Aspall launches Festival of Britten cyder

The launch of Aspall's Britten Still Suffolk Cyder commemorates the centenary of Benjamin Britten, composer

Award-winning cyder and vinegar producer Aspall is launching a new cyder commemorating the centenary of Benjamin Britten, one of Britain’s foremost composers who was born, lived and worked in Aspall’s Suffolk heartland.

The limited edition Festival of Britten Still Suffolk Cyder was launched earlier this month at the opening of the Aldeburgh Festival, the music and art event Britten founded in Suffolk in June 1948. It will also be unveiled at the Royal Albert Hall and international venues celebrating Britten’s anniversary, including Carnegie Hall in New York and venues in Berlin and Munich. Following this it will be available at selected premium on-trade and off-trade outlets, RRP £2.65/500ml bottle.

Britten was a regular visitor at Aspall through the 50s and 60s, and bought his cyder directly from the family. Festival of Britten Cyder has been matured, blended and bottled un-carbonated to re-create a style the composer would both recognise and enjoy. At 8.4% this still cyder has hints of oak and a full-bodied wine-like character.

The label features a picture of renowned local artist Maggi Hambling’s sculpture Scallop on Aldeburgh Beach which is dedicated to Britten. In addition, Aspall is producing a collectibles series arranged by SNAP, the visual arts component of the Aldeburgh Festival, featuring four unique Britten-inspired Maggi Hambling prints as bottle labels.

Barry Chevallier Guild, Aspall partner, says: “We are delighted to have crafted a new cyder inspired by the Aspall cyder Britten would have enjoyed. The still, higher strength Festival of Britten Still Suffolk Cyder represents the style of cyder produced at Aspall in the last 100 years and makes the perfect accompaniment to food with its wine-like characteristics.

“Collaborating with Aldeburgh Music to launch a Britten-inspired cyder was an exciting opportunity for us to celebrate Aspall’s rich Suffolk heritage, 65 years of the Aldeburgh Festival, distinguished local artist Maggi Hambling and the 100 year anniversary of one of our finest customers.”

Founded in 1728 by Clement Chevallier, Aspall is now owned and managed by the eighth generation of the Chevallier family. Taking its inspiration from the apple for three centuries, the company produces a range of award-winning cyders, vinegars and apple juice; it is now the UK’s oldest independently-owned cider producer and last remaining English family owned vinegar brewer.

In the UK, Aspall produces and distributes Aspall: Premier Cru Suffolk Cyder, Organic Suffolk Cyder, Draught Suffolk Cyder, Perronelle’s Blush, Aspall Imperial Cyder, Aspall Lady Jennifer’s, Aspall Cuvée Chevallier, Aspall Harrow Sparrow Classic English Cyder and Aspall Festival of Britten Still Suffolk Cyder. Draught, Harrow Sparrow and Perronelle’s Blush are available in both keg and bottled format.

As well as the UK, Aspall Suffolk Cyder is available in Australia, the US, France, Ireland, Russia, Japan, Brazil, Germany, China, New Zealand and Austria.

25 June 2013 - Felicity Murray