The Cider of the Festival award was reintroduced at the 31st Durham Beer Festival in 2011. The winner and runner up were chosen by a ballot open to all attendees.
The recent winners are:
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Rhubarb (Pulp) | Maverick Ginger & Chilli (Orchard Pig) | Dry (Biddenden's) |
| 2015 | Joint winners Slack Alice (Celtic Marches), Grazy Goat (Lilley’s), and Navel Gazer (Orchard Pig) |
||
| 2014 | Davisons Cider (Davisons,Northumberland) | - | - |
| 2013 | Tumbledown Apple Sweet (Snails Bank) | Joint: Squealpig Perry (Gwatkins) Medium Cider (Wilce’s) | - |
| 2012 | Bourbon Cider (Martin Graham) | Vision in Pink (Double Vision) | - |
| 2011 | Fanny’s Bramble (Sandford Orchard) | Impeared Vision Perry (Double Vision) | - |