and crafted in our own production facilities. We pay attention especially to taste, product development, locally produced apples, sustainability, and transparency through the whole production chain.
Our Story
The story began in 1927, when Frans Lindstedt built Lepola on the land of Meritalo Farm. Until the 1970s, Lepola was home to farm workers, after which the farm awaited new residents.
Later, Frans’s nephew’s son, Olavi Lindstedt and his wife established a berry processing plant in Meritalo to offer high-quality products from Finnish nature.
In 2015, Lepola was revived with new residents when Olavi’s daughter Emmi and her husband Aaron decided to renovate the farm. At the same time, they wanted to create something new alongside Meritalo’s products, and so Lepola’s ciders were born in 2018.
The aim is to develop drinks whose fresh flavours come directly from Finnish nature and are produced with respect for traditions. Today, the fifth generation at Lepola is already walking around in the shade of the apple trees and the farm produces cider from 100% Finnish apples.
Apples
Local orchards in Kemiö island, Salo and Raasepori. Mainly we use culinary apples. In recent years we have started to use crabapples and wild apples.
Ciders
Lepola ciders, meads and soft drinks are crafted by Aaron. An Aussie, whose passionate approach to cider production guarantees the high quality of our products. Fresh and fruity ciders made with 100% fresh presed local apples. No added water or artificial flavours, never from concentrate.
For Visitors
Lepola has small cider shop and terrace next to the production facilities. We do tastings and tours for groups.
Where to Buy
Mainly in Southern Finland, in supermarkets and restaurants. The whole Lepola assortment is available in our own shop.
Our Ciders
Heritage Apple cider
Cider, Semi-dry, Modern Style, Sparkling, 8% ABV, Contains sulphites
Inspired by the nearly 100-year-old Lepola house, this strong yet balanced cider is made from apples grown in the Lepola orchard, primarily of the Cinnamon variety. Barrel aged. Medium-dry with a yellowish hue, it features tart green apple notes, light herbal tones, a touch of honey, a hint of toasted character and approachable tannins. Pair with: Salads, vegetarian dishes, fish, chicken, turkey, salty snacks, and soft cheeses.
Best enjoyed between +6 °C and +8 °C.
Hoppy Dry Hopped Apple cider
Botanical Cider, Dry, Modern Style, Sparkling, 5.5% ABV, Contains sulphites
Lepola dry hopped apple cider is crafted by using Australian Galaxy hops and 100% Finnish local apples. Galaxy hops give the cider a slight tropical fruit/peachy aroma and notes of elderflower. It is a combination of the nationalities of Lepola - Finnish and Australian. Pair with: grilled vegetables, salads or vegetarian food.
Best enjoyed between +6 °C and +8 °C.
Perry
Perry, Semi-sweet, Modern Style, Sparkling, 4% ABV, Contains sulphites
Lepola Perry is made with Finnish pears (90%) and is certified Real Finnish Perry. Medium sweet, light, real pear aromas, light yellow. Finnish apples (10%) are added to the perry to give better balance and acidity. No added water or artificial flavors. Pair with: salads, vegetarian food, mild cheese, fish, savoury snacks, party cider.
Best enjoyed between +6 °C and +8 °C.
Vega Ice Cider
Ice Cider, Sweet, Cryo-concentrated, Still, 10% ABV, Contains sulphites
This cider is inspired by the story about SS Vega, the first ship to complete a voyage through the Northeast Passage. The ship got blocked by ice for 10 months (1878-1879) only 200 km short of the Bering Strait. Finnish Captain, A. E. Nordenskiöld, had loaded the vessel with oak barrels containing rum-preserved cloudberries, because of its preventative powers that had been handed down in Nordic folk medicine. The crew survived with the help of nature’s powerful treats. Inspired by the story, Lepola fermented Finnish cryoconcentrated cloudberries (5%) and apples (95%) then matured them in oak barrels to create a sweet and acidic cider. Pair with: desserts, enjoy as dessert as it is, or mature cheeses.
Best enjoyed between +8 °C and +10 °C.