Historic Partnership Bears Fruit: Shepherd Neame's First Cider

Shepherd Neame is proud to introduce its first ever cider, celebrating the best of British craftsmanship and produce.

Orchard View is an artful blend of several apple varieties, including some of Kent’s finest produce, and is named in honour of one of Shepherd Neame’s former neighbours.

Shepherd Neame has practiced the art of brewing at its Court Street brewery in Faversham, Kent since 1698, and for much of that time the brewery enjoyed a view over what is marked on 18th century maps as Mrs Gillow’s Orchard. 

Orchard View is the product of a partnership between Britain’s oldest brewer and Aspall, Britain’s oldest family-owned cidermaker. Their skills have combined to produce a lightly sparkling, crisp, mid-golden, apple cider.

Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, said: “When we first thought about making a cider, we 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.”

Tasting notes: Clear mid-golden in colour, lightly sparkling with a fresh bittersweet apple aroma with characteristic smoky cedar wood notes. Harmonious palate suffused with a gentle creamy sweetness, medium to full in body, with a lingering taste of fresh crisp apple. Finishes long and dry. 

Apple varieties used in Orchard View include: Gala, Braeburn, Jonagold, Katy, Cox, Russett, Windsor, Worcester, Bramley and Howgate Wonder.

Orchard View is available on keg and in bottles from June 10.