Thatchers Gold Cider lands on CBB doorstop (oh, and U.S. bars and stores)

I found that adorable basket below on my porch a few weeks ago. Thatchers Gold, the award winning craft cider from English family-run producer Thatchers Cider, was just sitting there on my doorstep like a little lost baby in a bassinet. I couldn’t be happier if it was Moses himself. I snatched it up (fiendishly, before anyone could see) and went inside to imbibe in this deliciously English alcoholic cider.

Why would Thatchers send me such a mighty gift, from all the way across the pond? Well, apparently I’m not alone — Thatchers Gold is now entering the U.S. market for the first time in its 111-year history (available in both 330- and 500-ml bottles and on draft). I dare say, we like them apples.

In the United Kingdom, Thatchers Gold is the country’s second biggest selling cider brand in the on-premise and has experienced significant volume and value growth over the last two years in the off-premise market. Thatchers Gold is gluten free, and can be enjoyed chilled or over ice.

Thatchers Gold (4.8 percent abv) is widely regarded as one of the best ciders in the world, or at least that’s what the company says. Medium dry, with a smooth and refreshing taste that takes its name from the cider’s bright, golden color, Thatchers Gold is crafted from specially selected cider apples such as the Dabinett, Redstreak and Porters Perfection. Thatchers Cider has its own orchards where it grows many of the bittersweet varieties that are milled and pressed into its ciders at the Thatcher family farm in England.

“With a new generation of American consumers looking for ciders with heritage, quality and character, we are delighted to be introducing Gold into the US to share this crafted English cider with them,” Martin Thatcher says,

Martin, who is currently Chair of the UK’s National Association of Cider Makers, was a key note speaker on February 5th 2015 at CiderCON in Chicago, the major gathering of US cider makers, organized by the United States Association of Cider Makers. He shared the lessons he has learned over the past 25 years as managing director of Thatchers, and how these could be applied to the developing U.S. cider market.

With the Thatcher family firmly at the heart of the company, it is committed to crafting the highest quality and best tasting cider. The family has been making cider in Somerset (the English county synonymous with great cider) since 1904, when William John Thatcher started to make his own to give to farm workers as part of their weekly wages. Family members have remained at the helm since then, with fourth generation Martin Thatcher now managing director.

“The UK has the largest cider market in the world but it has changed dramatically over recent years and will undoubtedly change again over the coming years. I am happy to share my thoughts with those passionately producing and promoting cider in the USA,” said Thatcher.

The family-run cider maker has an exclusive tie-up with Innis & Gunn that sees the Scottish craft brewer assuming all administrative, marketing and promotional support for Thatchers’ flagship brand through its U.S. subsidiary, Innis & Gunn USA Inc.

Thatchers Gold is currently being rolled out across 18 states including New York City, Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Nevada (Las Vegas).