By Annette Shailer, editor Beer and Brewer
Hot off the back of a huge summer of fruit beers, Murray’s Craft Brewing Co. has launched its first bottled cider.
Murray’s Apple Shack Cider is described as being “light bodied, crisp with a dry riesling-like character and moderately sweet. It tastes like fresh apple juice, with a slight tartness and a 4.8 per cent ABV. The colour is clear with a light green/brown tinge.”
Brewery owner, Murray Howe, said he couldn’t be happier with the cider, which began as an experiment at his Bobs Farm brewery.
“We love beer and brewing beer, we’re now also brewing cider. I’m really proud to be launching Murray’s Apple Shack Cider in the bottle this autumn, which can now be enjoyed by cider lovers right across Australia,” he said.
Murray’s brewers spent the summer incorporating fruit into beers in new and creative ways, with varieties such as watermelon wheat beer, mango Berliner weisse beer, followed by raspberry, passionfruit and even a local Anna Bay tomato version.
“We created our first draught apple cider as part of this holiday series. And it went off.” added Murray.
Head brewer, Graeme Mahy said it’s been a learning curve working out how to craft cider, but believes it is easier to create than beer.
“I love beer and brewing beer, and I’ve never brewed cider until recently. The brewing process for beer and cider is completely different and we’ve learned a lot – including that cider is a lot easier to brew,” Mahy explained.
“Visitors to the brewery from all around the world have been telling us how much they enjoy the fresh taste of Apple Shack. It’s always fun to innovate – both the brewing and the tasting. And it’s very rewarding to make people happy!”
Murray’s Apple Shack Cider is available from Murray’s Bobs Farm Cellar Door, online and from leading retailers and venues nationally.
Beer and Brewer, which is also published by The Intermedia Group, is running a competition to win a case of Murray's Apple Shack Cider. Full details are available on the Beer and Brewer website.