Brewery insists unique beverage has a sting in the tale

A NORTH Wiltshire brewery is toasting the success of a year-long project to produce what it believes to be the world’s first black cider.

Flying Monk in Malmesbury say that Skorpion is beginning to go down a treat with many intrigued cider drinkers.

Managing director Kevin Newbould said: “Producing the first ever black cider was an original idea.

“There are a number of dark or different coloured and flavoured ciders, such as blackcurrant and raspberry, but nothing that is black.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a gimmick. It’s something different – something new and exciting.”

Flying Monk took their concept to a producer in Somerset, the home of cider, and between them they came up with Skorpion.

Mr Newbould said: “It’s taken a while to develop. We had to get the colouring effect right without in any way compromising the taste.

“I think we’ve done that. I am very, very pleased with it. We took it to various taste panels before going into production and the feedback was positive.”

He went on: “Cider drinkers are very particular. Some like it sweet, others like it dry. We’ve been told by some that Skorpion is sweet, and by others that it’s dry.”

Mr Newbould said that they were finding that cider buffs were initially trying Skorpion out of curiosity, and then going back for more.

Staunch traditional cider drinkers had “frowned upon it.” However, he said: “Generally it’s received a very good reception.

“If you were to close your eyes and drink it you wouldn’t know the difference between Skorpian and other cider.”

He added: “This is a totally original product. As far as I am aware there’s not another one like it in the world.

“We keep Googling it but nothing comes up. No-one’s copied us yet.”