By James Atkinson
Scott McWilliam, senior winemaker at McWilliam's Wines, has launched a new cider in collaboration with brewer Hamish Ord, of Hunter Beer Company.
Telltale Cider by 4Apples Pty Ltd is a side project for McWilliam that has no connection to McWilliam's Wines.
It is a premium, hand-crafted cider, which McWilliam and Ord say blends the elegance and sophistication of Champagne with the appeal of cider.
"Only 1,000 bottles were produced from the 2011 harvest. Eating grade apples were sourced from a small grower in Bilpin in the Blue Mountains and the cider was then made by Scott using methods similar to delicate white wine production," they said in a statement.
The cider features hand-assembled, hand applied labels, with all bottles also numbered by hand.
"We wanted to try and make one of the most exclusive ciders in the Australian market," Scott McWilliam said.
"With cider rapidly gaining popularity, we saw a niche for a premium product in a 750ml bottle, that could be served and enjoyed like Champagne, but with the beautiful, fresh flavours of apples."
McWilliam said he and Ord had the savvy female consumer in mind when creating the cider.
"We wanted to craft an indulgent drink that was unlike anything else currently in market. Something to appeal to stylish and social women."
McWilliam and Ord say the result is a delicate, lively cider with the aroma of sweet apple skin and apple blossom and a fine effervescence.
Telltale will be available in a number of venues operated by the Keystone pub group from this week onwards, including Gazebo Wine Garden, The Winery and the recently opened Newtown Hotel.