Somerset cidermaker Thatchers is introducing two new canned ciders as part of a rejuvenation of its traditional craft cider range. The range, which comprises cans, bag-in-box, and draught ciders, has been given the name Stan’s, in honour of second generation cidermaker, Stan Thatcher.
Two new, gently sparkling ciders, packaged in 330ml cans, are named Leaf Twister and Barrel Roller.
Leaf Twister (5.0% abv) is a softly-rounded and medium-dry cider crafted with local bittersweet apples including Somerset Redstreak and Dabinett, reliving the joy of Stan’s orchards. Light gold in colour, Leaf Twister has a delicate fruity-floral aroma with a hint of spice.
Barrel Roller (6.0%), which recreates one of Stan’s traditional cider recipes, uses local bittersweet apples including Tremlett’s Bitter and Dabinett to craft a robust, smooth, cloudy cider. Golden-straw coloured, Barrel Roller is high in smooth tannin fullness.
Three of Thatchers best loved traditional ciders are included in the Stan’s range in both bag-in-box and draught formats for the on-trade:
Trad. (6.0%) is Stan’s traditional cider. Mellow from the time it spends in our oak vats, naturally hazy from the bittersweet apples carefully chosen for the blend, and full on flavour thanks to controlled fermentation.
Cheddar Valley (6.0%), with its distinctive orange hues, this smooth, robust, naturally cloudy cider is a Somerset tradition. For those who like their oak-aged cider medium dry, our cidermakers choose apples including Tremlett’s Bitter for its tannins, while Dabinett brings a rich, full body.
Big Apple (5.0%) is crafted from vintage bittersweet apples including Tremlett’s, Dabinett and Somerset Redstreak. Thatchers Big Apple is a traditional cider full of flavour and big on personality. Medium dry, this still cider bursts with apple flavours and has a depth of character that only comes from generations of experience.
Stan, grandfather to Martin Thatcher, grew up on Myrtle Farm in Somerset, and was a true artisan cidermaker. But what he loved most was sharing a pint or two of his lovingly crafted cider with his friends and customers in his cider shop.
Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cidermaker say, “I’m sure my Grandfather would be very proud to have his name on this range. He was a true artisan cidermaker and many of the skills and traditions we still hold dear today originated with him.
“He was also a pioneer, and it’s therefore fitting that we are introducing our first two canned trad ciders in his name. These are two great tasting bittersweet ciders that have been made with Stan very much in mind, using the skills and craftsmanship that he made sure to pass down through the family.”
Martin continues, “Apple cider is still the most dominant flavour within the category in both the on-trade and off-trade, and craft continues to attract much attention. Thatchers is all about the apple, and this range is demonstrating not only our belief in this very special fruit, but also the craft credentials that come from a long line of cidermakers here at Myrtle Farm.”
