Cidermaker Thatchers, based just outside Bristol, is introducing two new canned ciders as part of a relaunch of its traditional craft cider range. The range, which includes cans, bag-in-box, and draught ciders, has been given the name Stan’s, in honour of their second generation cidermaker, Stan Thatcher.
Two new, gently sparkling ciders, packaged in 330ml cans, are named Leaf Twister and Barrel Roller – and we think the branding looks fantastic!
Leaf Twister (5.0% abv), they say, 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.”
Stan was Martin Thatcher’s grandfather, grew up on Myrtle Farm in Somerset (still home to the cider company today), 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.
The range also includes the following three ciders, available in bag in box and on draught:
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.”
Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cidermaker says, “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, “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.”