London Velvet porter and cider drink launched

Under the brand name William Sharvatt’s London Velvet, the 5% ABV drink is being rolled out across the UK now.

It is made by blending a porter, brewed to a traditional recipe in open fermenters, and a Herefordshire cider made with traditional UK cider apples. The company is recommending it is served either straight from the bottle or over ice.

“London Velvet is unique, has been developed from an understanding of two of the great brewing traditions of the UK, namely ale and cider, but more importantly, we wanted to use these fine traditions to create a new taste experience,” said company owner David Green.

The drink is said to have aromas of roasted oats and a subtle, sweet taste with a hint of apples.

As well as a UK rollout, the company is aiming at exports for the brand, and has signed a deal with Sovereign Beverages to look after sales outside the UK and Northern Ireland, Green added.

William Sharvatt is said to have been a London timber yard owner who, in the 1890s, first made the drink by mixing cider brought by his West Country timber suppliers with the local London porter.