Thatchers Cider is launching two new products that continue its commitment to the craft of making apple cider but add a modern twist.
The sweet, mellow Thatchers Red and the cloudy Thatchers Somerset Haze been created to appeal to a new generation of cider drinker.
Thatchers Red is a red apple cider aimed at people aged 18 to 24 who enjoy fruit and flavoured ciders but want to explore the depth of apple cider.
Mellow, refreshing and fruity, it has a subtle, sweet dessert apple flavour. It is made with Katy apples to give it an intense red colour and soft fruitiness, while the Jonagold Red apples provide the mellow, sweet flavour.
With ABV of 4%, it will be available in 500ml and 330ml glass bottles and keg. Cans are also planned for the future.
Fourth-generation cider maker Martin Thatcher said: “Once again, our cider makers have come up with an entirely new take on a classic cider. Refreshing and sweet, Thatchers Red will appeal to those consumers who favour fruit and flavoured ciders, and who now want to begin their exploration of apple cider.
“As the only red apple cider in the category, with Thatchers Red we are continuing to innovate and celebrate what heritage cider should be about – apples.”
Thatchers Somerset Haze is a premium crafted cloudy cider at 4.5% ABV, aimed at people aged 18 to 34 with its contemporary twist on a traditional style of English cider.
Martin explained: “Somerset Haze gives those drinkers who are looking for an easy-drinking, cloudy cider the opportunity to experience the premium taste of Thatchers.
“Haze has the heritage of four generations of cider making behind it and we believe it will fill the gap in the market for an authentic, sweeter, lower-ABV premium cloudy cider.”
It is made with Discovery, Falstaff, Gala and Jonagold apples to create the crisp sweet finish – it is the juice of the Jonagold apple that gives it a naturally hazy appearance. It will be available in a range of formats including 500ml bottles, 440ml cans, and on draught.
Both Somerset Haze and Thatchers Red are being rolled out to the on- and off-trade and will be supported throughout 2015 with a programme of branded point-of-sale materials, merchandise including clothing, sampling and events.
A series of new food recipes have been developed by chefs to pair with the new ciders. Bini Ludlow has created special chicken tikka kebab to pair with Red, while Tim Maddams has created two for Somerset Haze: pulled chicken burger with hazy ketchup and barbecue bacon chop with beetroot slaw.
Both the new ciders have been created at Thatchers Myrtle Farm by the family-run company’s master cider makers. With over 360 acres of its own Somerset orchard, it will be undertaking a programme of a further 75 acres of planting this year. It also has a network of growers throughout the UK with whom it has established long-term 25-year contracts.
