Canadian cider brand Bulwark Cider is to launch its beverages in the UK as it aims to take advantage of consumers’ interest in artisanal products and authentic drinks.
Made from a signature blend of five apples, Bulwark said its range “provides just the right balance of sweetness, acidity and tartness”.
The brand will initially import one of its four cider blends into the UK – its Bulwark Original, which has an ABV of 5.8% and it is said to have a similar taste profile to sparkling wine.
Initially sold in 330ml bottles for the on-trade, the beverage will then be available in 20 litre kegs and then in the spring consumers will be able to buy the drink in retail outlets.
The cider is a simple product made with North American apple varieties using wine-making methods. It is made from fresh apples, pressed on site, combined with yeast. However, Bulwark said “this simplicity of method masks the complexity that comes with any skilled wine, cider or beer production”.
Calum Cameron, category manager for spirits, cider and craft at Greene King, whose outlet The Maple Leaf is the first to list Bulwark, said: “We’re excited to support the launch of Bulwark in the UK and I can’t think of a more fitting venue than The Maple Leaf. Premium ciders represent a growing category which is why an authentic and well-made product such as Bulwark Cider is of interest to us.”
Bulwark Cider owner and co-founder Germain Bergeron said: “Our cider has been selling since 2011 but the tradition of making cider from the apple varietals and other fruits that grow near-by our property has a distinguished history dating back some 400 years.
“We are proud of our products and craftsmanship and given the UK consumers’ interest in cider, artisanal products, and authentic foods and drinks, we believe the time is right to launch a full juice cider fermented with 100% juice content with no sugar added, as opposed to most other ciders sold in the UK that have only a 30% to 50% juice equivalent and even less for Swedish-made ciders.”
Bulwark Cider currently sells in Canada, the US, Hong Kong, China, and will soon be launching in Thailand, Germany and the Netherlands.
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