In the heart of Skåne, in the idyllic village of Sövde by Lake Sövdesjön, Sövde Musteri transforms local apples into award-winning beverages – through a combination of tradition, craftsmanship and uncompromising quality.

Sövde Musteri is not just a producer – it is a destination for everyone who appreciates genuine flavours, small-scale production, and beverages with a clear identity. The business is based in a historic brick building dating back to 1894, where apple must and cider production has been a natural part of life for generations.

Since 2009, Sövde Musteri is run by Anna and Bonny Håkansson, who have further developed the range and modernised production, while preserving the artisanal heritage. The result is one of Sweden’s most interesting ranges of apple must, cider and apple distillate – produced in small batches with focus on taste, quality and character.

Sövde Musteri: Transforming Skåne’s apples into award-winning beverages Sövde Musteri: Transforming Skåne’s apples into award-winning beverages

Craft cider, apple distillate and Äpplefrost

On the farm, nature guides production. Only local, fresh ingredients are used, and the range follows the rhythm of the seasons. The harvest determines – not the other way around. Each product is made in limited edition, which ensures both quality and exclusivity.

The line-up includes craft ciders, classic apple juice and innovative flavour combinations such as rhubarb and elderberry, as well as the signature product, Äpplefrost. Made from carefully selected apples, it has an intense, fresh and fruity character.

The inspiration comes from ice wine, but Äpplefrost is unique in its kind – a mix of apple distillate and ice-frozen apple must, allowed to mature for a few years on oak barrels to develop depth, complexity and roundness. The result is an elegant spirit that works a treat as an aperitif or with dessert – or with the classic goose dinner in autumn.

Since the distillery was added in 2012, Sövde Musteri has established itself as Sweden’s largest producer of barrel-aged apple distillate bottled as single cask. The distillate can be compared to a Nordic equivalent of calvados – but with a distinct Skåne identity. Each cask gives its own character, and during tastings, visitors can experience how vintage, cask type and ageing time affect taste and aroma.

Sövde Musteri: Transforming Skåne’s apples into award-winning beverages Sövde Musteri: Transforming Skåne’s apples into award-winning beverages

Gold medal awarded with rescued apples

Since 1957, Sövde Musteri has rescued thousands of tons of apples from gardens around Skåne and transformed them into appreciated beverages. Last year, Sövde Musteri won gold at the Swedish Championship in Must & Cider for its apple must, an unsweetened, non-alcoholic beverage made from rescued, pressed apples. Part of the jury’s verdict reads: “A very beautiful, fruity and complex must with hints of dried fruit, ripe exotic fruit and balanced spiciness.”

The producers have also started making perry, or pear cider, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented pears. “We’ve found trees for our pear cultivation and although it’s a long-term project, this spring everything will get underway with planting, irrigation systems and everything needed for a good cultivation,” reveals Bonny. “So, in 5-7 years’ time, we can offer you a completely unique pear cider.”

This is an exciting time for craft cider in Sweden, according to Bonny. “Traditionally, Swedish cider has been sweet, more like an alcopop, but a few producers have started making craft cider,” he says. “We’re on that journey and hope to help develop Skåne as a cider destination.”

This summer, the farm sales will be up and running, with the opportunity to buy a few bottles to bring home. Why not make a day of it? Sövde Musteri is located right by a lake with a beach, sauna boat and kayak rental. The area is popular with cyclists and has splendid hiking trails too, and close by is a popular Adventure Camp and even a helipad.

Sövde Musteri: Transforming Skåne’s apples into award-winning beverages Sövde Musteri: Transforming Skåne’s apples into award-winning beverages

Web: www.sovdemusteri.se
Facebook: Sövde Musteri
Instagram: @sovdemusteri

Visit the farm shop or take part in a guided tour of the factory, where you can follow the entire production process from apple to bottle.

Read the feature on issuu