Sussex cider maker, Ascension Cider, has partnered with Newport-based drinks wholesaler, Eurovines, to bring their award-winning ciders to the Isle of Wight.
Unlike usual ciders, Ascension is made from eating apples, which have been rejected by the supermarkets for being misshapen or too small, to give a much fresher, fruitier taste.
Ascension Cider, based on an orchard in Sussex, has successfully grown sales since they started cider making just 5 years ago. Not only do they supply local pubs and other trade outlets along the South Coast, they also successfully ship cider to many other parts of the country. Now they are working with wholesale partners, Eurovines to launch their range here on the Island, with stocks being held and distributed locally.
Pilot, the company’s core apple cider has recently been awarded Cider of the Year by The Pellicle, a well-respected magazine and podcast devoted to exploring beer, cider and other beverages. It is the brainchild of Matthew Curtis, a leading, award-winning industry writer, critic and author.
In addition, fruity cider beverages, Shimmy, a pineapple and lemon wild cider, Wrath, a grape cider, plus, a sour cherry cider called Electric Messiah, will also be available from Eurovines.
A hot air balloon, a passion of the family behind the product, features prominently on the smart eye-catching can and pump clip designs. Matt and his Dad, Martyn, who have a long family connection with the Island, founded the business just 5 years ago.
Matt blends the cider using principally eating apples often rejected by the supermarkets because of their shape and size, rather than more bitter cider apples. Ascension Ciders are made from only the juice of fresh apples (no concentrate, water or sugar) and are naturally fermented. All are gluten free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Eurovines and Ascension are looking for licenced retailers and licenced trade customers to stock the new range. You can contact Eurovines on 01983 811743 or via [email protected] for further details.
The Island P*ss Heads will be pleased.
It’ll be much too expensive. Frosty Jack’s and White Lightning is where it’s at.
At 4% I doubt it.
No mention of whether they back-sweeten the finished product and what they use. Proper cider apples are bitter but they have a much higher sugar content than eaters so they produce far more alcohol. These Ascension ciders are only about 4%, which is very weak for cider. Sound more like alco-pops than proper cider.