New brand for Hoxton Cidersmiths

Sixpointsix, a 6.6% ABV oak-aged cider, will join Harry Masters Jersey (4.5% ABV medium sweet) and Michelin & Brown’s (4.5% ABV French-style), which were launched in September.

All are made by Somerset cider maker Sheppy.

The company has just boosted its distribution, which was concentrated in Bristol and London, via a national deal with Punch Taverns. There are plans for further launches in the next few months, as well as a move into world cider and to distribute “artisan” ciders from other producers.

“Cider has been a shared passion and hobby for many years,” said Will Austin who founded the business alongside school friend Philip Warren.

“Growing up on the borders of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, we were certainly spoilt for fantastic ciders. Although our careers took us in different directions, the constant has been a shared appreciation of cider, in all its varied forms.”

Craft cider has been the big drinks story of 2015 so far, with Westons launching a new canned brand, Caple Road Cider and Thatchers aiming at a younger generation with two new ciders.