New dry draught cider answers Blackthorn critics

Gaymer Cider Company is attempting to answer critics of the new taste it has given to Blackthorn by making Natch cider available on draught for the first time.

Dry cider Blackthorn was relaunched in March with a sweeter flavour and its ABV lowered from five per cent to 4.7 per cent. It has proven controversial, especially in the brand's South West heartland. In Bristol, aggrieved drinkers took out their anger by defacing outdoor posters advertising the new liquid.

Natch, an extremely dry cider with a strong following also in the South West, was previously only available in packaged formats, but drinkers will now be able to order it by the pint or half.

It is hoped Natch will step into the space vacated by Blackthorn on the bars of pubs who have complained of being deserted by dry cider drinkers since the changes to the product.

Gaymer Cider Company managing director Peter Spencer said: "Natch has a very loyal following in Bristol, where sales have been growing over a considerable period of time. Presently the brand is only available in cans and PET, so to give licensees the opportunity to benefit from the brand's growth, and sell a consistent, chilled pint of Natch to cider consumers, we are launching Draught Natch.

"Alongside Blackthorn, Natch will give South West consumers real choice on draught."

Mick Gale, licensee of Bristol pub the Coronation Tap, said: "I get a lot of people who used to drink Blackthorn coming in saying 'what have they done with it? It's no good anymore.' Many of the people that used to drink Blackthorn now drink Natch, but also other dryer ciders like Stowford Press."