Friels First Press Vintage, the craft cider produced by Aston Manor, has been awarded a gold medal – the highest award – at a prestigious industry competition.

Recognised for its authentic, great taste, Friels First Press Vintage, scooped the prize at the International Cider Challenge 2016, where hundreds of ciders from around the world are tasted blind by an expert panel of judges.

Aston Manor Cider’s new craft offering, Friels First Press Vintage was entered into the competition for the first time this year and went straight to the top of the rankings. The authentic, flavoursome cider is made in small batches with 100% fresh fruit from the first press of dessert apples. The result is a fantastically fruity, light-bodied yet full-flavoured craft cider. 

Benchmarked against other ciders entered into the competition, medals were given to individual products that have been selected for their flavour, aroma and appearance by the judges.

The UK’s largest independent cider maker secured its highest number of medals to date at the highly-prized competition with six ciders from the portfolio being celebrated for quality and taste.

The cider maker’s flagship brand, Kingstone Press, added another two medals to its name after scooping bronze for both Kingstone Press Wild Berry and Kingstone Press Classic Apple.

Glen Friel, sales and marketing director at the Midlands-based business, said: “We are thrilled about the results from the International Cider Challenge – it’s fantastic to see Friels being awarded the top accolade in its debut year.

“The judges have expertly recognised the high quality and authenticity of Friels. It is a premium product, made only with fresh-pressed juice and nothing added – a refreshing, pure and flavoursome cider.

“We’ve won more medals at the International Cider Challenge this year than we’ve ever won previously in a single competition – a brilliant achievement. From our mainstream brands like Crumpton Oaks through to our premium ciders Friels and Knights, our ciders are consistently being awarded for the great taste they deliver for discerning drinkers.”

Gordon Johncox, managing director, added: “This competition is rather special as it celebrates only the best tasting ciders. Our brands are judged against many leading contenders so to have won so many medals, especially gold, shows the high standard and exceptional drinks produced by our dedicated and skilled team. We are very proud of them. 

“Our ethos is to make only the finest ciders so these medals are testament to the hard work and investment that we put into every aspect of our business.”

Aston Manor Cider is investing significantly in its premium ciders in 2016. The Friels First Press Vintage range is being extended later this year with new styles and formats.