Thatchers 458 – a unique cider production

Thatchers 458 is a new bottled cider created from 458 varieties of apple grown in just one orchard in Somerset – the cider maker’s celebrated Exhibition Orchard.

The Thatchers Exhibition Orchard is a collection of cider apple trees that Thatchers chairman John Thatcher has been gathering for over 20 years.  Many are rare varieties that are being preserved in this orchard for future generations.

This special, limited edition cider, packaged in a premium, high quality gift box, is perfectly balanced with a depth of flavour and a robust, full body that has been blended to appeal to cider connoisseurs. Warm, rich and golden, Thatchers 458 is enhanced with subtle spicy notes, coming from the more aromatic varieties of apples, such as Worcester Pearmain, Laxton’s Superb and Devonshire Quarrenden. Its full flavour comes from traditional varieties such as Somerset Redstreak and Porter’s Perfection, while Howgate Wonder and Grenadier provide a characteristic sharper bite.

Thatchers 458 has an abv of 8.4%, and an RSP of £3.49.

“This cider is one we’ve been hoping to create for many years,” explains MD Martin Thatcher. “Unique is not a word we use lightly – but there’s no other collection of cider apples in one orchard like this anywhere in the world. It’s a cider with a real story to tell.

“458 is a celebration of the work and care that has gone into creating this magnificent orchard that my Father has worked for many years to preserve.

“It’s fitting therefore that in this special packaging, we believe it will make an ideal gift for occasions such as Father’s Day.”

Martin continues, “It is the first time that many of the rarer varieties of apple that are grown in the Exhibition Orchard have been blended into one of our ciders, so we believe 458 will be of great interest to people who really care for their cider.”

The 458 gift box, created by Nevis Design, provides strong shelf stand out, and dedicates space to tell the story behind this premium cider.

The premium cider category is currently outperforming both total cider, and mainstream cider, with premium cider value sales increasing by 12% year on year.

Thatchers Cider is a fourth generation cidermaker based in Sandford, Somerset. Widely regarded as one of England’s most distinctive cider makers, Thatchers has grown from local farmhouse producer, to a family-led company widely respected not only for its expertise in cider-making, but for its ground-breaking orchard management, its commitment to sustainability, and its steadfast belief in all that is great about Somerset cider.

3 March 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor