At the forefront of the emerging craft market, Friels Vintage and Aston Manor (the UK’s largest independent cider maker) have extended their format range with the release of one of its of award-winning craft ciders in mini-kegs.

Friels First Press Vintage Cider 7.4% is now available in a 5L mini-keg complete with the brand’s retro-inspired design.

The decision to expand the range will tap into the rising consumer interest in premium cider by making the brand available in a highly-shareable format in time for the Summer BBQ and party season.

Aston Manor Cider have secured significant distribution for the format with a major listing in national supermarket Morrison’s.

Glen Friel, sales and marketing director at Aston Manor Cider, said: “We recognise that provenance and quality are really important to consumers and in Friels First Press Vintage we have a cider that delivers exactly what they are looking for.

“This small batch cider is made using 100% fresh apples from the first press of Red Falstaff, Katy & Windsor eating apples, which makes it a refreshingly fruity, lighter bodied, medium dry vintage.

“The eye-catching design of the kegs reflects the Friels proposition that appeals so much to consumers – whether existing cider drinkers or new to the category.

“We are focused on our premium offer and will add further developments in the coming year.”

This move into the format was made possible by a new keg line which will be able to fill 200 x 5 litre party kegs per hour. The kegs, produced by Ardagh Group, are filled and capped automatically within a pressurised clean cabinet with HEPA air filtration and UV sterilisation.

Friels First Press Vintage was launched in 2015 in a 500ml glass bottle, followed by 330ml cans in 2016. The cider won a number awards last year including gold medals at the International Cider Challenge and the British Bottler Institute Awards.

Friels is also available as a Hop Infused Vintage Cider (4%) in 330ml cans.