Shepherd Neame launches first cider
The new cider is a blend of several apple varieties, including some native to Kent, and is being celebrated by the brewer as a celebration of “British craftsmanship and produce”.
Chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “When we first thought about making a cider, we just knew straight away that it had to be an authentic, traditionally made cider that reflected the character of our home in the garden of England.
“We have created a distinctive, refreshing cider that will make an excellent new addition to our ranges of real ales and lagers.”
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The cider is clear and mid-golden in colour, lightly sparkling with a fresh, bitter-sweet, apple aroma and a smoky cedar aroma.
Last summer, Shepherd Neame refreshed its branding across its company, from beer to its 330 pubs and hotels.
The new logo has modern typography and a crook motif to reflect Kent’s world-famous hops.
At the time, Neame said: “Our new identity takes inspiration from the brewery’s past and present.
‘Strategic ambitions’
“The project covers all aspects of this diverse company and articulates our brand positioning and the company’s strategic ambitions.”
Earlier in 2016, Shepherd Neame completed the acquisition of seven freehold pubs based in Kent, Sussex and Surrey.
The completion of the sale took the number of the pubco’s sites up to 335, 59 of which were managed, 269 tenanted and leased and seven under commercial free-of-tie leases.
