Cider

Taunton Cider Company ‘reborn’ after closing in 2011

By Nicholas Robinson

- Last updated on GMT

Guess who's back: Taunton Cider Company resurrected after five years
Guess who's back: Taunton Cider Company resurrected after five years

Related tags Cider Somerset

A small group of cider enthusiasts have relaunched the Taunton Cider Company (TCC) five years after the brand was killed off following a multimillion-pound acquisition in the mid-1990s.

The new TCC is based in Churchstanton, Somerset, and is just 10 miles away from the original production facility.

Taunton Cider Original is the first cider to come off the press, which has been made using techniques traditional to the more-than-a-century-old brand.

Locally sourced English bitter-sweet cider apples have been specially selected, including classic varieties like Yarlington Mill, Dabinett and Harry Masters Jersey, to make the 4% ABV cider.

Original is a gently carbonated, clear and crisp medium cider with a distinct apple nose and is soft and astringent on the palate.

Two new varieties

Two new varieties will be launched soon, including a Taunton Cider Natural Dry and Taunton Cider Traditional in the next 12 months.

TCC and glass
Raise a glass: Taunton Cider Company's Original cider hot off the press

Miles Gray, one of the founders behind the relaunch, said: “We are proud and excited to resurrect this once-famous name.

“We want to truly cherish this great brand and will make every effort to build it back to its rightful position, respected in the cider community and enjoyed by cider lovers everywhere.

“We would also like to acknowledge the immense support of our local partners from the farmers to cider makers who have provided their advice.”

The Morning Advertiser ​was first told about the relaunch of TCC in summer and was one of the first to try the resurrected Taunton Cider Original. An exclusive interview with Gray will be published online shortly.

Officially founded in 1911

TCC was officially founded in 1911 and, by the 1980s, was the UK’s second largest cider maker after Bulmers.

In 1995, TCC was acquired by drinks wholesalers Matthew Clark for £256m and then moved on to the C&C Group.

It was famous for producing Blackthorn Cider, which is still made by Irish C&C at its Shepton Mallet​ site.

Shepton Mallet, Somerset, was earmarked for closure by C&C at the start of this year, with the production of its ciders set to be moved to Ireland.

However, unions fought and successfully won a battle to keep production in the England.

Taunton Cider can be bought from the TCC directly or through www.tolchards.com​.

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