Aspall to warm winter with mulled cider

Written by Claire Weekes

Thursday, 30 October 2008

Source: Aspall

Following a successful on-trade trial of the UK's first mulled cider last winter, Aspall is now launching the cider in selected top-end on-trade outlets.

The launch capitalises on the growing interest in the premium cider sector and brings innovation to the winter drinks market.

Available on draught from October to January, the mulled cider is designed to be served warm with slices of orange and spices, in Aspall-branded goblets.

The 4.6% abv drink is made from Aspall Draught Suffolk Cyder, sweetened with Cox apple must and blended with rich mulling spices to create a flavour reminiscent of bitter-sweet toffee apples. Deep brown in colour, the cyder has an aroma of citrus fruits and traditional mulled spices such as cinnamon, ginger and clove.

Henry Chevallier Guild, Aspall partner, says: "Like all our products, our new mulled cider is made from 100% fresh-pressed English Apple juice, to provide the best quality taste possible. Its initial palate is full-bodied with a complex fruit flavour and marked spicy richness. While it is sweet, it is not cloying due to its attractive balancing apple acidity and long spicy aftertaste.

"Quality will always come first and foremost for us, and this is intrinsic to any new product development plans we have. We look to develop new, exciting ciders only where there is a gap in the market and where both the trade and consumers can truly benefit from such a product.

"We have launched our mulled cyder after a very successful trial last year in 30 pubs in and around London, in which sales exceeded all expectations. This is the first of several new cyders to be launched by us, with further products planned for release in the next few months."